Forgive The Sinner

2 Corinthians 2

How do we respond to correction?

(Background info) 1 Corinthians was written to correct the church. Most repented and turned away from their sin, but others revolted and turned on Paul

Some challenged his authority, who is Paul that I need to listen to him

Some said he was unreliable because he didn’t make his second visit as he previously discussed

Application: When you are confronted with sin, do you get angry, do you attack the messenger or do you repent and get right with God

a) The fool says, who are you to tell me what to do and they reject the correction

What does the Bible say about pride?

Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

b) The wise persons recognizes the correction and receives it with humility

My encouragement to you is be teachable

1. (V4) The Corinthians were grieved by receiving the correction, Paul was grieved in giving the correction

Commentary: I would not come again to you in sorrow: Paul’s most recent visit to Corinth was full of conflict and unpleasantness. So he determined that he would not have another “sorrowful” visit with the Corinthians.

“Because of the scandals that were among them he could not see them comfortably; and therefore he determined not to see them at all till he had reason to believe that those evils were put away.” (Clarke)

Pauls genuine concern led him to correct the ungodly behavior Like God, Paul disciplined because of his love for them

Paul reassuring them of his love

2. (V6) The punishment by the majority is enough

1 Corinthians 5

Pauls rebukes the church for allowing the brother sin

a) 5:1 It has been reported that there is sexual sin among you

b) 5:5 Deliver to Satan for the destruction of the flesh to save the spirit

c) 5:9-13 Don’t keep company with a believer who is caught in sin

The purpose: The purpose of church discipline is for the person to repent and turn back to God

3. (V8) Reaffirm your love for him

The man repented of his sin

Paul commands them to forgive and comfort the man

a) When God forgives us, the stain is no longer there (True forgiveness

b) When someone truly repents of their sin its painful, so Paul says comfort him

Disciplining my children:

-First there is correction, maybe a stern talking too, timeout or a spanking

-Then immediately afterward, there is comfort and reassuring of my love for them

4. (V10) God calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven

We want mercy, yet at times we are unwilling to give it to others

Important to forgive:

(Matt 6:14-15) States to be forgiven, we must forgive

To keep unity in the body of Christ. How can we minister to the world when we are divided against ourselves

Un-forgiveness leads to bitterness in our heart