2 Corinthians 7 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance!
7 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
We have been given so many promises from God, including continued forgiveness for the things we do wrong. Therefore, Paul is calling the Corinthians to separate from the worldly desires they once pursued before they came to Christ. When someone comes to faith is Jesus they are set apart and sanctified (this mean made holy). Our sanctification begins when we are saved but we are called to grow in holiness becoming more like Jesus would be if he were us.
Paul’s Joy Over the Church’s Repentance
2 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.
As mentioned before, part of the purpose of Paul's letter was to re-establish a relationship with them. In was partly to encourage their financial support of his ministry. Paul had strong words to speak to them, but it was always done in love. Ephesians 4:15 Paul did not take advantage of them and even says he would, "Live or die with you".
The Corinthian Christians believed many bad things about Paul – that God wasn’t using him, that he didn’t have the kind of image, authority, or power an apostle should have – but their problem was not an information problem. Their problem was with their hearts. Their hearts had been open to the world but not to Paul. In the “unequally yoked” passage, Paul told them to close their hearts to the world. Now it is time to open their hearts to him. - Guzik
God brought comfort to Paul by hearing about the work God did among the Corinthian Christians. “No circumstances of personal affliction can dim the gladness of seeing souls grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus.” (Morgan)
5 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.
Again, we see Paul's relational side. As good as a teacher, missionary, and leader that he was, he also continually pointed to how important relationships were to him. In this case he points out the comfort and encouragement that his co-worker Titus brought to him. It goes to show that no matter how big or powerful a leader is, they need support, encouragement, and prayer from others who truly care.
"Titus told Paul that the Corinthian Christians had not forsaken him completely. In fact, these things (desire… mourning… zeal) proved God really was doing a work in the Corinthian Christians, and knowing that was a comfort to Paul." - Guzik
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. 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.
Confronting someone you love can be painful. Like a parent who is disciplining their child says, "This hurts me more than you!" The bible tells that God himself disciplines those he loves. Proverbs 3:12
In Hebrews the writer says, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11
Notice too Paul says, "Godly sorrow leads to repentance." Some people are sorry just because they got caught, or are experiencing the consequences of their behavior. But godly sorrow is different. How? Because godly sorrow leads to "repentance", which is turning from what you know is wrong and changing your bad behavior.
It helps if we remember the sequence of events. Things were going badly among the Christians in Corinth, and in an attempt to get them on track, Paul made a quick, unplanned visit that only seemed to make things worse (the “sorrowful visit” mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:1). After the failure of this visit, Paul decided not to visit Corinth again in person at the time but instead sent Titus to them with a strong letter of rebuke. Paul was very worried about how the Corinthians would receive the letter and whether it would turn them to Jesus or just make them angry. When Titus came back with good news from the Corinthian Christians, Paul was greatly relieved.
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.
Paul was super happy that Titus, who he was very close to, had such a good experience and was actually refreshed by the Corinthians. This is how it should be when we visit other churches and get to know Christians from around the world. The bible calls this "koinonia" or "fellowship". It comes through the Holy Spirit in me being connected to the Holy Spirit in you. This is an experience and bond that worldly relationships cannot provide.
This is why it is so sad when divisions, squabbles, and cliques develop in churches. When churches are unified, much fruit can be borne through them. Satan's biggest strategy is to create this kind of divisiveness in our churches. A divided church is an ineffective church.
Do you refresh and encourage others in your church? Are you careful to not do or say anything that might create division or dissension in your church? Often times gossip can run rampant in churches just as it does in the world. This is a common way where what we do or say can be hurtful and sabotage the fellowship the Holy Spirit wants us to enjoy!
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