“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
(2 Timothy 2:25-26)
Many suppose the act of repentance to be easy, a matter of a few words expressing sorrow. Yet Scripture teaches otherwise. Because the heart of man is naturally against God, it will not yield without He grants the power to repent. As Jeremiah 13:23 declares, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.”
True repentance, which is a divine gift, is a thorough turning of the whole man—a turning of the heart from sin and a turning of the life unto God. The understanding must be enlightened, the affections renewed, and the will inclined toward holiness. And this is no small work, as it requires the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Eph. 1:19-20).
Moreover, it is not sufficient to forsake some sins while retaining others. The soul must turn from every known transgression. As Ezekiel 18:30 again declares, “Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” Herod forsook many sins, yet held fast to Herodias, and it proved his destruction. Judas abandoned much outward wickedness, yet clung to covetousness, and it brought him to ruin.
True repentance also includes an obedient turning unto all good. It is not enough to cease from evil; one must pursue righteousness, love holiness, delight in obedience, and follow after the commands of God. As Matthew 3:10 warns, “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
Repentance further involves a deep sense of sin as contrary to God’s nature. God is light, and sin is darkness; God is life, and sin is death. This awareness produces godly sorrow for the consequences of sin and its offense against a holy God and how it exposes the soul to eternal judgment.
It is not within the power of man to produce repentance at will; the soul must seek it from God. As the text declares, God must “give them repentance.” This humbles the sinner and directs him to grace. It also encourages the believer to pray for others, knowing that God alone can free those ensnared by the devil.[1]
Contemplations:
- The gift I cannot produce. Lord, I confess that I have often treated repentance lightly, as though it were within my own power. Yet Your Word shows me that it must be given by You. I cannot change my own heart nor turn myself from sin without Your grace. Grant me true repentance, a deep and lasting turning unto You.
- The depth of my corruption. Father, I see that my sin is not only in my actions, but rooted in my heart. My affections, thoughts, and desires are all touched by corruption. I ask that You would search me and reveal the fullness of my need. And let me not deceive myself with partial repentance, but bring me to a thorough turning from all sin.
- A turning from all sin. Lord, I recognize how easily I excuse certain sins while condemning others. Yet You call me to turn from all transgressions. Give me strength to forsake every sin, no matter how dear, and to pursue holiness in every part of my life.
- Hope for the ensnared. Father, I know that many are taken captive by the devil and that apart from Your grace, I would be among them. I ask that You would grant repentance to those who are ensnared, and use me as an instrument of truth and meekness. Let me never despair of any soul, knowing that You alone can deliver.
Prayer (Supplication)
Most gracious and sovereign Lord, the giver of all good gifts, I come before You humbly acknowledging that repentance is not within my power but must be bestowed by Your mercy. You have declared that men are taken captive by the devil at his will, and I confess that apart from Your grace, I would remain bound in that snare, unable to free myself.
Lord, I plead with You to not leave me to a superficial sorrow, or to a repentance that rests only in outward reform. Break my heart for sin. Let me feel its weight, its guilt, and its offense against Your holiness. Cause me to hate it, not only for its consequences, but for its rebellion against You.
I ask that You turn my heart from sin and incline it toward righteousness. Renew my mind, that I may understand the truth. Purify my affections, that I may love what is good. Strengthen my will, that I may choose obedience. And let every part of my being be brought into subjection to Christ.
Lord Jesus, I look to You as the Prince and Saviour who gives repentance and forgiveness of sins. I cannot free myself from the snare of the devil, but You are able to deliver. Break every chain that binds me, and lead me in the path of life. Let Your Spirit dwell within me, guiding and strengthening me in every good work.
Father, I also pray for those who are ensnared in sin. Grant them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. Use Your Word to awaken them and Your Spirit to renew them. Make me an instrument of humble instruction, that I may speak truth in love and point them to Christ.
And do not let me rest in anything short of a full turning from sin to You. Preserve me in sincerity, and lead me in holiness all my days.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Further Scripture References 2 Tim. 2:25-26:
1 Timothy 2:4; Acts 8:22; Isaiah 42:6; John 13:2
[1] Thomas Brooks, The Complete Works of Thomas Brooks, ed. Alexander Balloch Grosart, vol. 1 (Edinburgh; London; Dublin: James Nichol; James Nisbet and Co.; G. Herbert, 1866), 31–33.
