Joy in Repentance

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 2 Corinthians 7:1-16

 

2 Corinthians 7:9-11

 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. ¹⁰ For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. ¹¹ For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

(NKJV)

 

When we think of repentance, we often picture some public figure having to publicly admit to some wrongdoing leading to public ridicule, shame, loss of position and respect. There may also be financial repercussions for their actions. This is an example of worldly sorrow leading to death, in this case, death of position, esteem, and respect. However, the repentance of the Corinthians was not worldly repentance but Godly repentance leading to salvation and eternal life without regret (2 Corinthians 7:10). There is joy in Godly repentance.

 

Paul begins this text by expressing the desire of his heart, that the Corinthians would cleanse themselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1). He then urges them to open their hearts to himself and those ministering with him, reminding them that they have not wronged, corrupted, or cheated anyone (2 Corinthians 7:2). It is not their desire to condemn the Corinthians, but to minister with them in life or death (2 Corinthians 7:3). Paul is bold in his speech to the Corinthians, boasting on their behalf, and filled with comfort and exceedingly joyful in all tribulation with them (2 Corinthians 7:4).

 

After leaving Corinth for Macedonia, Paul was weary and troubled all around confessing to some fear in his heart but found comfort and consolation from Titus at his message after he visited Corinth (2 Corinthians 7:5-7). Paul regretted that his first letter caused sorrow but perceived their sorrow would only last for a while (2 Corinthians 7:8). After word came to Paul from Titus, he realized the sorrow of the Corinthians was not a worldly sorrow, but Godly sorrow leading to repentance and great joy (2 Corinthians 7:9-11). Paul’s purpose in writing to the Corinthians was not to condemn the wrongdoer or comfort those wronged, but to demonstrate his concern and care for them in the sight of God (2 Corinthians 7:12).

 

Paul and those ministering with him have been comforted and rejoiced exceedingly because the spirit of Titus was refreshed by his visit with the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 7:13). Paul has no shame because his boasting to Titus of the Corinthians was found truthful (2 Corinthians 7:14). Titus has greater affection for the Corinthians after his visit causing Paul to rejoice that he had confidence in the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 7:15-16).

 

Paul was unable to visit the troubled Church in Corinth and out of his heartfelt concern for them, sent Titus to check on their welfare. Paul feared his letter would be viewed as him condemning them and not his concern for them (2 Corinthians 7:3). Titus has returned from Corinth with a good report of the Godly repentance of the Corinthians, bringing joy to both Paul and Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6-7). Paul’s letter to the Corinthians brought sorrow as he feared but received comfort when he heard it caused Godly sorrow leading to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Paul now has confidence in the Corinthians in everything (2 Corinthians 7:16).

 

Repentance is the gateway to salvation which brings joy and reconciliation with God. Unfortunately, the pridefulness of the world can keep one from the humility of repentance, contributing to their failure to receive salvation, and not experiencing God’s grace (Proverbs 16:18). All humanity has sinned and lives under the death penalty for that sin but have the gift of eternal life if they choose to accept it (John 3:16; Romans 3:23, 6:23). Paul’s joy over the status of the Church in Corinth was based on their having Godly sorrow leading to humbly repenting of their sins, receiving salvation and reconciliation with God. A world falling deeper into sin and depravity needs the Church to speak out against their sin, not to condemn, but to produce Godly sorrow leading to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Unfortunately, far too many Churches have become lukewarm and need heating up by the fire of the Holy Spirit through,

 

1. Repenting of lukewarmness and failure to focus on the mission of the Church (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).
2. Praying for empowerment by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; Acts 2).
3. Standing up to and not running from opposition (Acts 4:13-31, 5:40-42).

 

If you are reading this and want to receive the gift of eternal life from God through repentance and salvation, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post, and may everyone experience the joy of Godly repentance.