Jeremiah 11:10-11

They have gone back to the sins of their ancestors, who refused to do what I said; they have worshiped other gods. Both Israel and Judah have broken the covenant that I made with their ancestors. So now I, the LORD, warn them that I am going to bring destruction on them, and they will not escape. And when they cry out to me for help, I will not listen to them. (Jeremiah 11:10-11)

Three points:

1. We often sin, but do not repent.

Repent is not only feeling sorry about our sin--disobedience to God's word--but it is also not doing it anymore. We can't be perfect, but with prayer and God's help, we can stop. At least our attitude must be: "I want to stop sinning."

2. God warns us.

We come under conviction that we have done wrong.

3. Sometimes there is no alternative but punishment.

We can be so hard, stubborn, and refuse to repent that there is no alternative but for God to punish us in some way. In the midst of punishment we often pray that God would stop, but it is too late. Let us bare patiently our chastening.

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
(Hebrews 12:11)
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. (Psalms 119:67)