Tim Conway emphasizes that true godly sorrow over sin leads to a genuine desire to be rid of sin, distinguishing it from worldly sorrow that only regrets consequences without seeking righteousness. This sermon emphasizes the distinction between genuine godly sorrow for sin and worldly sorrow that is insincere. It delves into the concept of mourning over sin and the desire to be rid of it, contrasting those who regret sin only when faced with consequences versus those who truly hunger and thirst for righteousness. The message highlights the importance of having a deep longing for righteousness that consumes the heart and drives one to conform to God's standards.
Full Transcript
He who truly sorrows and mourns for sin, is going to long to be rid of sin. Show me that sorrow that's genuine. Show me somebody shedding a tear today over sin, who runs out and drinks it like water tomorrow.
And I'll show you somebody whose sorrow is sham. It's not real. It's a put-on.
It's no good. I mean, this is where we can see the vast difference between those... Listen, you know this. The Bible speaks about a godly sorrow and a worldly sorrow.
Do you know people can shed tears for sin who are not legit? Who will run right out and go back after their sin tomorrow and show that they have no hunger and thirst. People can mourn. People can have a worldly sorrow.
Listen, what can possibly make somebody regret sin when they really have no desire for righteousness? When it costs them something. You see, the guy is cheating on his wife and he gets caught and she leaves him and divorces him and takes the house. And now he kicks himself.
Well, that happens all the time. People lose reputation. People lose health.
Somebody can regret their heavy drinking their whole life when suddenly they're found to have liver cancer. Suddenly they'll weep tears. But I'll tell you what, you restore their health, they'll be back in the bar.
You see, it's no good. It's sham. It's fake.
You can know the difference right at this point. He who sheds a tear today over his wicked deeds but loves them just the same tomorrow. It's all no good.
He only dislikes what the sins have cost him. It's a sham sorrow. The person who possesses a godly sorrow will long to be rid of that for which he sorrows.
If you're mourning over sin, you want to be rid of it. You see, those very... What we have to recognize is those early beatitudes, they naturally take us here. If a person is going to weep over this thing, he has an earnest desire to get rid of this.
There's some kind of hatred for it. He can't go along without righteousness. It's important to him.
It consumes him. That's what hunger is. His supreme ambition is spiritual.
It's not physical. You know, we've got people all over this world who they want stuff. They want stuff physical.
They want possessions. They want money. They want everything.
Achieve success. They want things. They want a family.
They want a wife. They want a husband. They want approval.
People are longing for these things. This is a person who Christ says has a burden in their heart, in the depths of their being, to conform to that standard that is pleasing to the Lord. Listen, you have to recognize this.
This does not say, this beatitude does not say, blessed are those that hunger and thirst after blessing or after blessedness. Everybody wants blessing. There's a big difference between wanting blessing, wanting a smile upon you, and really wanting righteousness.
There's a huge difference. Listen, this is, ah, this is so important that we grasp this. Those who make that blessing their goal, they don't end up arriving at blessing.
You do recognize this. Hunger and thirst after righteousness, you end up blessed. You see, blessing is not the kind of thing to be sought directly.
It's sought another way. There's a hunger for something else that leads to the blessing.
Sermon Outline
I. The Nature of True Sorrow Over Sin
Distinguishing godly sorrow from worldly sorrow
Worldly sorrow regrets consequences, not sin itself
True sorrow leads to a desire to be rid of sin
II. Characteristics of Godly Sorrow
Longing for righteousness and spiritual hunger
Hatred for sin and its hold on the heart
Supreme ambition is spiritual, not physical
III. The Beatitudes and Spiritual Hunger
Blessed are those who mourn for righteousness
Hunger and thirst after righteousness leads to blessing
Blessing is a result, not the direct goal
IV. Practical Implications of True Mourning
Avoiding sham sorrow that only regrets loss
Pursuing genuine repentance and transformation
Recognizing the difference in motives behind sorrow
Key Quotes
“He who truly sorrows and mourns for sin, is going to long to be rid of sin.” — Tim Conway
“He who sheds a tear today over his wicked deeds but loves them just the same tomorrow, it's all no good.” — Tim Conway
“Hunger and thirst after righteousness, you end up blessed. You see, blessing is not the kind of thing to be sought directly.” — Tim Conway
Application Points
Examine your sorrow over sin to ensure it leads to genuine repentance and desire for righteousness.
Avoid mourning sin only because of its consequences; seek to hate sin itself and pursue holiness.
Cultivate a spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness as the path to true blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow?
Godly sorrow leads to repentance and a desire to turn from sin, while worldly sorrow only regrets the consequences of sin without true change.
Why is it important to mourn over sin itself and not just its consequences?
Mourning over sin itself reflects a heart that desires righteousness and transformation, rather than just fearing loss or punishment.
What does it mean to hunger and thirst after righteousness?
It means having a deep spiritual longing to live according to God's standards and to be free from sin.
Can someone be blessed by seeking blessing directly?
No, according to the sermon, blessing comes as a result of hungering and thirsting after righteousness, not by seeking blessing itself.
How can I know if my sorrow over sin is genuine?
Genuine sorrow leads to a consistent desire to turn away from sin and pursue righteousness, not just temporary regret or tears.
Do You Mourn Over Sin, or the Consequences of Sin
Tim Conway
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4:18
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