Lenten Sermon Series:
Godly Grief Leads to Salvation
Repentance is a main theme in the Scriptures. Repentance has two parts: contrition, or "terrors striking the conscience through the knowledge of sin," and faith, "which is born of the Gospel or the Absolution and believes that for Christ's sake, sins are forgiven" (Augsburg Confession XII.3-5).
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Where both parts are present, the repentant sinner suffers what St. Paul calls "godly grief." Where either part is lacking, a mere "worldly grief" is felt. St. Paul points out the result of each: "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death" (2 Corinthians 7:10).
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This sermon series will draw from Scriptural examples of repentance to explain St. Paul's distinction of godly and worldly grief, and show God's grace in the forgiveness spoken by Christ.
March 5: Ash Wednesday
What is Repentance?
By focusing on the fruits of repentance, Jesus emphasizes the inner, faith-bound nature of repentance.
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March 12: Midweek Lent 1
Godly Grief vs. Worldly Grief
Worldly Grief and Godly Grief must be distinguished by the presence/absence of faith.
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March 19: Midweek Lent 2
Pharoah
Pharoah exemplifies the worldly grief of “temporary” turning, or “sensational” turning without true sorrow for sin.
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March 26: Midweek Lent 3
The Ninevites
The Ninevites exemplify the earthly benefit of godly grief: God relented (unlike in the days of Noah).
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April 2: Midweek Lent 4
Saul
Saul exemplifies worldly grief, placing faith in earthly power (his office, wisdom, and status) rather than faith in the promises of God.
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April 9: Midweek Lent 5
David
David exemplifies godly grief, but also shows that temporal punishments are sometimes added, in keeping with God’s grace.
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April 17: Maundy Thursday
Judas
Judas exemplifies the worldly grief that seeks to make amends apart from faith, rather than as the fruit of faith.
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April 18: Good Friday
Peter
Peter exemplifies the godly grief that trusts the forgiveness spoken by Christ.