Text: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
Topic: What are the characteristics of true repentance

Introduction:
• Every honest person knows what it is to struggle with sin.

Repentance is the first step to change.
• God has a way of freeing you from sin and bondage.
• God's only plan is true repentance.

True repentance is necessarily a difficult process.
• Repentance is defined by a change in thinking patterns.
• Illustration: MacDonald quotes A. W. Tozer, who explains how true repentance cannot be defined by a hasty admission of guilt, but must involve a piercing of the heart.
• True repentance compels us to action.
• True repentance involves an unselfish, godly sorrow.
• Where restitution is impossible, repentance is exceptionally difficult.
• The hardened heart can find repentance impossible.

The results of true repentance are visible.
• The Prodigal Son provides us with a model for repentance.
• You'll know you've repented when the fruits of repentance are apparent.