2 Corinthians 7:10

2 Corinthians 7:10

Thoughts from Chelsee Sanchez

Dive Deeper

Godfidence- Swipe
Slide

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

2 Corinthians 7:10

Godfidence- Behind the Scenes
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“I’m sorry.” You hear this all the time. “I’m sorry I was late.” “I’m sorry I forgot.” “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings.” “I’m sorry, were you in line?” “I’m sorry I backed the car into the house.” (Oh wait – scratch that – that never happened.) “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

Slide

This phrase is heard over and over and over again and yet, I have to wonder how genuine this “sorrow” is. I mean if we were really sorry, would we do the things we are apologizing for in the first place? Well okay, let’s account for the fact that we are only human, but what if we find ourselves apologizing for the same mistake again and again? How sorry are we? Maybe not sorry enough to change our behavior.

Slide

I think that is what Paul is referring to here as worldly sorrow. You see, there’s a huge difference between sorrow and repentance. You can have sorrow over something without repenting. Sorrow describes a feeling while repentance describes a change. Peter showed genuine sorrow for denying Christ, repented of his sin, and became the Rock the Church was built on. Judas, on the other hand, expressed sorrow and then killed himself – instead of repenting. This is a literal example of sorrow bringing death. You can’t turn towards God without first turning from the things He is against.

Godfidence- Make it Real
Slide

So, what does this all mean to us? First, I think we need to look at Paul’s words here very carefully. Worldly sorrow, sorrow that does not turn us back to God and His ways and design, will lead to death. Not physical death necessarily, but spiritual death – a separation from God Himself. But Godly sorrow, sorrow that causes us to turn our backs on our sin and back toward God, brings us into right living with God, and that is life.

Slide

According to a commentary by David Guzik on 2 Corinthians, when things were going badly among the Christians in Corinth, Paul made an unplanned visit in an attempt to get them back on track. This visit didn’t go well and actually seemed to make things worse. Instead of visiting them a second time, Paul sent Titus with a strong letter of rebuke.

Slide

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, Paul was greatly relieved. “For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter,” 2 Corinthians 7:11.

Slide

So, we, like Paul, need to be willing to confront those who are in sin and need to repent. But boy does this bring up a bag of worms…I’ve been having so many conversations lately on what this looks like and how to do it well. You see, we have to be like Jesus in this – 100% truth AND 100% grace. Phew – that’s tough.

Slide

But here’s how we can do it in a godly manner: we bring truth with no exaggeration or lies. We don’t need to embellish the truth or add on to it, because God will convict their heart. We need to be honest with no hidden agenda of our own. We can’t have ulterior motives for bringing their “sin” to light. We also cannot manipulate. We bring them truth, in love, covered by the same grace Jesus showed us, and then we let the Spirit do the rest.

Slide

You see, godly sorrow can’t be measured by feelings or tears; it can only be measured by what it produces.

Godfidence- End in Prayer
Slide

Father God, help me to see when I have fallen short of your design and help me to turn my back on my worldly ways. Turn me to Your ways and Your truth so that I can live without regret. Let others see only You in my repentance and let all I do glorify You. In Jesus’ precious and mighty name – AMEN!!

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“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 

2 Corinthians 7:10

Behind the Scenes

“I’m sorry.” You hear this all the time. “I’m sorry I was late.” “I’m sorry I forgot.” “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings.” “I’m sorry, were you in line?” “I’m sorry I backed the car into the house.” (Oh wait – scratch that – that never happened.) “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”  

This phrase is heard over and over and over again and yet, I have to wonder how genuine this “sorrow” is. I mean if we were really sorry, would we do the things we are apologizing for in the first place? Well okay, let’s account for the fact that we are only human, but what if we find ourselves apologizing for the same mistake again and again? How sorry are we? Maybe not sorry enough to change our behavior.  

I think that is what Paul is referring to here as worldly sorrow. You see, there’s a huge difference between sorrow and repentance. You can have sorrow over something without repenting. Sorrow describes a feeling while repentance describes a change. Peter showed genuine sorrow for denying Christ, repented of his sin, and became the Rock the Church was built on. Judas, on the other hand, expressed sorrow and then killed himself – instead of repenting. This is a literal example of sorrow bringing death. You can’t turn towards God without first turning from the things He is against.  

Make it Real

So, what does this all mean to us? First, I think we need to look at Paul’s words here very carefully. Worldly sorrow, sorrow that does not turn us back to God and His ways and design, will lead to death. Not physical death necessarily, but spiritual death – a separation from God Himself. But Godly sorrow, sorrow that causes us to turn our backs on our sin and back toward God, brings us into right living with God, and that is life.  

According to a commentary by David Guzik on 2 Corinthians, when things were going badly among the Christians in Corinth, Paul made an unplanned visit in an attempt to get them back on track. This visit didn’t go well and actually seemed to make things worse. Instead of visiting them a second time, Paul sent Titus 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, Paul was greatly relieved. “For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter,” 2 Corinthians 7:11.  

So, we, like Paul, need to be willing to confront those who are in sin and need to repent. But boy does this bring up a bag of worms…I’ve been having so many conversations lately on what this looks like and how to do it well. You see, we have to be like Jesus in this – 100% truth AND 100% grace. Phew – that’s tough.

But here’s how we can do it in a godly manner: we bring truth with no exaggeration or lies. We don’t need to embellish the truth or add on to it, because God will convict their heart. We need to be honest with no hidden agenda of our own. We can’t have ulterior motives for bringing their “sin” to light. We also cannot manipulate. We bring them truth, in love, covered by the same grace Jesus showed us, and then we let the Spirit do the rest.  

You see, godly sorrow can’t be measured by feelings or tears; it can only be measured by what it produces.  

Colleen McGeorge

Colleen McGeorge

ACF Devo Team

End in Prayer

Father God, help me to see when I have fallen short of your design and help me to turn my back on my worldly ways. Turn me to Your ways and Your truth so that I can live without regret. Let others see only You in my repentance and let all I do glorify You. In Jesus’ precious and mighty name – AMEN!! 

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