A Call to Return to the Lord Zecharian 1:1-6 BSF Lesson 17

Lesson 17: Zechariah: A Call to Return to the LordRepentance is a attitude of humility and contriteness of heart to accept the truth that God says about our sinful condition, behavior, and ways. Without repentance, we cannot change.Repentance is an ongoing education about ourselves transforming us toward the likeness of the Messiah our Lord Jesus. The mind and heart of repentance depends on submission to the Holy Spirit's speaking to our spirits. He uses His Word, other faithful saints, even circumstances that is directed by God to show us where we are and who we are. Repentance is spiritual honesty, which is essential to our sanctification, maturation, and joyful life in Christ.Aim: God longs to bless and restore repentant sinnersDoctrine: RepentanceDivision 1 – God’s Call to Return (Zechariah 1:1–3)A. God Speaks into a Stalled People (v.1)– God raises His word at a specific moment– Returned physically, yet drifting spirituallyPrinciple 1: God invites us back before He moves us forward.Division 2 – God’s Warning from the Past (Zechariah 1:4–6)A. A Call Not to Repeat Old Patterns (v.4)– “Do not be like your ancestors”– Knowledge and heritage do not equal obedienceDoctrine (v.4): Repentance includes personal responsibility — I cannot hide behind past generations, leaders or traditions.Principle 2: Ignoring repentance always costs more than returning to God.