2 Corinthians 7:8:16
Q.1. Why did Paul not regret his stern letter to the Corinthians? What positive response did his correction produce? What are the characteristics of true repentance? – (2 Cor.7:8-11)
Paul had challenged the Corinthians to deal with the sin in their midst. It was a joy (and relief) when he learned that this confrontation concerning their sin had brought repentance (2 Cor.7:8). Now they would not suffer further loss (2 Cor.7:9). The Bible illustrates two kinds of repentance, such as that of King Saul and King David, as well as that of the apostles, Judas, and Peter. Paul explained that there is – … a sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, and the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Cor.7:10). He described how genuine repentance manifests itself – For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! … (2 Cor.7:11). It is marked with these attitudes and actions:i) Fear of God’s discipline for my sinful conduct.ii) Horror that I could have committed such sin.iii) Recognising how my actions offended God.iv) Owning up to the damage done to the testimony of Christ.v) Longing for the Holy Spirit to change me.vi) Making restitution to the offended party for the wrong I have done.This kind of repentance was demonstrated by David and Peter. It was missing from the remorse of Saul and Judas.
Q.2. Why had Paul written his previous letter? How great were the benefits of the restoration? What did Titus learn about church discipline? How can his lesson benefit us today? – (2 Cor.7:12-16)
The response of the Corinthian church had proved their heart’s desire to please God, and consequently Paul was comforted (2 Cor7:12-13). Paul had reported about the success of his ministry amongst the Corinthians to Titus. When the church refreshed Titus, this proved that Paul’s claims about them had not been false (2 Cor.7:14). Titus had been received as Paul’s co-worker – with fear and trembling (2 Cor.7:15). Their treatment of Titus restored Paul’s confidence that all was well between him and the church (2 Cor.7:16). It was also a powerful lesson to Titus, that he should minister like Paul, who could claim that – I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable … (Acts 20:20). Paul had faithfully asked them to apply the principles of the Word of God. When they obeyed, there had been an outstanding outcome for the offender, the offended party, and the whole church … and their testimony to Christ.