2 corinthians “the heart of an apostle” part 12 - 2 corinthians 7:2-16 “godly sorrow vs....

2 Corinthians2 Corinthians““The Heart of an Apostle” The Heart of an Apostle”

Part 12 - 2 Corinthians 7:2-16Part 12 - 2 Corinthians 7:2-16““Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow”Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow”

04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians22

““I’m Sorry”I’m Sorry”


04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians 33

I SAID I WAS I SAID I WAS SORRY…ISN’T SORRY…ISN’T

THAT ENOUGH!THAT ENOUGH!

I SAID I WAS I SAID I WAS SORRY…ISN’T SORRY…ISN’T

THAT ENOUGH!THAT ENOUGH!

Godly Sorrow vs. Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly SorrowWorldly Sorrow

In this morning’s passage, Paul In this morning’s passage, Paul describes for us what true godly describes for us what true godly sorrow looks like, and how we can sorrow looks like, and how we can differentiate it from worldly sorrow.differentiate it from worldly sorrow.

In this morning’s passage, Paul In this morning’s passage, Paul describes for us what true godly describes for us what true godly sorrow looks like, and how we can sorrow looks like, and how we can differentiate it from worldly sorrow.differentiate it from worldly sorrow.


Big IdeaBig Idea

““if the sorrow is truly if the sorrow is truly godly, it will result in godly, it will result in the the change of the change of the sorrowful sorrowful ””

““if the sorrow is truly if the sorrow is truly godly, it will result in godly, it will result in the the change of the change of the sorrowful sorrowful ””


Change in Heart Change in Heart (7:2-4)(7:2-4)

A Look BackA Look Back

““We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.” (2 Cor 6:11–13 ESV)also.” (2 Cor 6:11–13 ESV)


2 Cor 7:2–4 2 Cor 7:2–4

““22Make room for us in your hearts. We have Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. have exploited no one. 33I do not say this to I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. die with you. 44I have great confidence in you; I I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”


Great Joy to Love Great Joy to Love and Be Lovedand Be Loved

““Make room for us in your hearts. We have Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have great confidence in you; I die with you. I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (2 in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (2 Cor 7:2–4 NIV)Cor 7:2–4 NIV) 04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians 1010

There is no greater joy as a pastor then to pour your love into your flock and have them love you in return.

Change in Change in Comfort (7:5-9)Comfort (7:5-9)

Look Back AgainLook Back Again

““When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, my spirit was not at rest because I did the Lord, my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.” (2 Cor 2:12–them and went on to Macedonia.” (2 Cor 2:12–13 ESV)13 ESV)


2 Cor 7:5–7 2 Cor 7:5–7

““55For when we came into Macedonia, this body For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. within. 66But God, who comforts the downcast, But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 77and not and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.”me, so that my joy was greater than ever.”04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians 1313

Two-Headed EnemyTwo-Headed Enemy


The two-headed enemy of ministry is those who oppose us from the outside, and those feelings of fear and incompetence that plague us within.

The God of all The God of all ComfortComfort


Paul pressed on by means of the God of all comfort.

The God of all The God of all ComfortComfort


Paul pressed on by means of the God of all comfort.“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4 ESV)

Comfort Comfort ConductorsConductors

““55For when we came into Macedonia, this body For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. within. 66But God, who comforts the downcast, But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 77and not and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.me, so that my joy was greater than ever.””04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians 1717

God uses us to encourage and comfort others so that we become comfort conductors.

2 Cor 7:8–92 Cor 7:8–9

““88Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 99yet now I am happy, not because you were yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.” us.”


Sorrowful LetterSorrowful Letter

““88Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 99yet now I am happy, not because you were yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.” us.”


Paul apparently sent a “sorrowful” letter to the Corinthians in order to hurt them into repentance.

Allow People to Allow People to Sin?Sin?

““88Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 99yet now I am happy, not because you were yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.us.””


Why do we allow people to continue to sin, in the name of love?

Warn or Repair?Warn or Repair?


“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Gal 6:1 ESV)

Change in Change in Direction (7:10-Direction (7:10-

13a)13a)

2 Cor 7:10–13a 2 Cor 7:10–13a

““1010Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 1111See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 1212So So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. to us you are. 1313By all this we are encouraged.”By all this we are encouraged.”


Godly Sorrow Brings Godly Sorrow Brings RepentanceRepentance

““1010Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. but worldly sorrow brings death. 1111See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 1212So So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. to us you are. 1313By all this we are encouraged.”By all this we are encouraged.”


True godly sorrow will always bring about repentance.

Repentance (metanoia) = “to perceive after”.

Godly sorrow leads us to God; this is where we’ve been designed to go!

HellHell HeavenHeaven

Worldly Sorrow Worldly Sorrow Brings DeathBrings Death

““1010Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. but worldly sorrow brings death. 1111See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 1212So So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. to us you are. 1313By all this we are encouraged.”By all this we are encouraged.”


Worldly sorrow never turns you around; it only seeks comfort and freedom from the guilt and consequence of sin.

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matt 3:7–8 ESV

The Final Analysis The Final Analysis

Godly Sorrow Worldly SorrowGodly sorrow brings

change Worldly sorrow avoids

change Godly sorrow sees sin

as a crime against God Worldly sorrow seeks

to excuse sin and dodge its

consequences Godly sorrow is God-

focused Worldly sorrow is self-

focused 04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians 2626

Fruit of RepentanceFruit of Repentance

““1010Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 1111See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 1212So So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. to us you are. 1313By all this we are encouragedBy all this we are encouraged.”.”


Fruit of RepentanceFruit of Repentance

““1010Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 1111See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 1212So So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. to us you are. 1313By all this we are encouraged.”By all this we are encouraged.”


“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.” (Psa 51:3–4 ESV)

Change in Others Change in Others (7:13b-16)(7:13b-16)

2 Cor 7:13b–16 2 Cor 7:13b–16

““In addition to our own encouragement, we were In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. I because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. I had boasted to him about you, and you have not had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. And his affection for has proved to be true as well. And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. I am glad I can have complete confidence trembling. I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.”in you.”04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians 3030

2 Cor 7:13b–16 2 Cor 7:13b–16

““In addition to our own encouragement, we were In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. I because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. I had boasted to him about you, and you have not had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. And his affection for has proved to be true as well. And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. I am glad I can have complete confidence trembling. I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.”in you.”04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians 3131

True godly sorrow brings about not only a change in you, but also those who know you.

So What?So What?

Godly sorrow must Godly sorrow must produce change. How produce change. How

so? so? 1.1. By the change in our hearts towards the By the change in our hearts towards the

people of God.people of God.2.2. By the change in our ability to comfort others By the change in our ability to comfort others

with the comfort we have received from God.with the comfort we have received from God.3.3. By the change in direction regarding our By the change in direction regarding our

relationship to sin and how it is viewed by relationship to sin and how it is viewed by our Holy God.our Holy God.

4.4. By the change we see in others as a result of By the change we see in others as a result of what God is doing in and through us.what God is doing in and through us.


2 corinthians “the heart of an apostle” part 12 - 2 corinthians 7:2-16 “godly sorrow vs....

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