Connection Church Vidalia | Be The Church week 8

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Be The Church week 8

2 Corinthians ch 7

Major Points: Few Things that we see in 2 Corinthians Chapter 7

1.. The Heart of Paul Vs 2-7

Remember… this is a real letter written by a real person (Paul) to real people (Church of Corinth). In these verses, we see clearly Paul’s Heart for people!

Vs 2-3 His heart for the Corinthians

His heart broke over their sin and rejoiced over their repentance

Vs 6-7 His heart for Titus

Paul Discipled Titus and sent him out! Empowered him to go check on the Corinthians! Titus crushed it. Titus brought Paul great Joy as a spiritual brother and Disciple!

Vs 5-6 Paul’s personal transparency

Here we see an absolute stud in the faith (Paul) being transparent about his need for encouragement. The truth is no one is beyond encouragement. We will all face trials and difficulties and we all need encouragement from others around us! Nothing is more important than being transparent to others and allowing them to help!

Question: As a believer, do you have Paul’s heart for others? (Jesus’ heart)

Does it bother you to see others straying & not following Jesus?
Have you experienced the joy of multiplication? (Watching your spiritual children make disciples)
Is your life characterized by transparency? (Are there people in your life that encourage you?)

2.. The Nature of Repentance vs 8-13

In this passage, Paul teaches the difference between worldly sorrow and Godly sorrow. Godly sorrow always leads to repentance which leads to life change!

The pattern if repentance looks something like this.

Awareness —-> Brokenness —-> Confession & Repentance —-> Life change

Questions

If you had to explain the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow how would you explain it?
Have you come to a place where you are broken over sin in your life?
What does growing in repentance reveal about our walk with Jesus?
Is there anything specific that you need to repent from right now in your life personally?

3.. The refreshment of community vs 6&7 vs 13-16

The Corinthians were encouraged by Titus. Titus was encouraged by the Corinthians. Paul was encouraged by the Corinthians through Titus! This passage teaches us that one of God’s greatest means of encouragement, refreshing, and joy in your life is Christ-centered relationships.

Community is hands down one of God’s greatest gifts God has given us.

Questions

How have Christ-centered relationships brought refreshment, encouragement, and joy to your life personally?
How does this challenge you to see that community is more than just about you? How can you be an encouragement to the brothers and sisters God has placed around you?

Sermon Transcript

For Further Study

Be The Church W8 - 2 Cor 7

Incredible Chapter… Finally some good news from Corinth!

⁃ The update Paul had been waiting for!

⁃ Just a heads up… Most commentators believe… Paul went on a tangent from Chapter 2-7

⁃ Nature of the Gospel. Nature of Gospel Ministry

⁃ Now he picks back up with his thought about not being able to find Titus in Troas and Macedonia from chapter 2:12-13

2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4 I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. 5 For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

⁃ Finally…. some Good news from Corinth

⁃ Paul is comforted when he finds Titus in Macedonia

⁃ Remember the context here… Paul had sent Titus to check on the Corinthians… to see how they responded to painful letter

⁃ And Titus brings incredible news about the Corinthians

⁃ They were repentant They were longing for a right r-ship with God and Paul

⁃ They welcomed Timothy and he had a great experience with them.

⁃ Paul’s love for the corinthians shines bright here.

⁃ He makes some incredible statements:

⁃ “you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.”

⁃ “I take great pride in you” “I am greatly encouraged” “my joy knows no bounds”

⁃ It amazes me… how quickly Paul goes from frustrated to Encouraged

8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12 So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13 By all this we are encouraged.

⁃ This is one of the best teachings in the Bible on Repentance What it is? What it’s not?

⁃ Big difference b/w Godly Sorrow and Worldly Sorrow

⁃ Godly Sorrow leads to repentance and life Worldly Sorrow leads to death

⁃ Godly Sorrow produces life change & fruit.

⁃ Earnestness for God & the things of God. Renewed Zeal for God.

⁃ Eagerness make things right with those you’ve sinned against

⁃ Renewed Indignation towards sin - Righteous Anger towards sin

⁃ Alarm or Renewed Fear - on the backside of repentance there is a renewed fear and awe of God

⁃ Renewed Longing & Concern - for the ppl of God & things of God

⁃ And a Readiness to obey

⁃ Where as Worldly Sorrow… doesn’t produce fruit or transformation…. It leads to death

⁃ It’s more of a worldly sorrow…. No turning to God in it

⁃ I’m sorry bc I got caught

⁃ I’m sorry bc I don’t want to face consequences for my actions.

⁃ There’s no desire to change… There’s not true repentance.

