H.U.N.G.E.R. - R is for...

Repentant - We must pursue true repentance if we want to stay hungry for a deeper relationship with God. 

The most common translation of the word "repent" is "turn" or "return". In this sense we are "to turn from evil, and turn to good." Since sin separates us from God, repentance also “returns us to Him.”

Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Repentance must occur in our personal lives for spiritual growth. A lack of repentance will be a “road block.” for us. Without repentance, our prayer lives will not be as fruitful, we will struggle growing closer to God and we will not be as useful to Him.

C.S. Lewis “We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us”

Sin Management vs. true Repentance

Sin management is simply trying to “sin less” to eliminate sin that we view as unacceptable to God. True repentance is regularly confessing our sins “by name.” It’s important to name them before God. He already knows what they are, of course, but this practice recognizes our dependence upon God’s grace and helps us create a healthy dislike for those sins.

Religion vs. the Gospel

In 'religion' the purpose of repentance is basically to keep God happy so he will continue to bless us and answer our prayers. This means that 'religious repentance' is selfish and self-righteous. On the other hand, the gospel tells us that the purpose of repentance is to fully recognize our need for a Savior and grow in dependence upon Him. In religion we are mainly sorry for the consequences of sin, but in the gospel we are sorry for the sin itself. The more we see our own flaws and sins, the more amazing God's grace appears to us and the more grateful we are for it.

Luke 5:31-32 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Repentance is not admitting defeat. It is part of a healthy walk with the Lord. He knows that we cannot live perfect lives but he does want us to try to live holy lives. Repentance helps us turn away from sin and turn to Him.

H - Humility

U - Uncommon

N - Never be satisfied with our present level of sanctification

G - Growth Oriented

E - Eternal perspective for the Everlasting Adventure

R - Repentent

Stay Hungry,

Big E