John the Baptist commanded the multitudes to bear fruit worthy of repentance (Matthew 3:8 and Luke 3:8). This verse helps reveal the most common reason people fail regarding repentance. They put off without putting on. They stop the sin without starting the accompanying behavior God wants. Manasseh, the evilest king of Judah, surprisingly is a great example of repentance, as well as a tremendous vessel of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

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Lessons for Bear Fruit Worthy of Repentance

Lesson 1: In affliction you can harden or humble yourself.
Lesson 2: Genuine repentance bears fruit.
Lesson 3: Forgiveness doesn’t mean no consequences:
—(Part I) We might not be able to undo what we did.
—(Part II) For others.
—(Part III) Our kids might carry on our sins.
Lesson 4: Manasseh shows God’s mercy knows no bounds.

Family Worship Guide for Bear Fruit Worthy of Repentance

Day 1: Read 2 Chronicles 16:7-12 and discuss: How did Asa respond to God in the midst of his affliction? Can you discuss a time you were afflicted and you humbled yourself? What about a time you hardened yourself? What can you do to ensure you humble, versus harden, yourself when suffering?

Day 2: Read Matthew 3:8, Luke 3:8; Ephesians 4:22-32; Colossians 3:8-12 and discuss: How do we know if repentance is genuine? Why do many people fail when it comes to repentance/producing lasting change? What is a temptation you struggle with? To develop victory in this area, what do you need to “put on,” or in other words, what fruit needs to be produced in its place?

Day 3: Read 2 Chronicles 33:1-21 and discuss: What is forgiveness? What does forgiveness not mean? What consequences were in Manasseh and the Jews’ lives as a result of Manasseh’s sins? Can you think of other people in Scripture who repented, were forgiven, but still suffered consequences? Despite Manasseh’s wickedness, why is the end of his life so encouraging? What does Manasseh teach us about God’s forgiveness and mercy, or another way to say it is: what do we learn about Christ’s sacrifice?