⁃ Paul wants us to understand that there’s a big difference between those 2 things.

⁃ And that in Corinth… Godly Sorry / True Repentance is evident Praise God!

⁃ And bc of this…. He’s encouraged and confident that God is at work!

13b In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14 I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15 And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 16 I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.

⁃ Paul’s not only excited about the Corinthians repentance…
He’s fired up about Titus being refreshed!

⁃ You can almost imagine being in the room when they meet up in Macedonia…

⁃ Paul was distraught about not finding Titus in Troas

⁃ Keep in mind: When Paul sent Titus…. Things were not good…
He sent my boy Titus into the trenches to take on grenades….
Honestly not knowing what was going to happen… (crucifixion)

⁃ And then Titus shows up in Macedonia… and He’s fired after seeing the Corinthians repentance

⁃ So Now Paul’s fired up bc Titus is fired up and the Corinthians are fired up.

⁃ This is how we should respond when our brothers and sisters grow in their faith! (Take Next Steps) Baptism Repentance Join CG H&S Evangelize Salvation

⁃ Absolute Party / Celebration! Heavens rejoicing…. Why shouldn’t we?

⁃ When we are cheering louder at football games… than church… SOMETHING’S WRONG!

Today… I want to focus in on 3 things…

The Heart of Paul
The Nature of Repentance
The Refreshment of Community

1. The Heart of Paul (listen to his language here)

Paul’s heart for people really comes out in this passage.

a. See it in His Desire for the Corinthians

⁃ V2 -“Open your heart to me” He wants a r-ship with them.

⁃ V3 - “I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.”

⁃ Paul has a Deep desire to see them walk with God. And He was Willing to do whatever it took

⁃ He is bursting with Joy here over their repentance

b. See it in His desire for Titus here

⁃ This is his Brother; co-laboror; friend He was distraught bc Titus didn’t show in Troas!

⁃ Now he finds him in Macedonia… He says… God comforted me… how… thru Titus

⁃ Not only that…. He was fired up about Titus and his ministry to the Corinthians…

⁃ Paul had empowered Titus and honestly sent Him into an absolute hurricane…

⁃ And Titus crushed it. This brought Paul great joy!

⁃ Nothing brought Paul more joy than to see God use His spiritual children. (ex: buck; thig)

⁃ This to me is what made such a great leader! Connect - Equip - Send

⁃ 3 Jn 4 - ⁴I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

c. See it in His personal transparency (Mosh-pod of Emotions)

⁃ Paul goes from feeling accused, to sorrowful, to joyful and encouraged and everything in between.

⁃ He says… 5 For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us

⁃ Here we see an absolute stud of the faith… at a transparent and vulnerable place….. in need of encouragement and comfort.

⁃ This is a beautiful picture of an incredible reality… No one is beyond encouragement!

⁃ We all need encouragement. We all need relationships.

⁃ We will all face conflict & fear…. When we do… Be transparent…. Allow others to help…

⁃ God’s comfort & encouragement many times will comes thru others! This is community!

Question: As a believer, do you have Paul’s heart for others? (Jesus’ heart)

⁃ Does it bother you to see others straying & not following Jesus?

⁃ Have you experienced the joy of multiplication? (Watching your spiritual children make disciples)

⁃ Is your life characterized by transparency? (Are there people in your life that encourage you?)

2. The Nature Of Repentance (v8-13)

⁃ One of the greatest passages in the Bible on repentance

⁃ Here Paul teaches us the difference between…Worldly Sorrow vs Godly Sorrow

⁃ Worldly sorrow just feels bad about sin… feeling sorry… no God in it…. Just a feeling.

⁃ Godly sorrow produces a desire to turn to the Lord.

⁃ Repentance is a change of direction. Turning from sin and to God.

⁃ And this is very Important for us to understand.

⁃ Bc Repentance gets a bad wrap. (Megaphone) And there are a lot of misconceptions about it!

⁃ But in Scripture, it is a great thing. It’s a daily thing for all believers.

Martin Luther - “our whole life is the practice of repentance.”

⁃ It’s the pathway to our salvation…. Joy…. abundant life….. and godliness.

⁃ Acts 3 - It leads to our refreshing.

⁃ Psalm 51 - It restores the joy of our salvation.

⁃ It’s how we return to Gods original design for our lives.

⁃ It is evidence of spiritual growth in our lives.

⁃ It keeps us humble and close to Jesus.

⁃ It is the great healer…. in marriages. (& broken r-ships) *Most marriages don’t need counseling

⁃ Honestly…. There is not a more important part of the Christian life.

