Godly grief produces repentance

2 Corinthians 7:2-16.

Some of you may have seen the FB post I put up on Tuesday, sharing one of the many Scriptures that speak on speaking the truth.

Often, as you probably know by now, I am burdened by false teachers and the words they speak.

Not so much that the get it wrong or even that they are False teachers

It is clear throughout Scripture that they will always be there, so I am not surprised by that.

No, I’m burdened by what it does to those who are falsely taught by these teachers.

When you don’t know better, and have not studied Scripture, then things like Prosperity gospel preachers can really harm you.

Why?

Because, when bad things happen and you tell it to go away and it doesn’t, then you are left feeling that it is somehow your fault

you didn’t have enough faith

you didn’t give enough money

Then when this happens multiple times, you stop believing, not in the prosperity portion, but in God all together, because what you were taught didn’t work so it must all be a lie.

Even Jesus asked God to not have to go through the crucifixion when he said “pass this cup from me”, yet that request was not granted.

Why?

Because this is what had to happen.

There are things that God will remove from us when we pray and ask in His name.

but there are things we have to go through for reasons we do not yet know and for reasons we may never know here in this life.

let’s start with vs 2

The New International Version Chapter 7

Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4 I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.

Paul reiterates that no matter what the false apostles had said about him and his companions, they had not wronged anyone or taken advantage of anyone.

He asks them again to open their hearts

Paul is expressing in verses 3 and 4 a great example of God’s love

some of the accusations by the false teachers that the Corinthians were following, are what caused many afflictions Paul had to deal with.

in spite of that, He still loves the people and cares for them enough to live or die with them.

He faced a lot of troubles but still has joy.

vs. 5

The New International Version Chapter 7

For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

Paul recounts what he had talked about in chapter 2

When Paul entered Macedonia he was in turmoil and unrest because he had not heard from Titus about the previous letter to the Corinthians

But God provided great comfort by the arrival of Titus.

God often provides comfort through fellow believers

This part of our calling as believers as well

to come alongside of someone experiencing grief, or despair, and offer a sympathetic, or empathetic ear and speak words of truth and encouragement.

Their sorrow brought upon repentance

Paul distinguishes and shares that worldly sorrow or grief leads to death.

vs. 12

The New International Version Chapter 7

12 So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13 By all this we are encouraged.

In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14 I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15 And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 16 I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.