Preaching repentance.
I. THE OCCASION. It was in the gate of the temple, where the crowd of worshippers would pass, and at the time of their going up to worship.
1. In a public place,
2. At the entrance to the place of worship, because
II. THE ACCUSATION. The Jews are not accused of Church sins, neglecting religious ordinances, etc. Their sins were against common morality.
1. Though men may be very observant of religious ordinances they may yet be guilty of the grossest wickedness (verse 6).
2. God is most concerned with our conduct in daily life. Here is the true life, the life which occupies the larger part of our time, engages most of our energies, gives freest scope for good or evil.
III. THE EXHORTATION. Practical amendment is sought.
1. There must be an amending. Repentance is not merely sorrow for the past; it is a change of desire and effort for the future.
2. This must be practical. The Jews are to amend their ways. True repentance is more a matter of conduct than of emotion, it must bring forth fruits (Matthew 3:8).
3. This must be definite. Particular sins are specified as to be abandoned (verse 6). Men must repent of their own sins, their characteristic sins, their habitual sins. We are too ready to renounce the sins which do not belong to us, and to pass over our most familiar sins unnoticed.
4. This must be thorough. The Jews are to "thoroughly amend" their ways. A half-hearted repentance is a mockery. As well not flee from the City of Destruction at all as linger regretfully about its vicinity like Lot's wife, only to suffer a similar fate to hers.
IV. THE ADMONITION. The Jews are warned of the danger of a false ground of confidence (verse 4), and threatened with approaching judgment.
1. If we believe that men are in danger, that is a false charity which hides the danger out of consideration for feelings of mere temporary comfort.
2. There is an advantage in using the minatory language of Scripture, though
V. THE PROMISE. (Verse 7.) Repentance is to be followed by forgiveness and the restoration of favor. God charges us with our sins, and threatens judgments, all in love that he may thus lead us to safety and blessedness. The most wicked men may find forgiveness and ultimate salvation if they will but repent and turn to God (verse 6).