Thursday, July 1
Read II Corinthians 7
Think About It:
- Godly sorrow brings repentance and a desire to change. What does worldly sorrow bring?
- Vere 13 says that the Corinthians refreshed Titus’ spirit. How did they do this? How can we bring refreshing to each other?
Family Time:
- In this chapter, Paul encourages the church at Corinth, “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” Notice that purifying oneself includes turning away from sin and turning to God. To purify is more than just clean up… it is to return to a perfect, previous condition, as God originally intended.
- Also, as you read Paul’s letters to the various churches, his humble nature and the true intent of his heart is always evident. His desire is always for Jesus and God, never himself. In an earlier chapter, he says to imitate him. To imitate the true focus that drives Paul’s every action… Jesus. Paul is constantly pointing to Jesus and Paul’s effort is in strengthening the body of believers for God. “Purify yourselves from that which contaminates…” What contaminates you, from what do you need to purify yourself? What can you do to strengthen the body of believers for God? Choose something you can do today…write it down or tell someone else, then go do it!
- “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” Godly sorrow is when you feel very sad about the sin in your life. That sin-sadness will make you want to come clean before God once again, so you repent, which means to turn completely away from that sin, ask forgiveness and be clean once again! It’s very comforting to find such wise words in Paul’s letters. The churches back then had many of the same kinds of issues we have now because sin is always around us. Paul’s words to them are just as applicable today for us. Are you quick to repent when you know you have hurt God’s heart?