⁃ So lets’ talk a little more about it what does repentance look like

Pattern of Repentance (4 steps) Again… if this is happening… you are growing!

a. Awareness of Sin

b. Brokenness Over Sin (before God)

c. Confession & Repentance (Decision)

d. Life Change (Fruit of Repentance = Transformation)

a. Awareness of Sin

⁃ As a Christian, the closer we get to Jesus, the more aware we will be of our sin.

⁃ Isaiah 6 - Woe is me Peter in the boat John in Revelation

⁃ Listen…. I thought I was jacked up when I got saved. (I didn’t realize how deep sin runs in my heart)

⁃ Now that I study Gods Word everyday….. and I’m growing in my knowledge of Jesus more…

⁃ I see more and more clearly how much of a hold that sin has on my flesh. (feel like Paul in Rm 7)

⁃ Rom 7 - “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

⁃ Here’s what I’ve figured out…. Apart from Christ, I am not a good person.

⁃ I’m selfish. I’m prideful. I’m lazy. I hate authority. All I think about is myself.

⁃ I don’t love others like Jesus.

⁃ I over value the things of this world.

⁃ I’m quick to fall into idolatry and believe the lies of the enemy.

⁃ And That’s who I am. Apart from Christ.

⁃ That’s what I wake up every day and deal with. (In my flesh)

⁃ “Billy, you’re being hard on yourself” No… I just have figured out my battle!

⁃ Here’s the reality…..You cannot win a battle… If you don’t know what you’re up against!

⁃ I ask God everyday to make me aware of my sin!

⁃ And Here’s the Good News… He answers that prayer!

⁃ And the Lord has put His Spirit in me…. To help me

⁃ And He’s placed community and accountability around me…. To help me

⁃ And He’s given me His Word…… to rebuke me and correct me and teach me and train me.

⁃ And Praise God…. He never gives up on me!

b. Brokenness over sin (not just awareness) KEYWORD: “GODLY” sorrow

⁃ Write this down:

One of the most important things about us (as a Christian) is how we respond to the sin in our lives

⁃ As a Christian… the question is never… is their sin in my life?

1 John 1:8-10 makes that clear

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”

⁃ The question is: How am I responding to the sin in my life? 4 responses to exposed sin:

⁃ 1. Deny it - “I didn’t do it.”

⁃ 2. Justify it - “it’s not that bad.”

⁃ 3. Blame shift it - “not my fault”

⁃ 4. Brokenness and repentance

⁃ You see… True repentance always flows from a place of brokenness.

⁃ Brokenness before God over our sin. As a Christian… sin is personal.

⁃ It hurts us that our sin breaks the heart of God.

⁃ It hurts us that the sin I just committed was the very sin that crucified Jesus.

⁃ It breaks us when we realized we’ve trampled on the grace of God.

⁃ Listen to David in Psalm 51 (after being confronted by Nathan about his adultery with Bathsheba)

“1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”

⁃ You see…. David wasn’t just crying bc he got caught.

⁃ David wasn’t just upset bc he was facing consequences for his actions.

⁃ David wasn’t just distraught bc his sin caused great harm to his family and friends.

⁃ David was a broken man. “a man after God’s own heart”

⁃ He was broken, first and foremost, bc he had sinned against God. (Bathsheba & Uriah)

⁃ This is important for us to understand…. Bc we like to just move past sin… but brokenness is key

⁃ Just bc we are sorry doesn’t mean we’ve repented.

⁃ Just bc we’re crying doesn’t mean we’ve truly repented

⁃ Great Question: Have you gotten to a place where you are broken before God over your sin?

⁃ That’s where true repentance begins. TURNING FROM OUR SIN TO GOD

⁃ Notice what Paul says in V9 – “God intended you to be broken.”

⁃ However God chooses to reveal our sin… he intends for us to be broken over it.

⁃ Not just aware…. Not just broken… Repentance also involves

c. Confession & Repentance (another word that get’s a bad wrap)

⁃ it can be awkward. JOKE: On the count of 3, I want you to yell out your past 2 sins…. JK

⁃ Truth: Sin flourishes in the dark. So we must fight it to the light.

⁃ That’s what confession is all about… bringing our sin into the light!

⁃ But…. It’s not just about making God aware of something he already knows.

⁃ True confession leads to repentance… It’s an action step towards repentance

⁃ Confession involves talking to God! And talking to others! Both are important!

⁃ Confessing to God

⁃ 1 Jn - if we confess our sin… he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin.

⁃ “Lord, this is exactly what I’ve done. I’m sorry. Change me.”

⁃ Allow God’s Word to meet you where you are.

⁃ Confessing to a Brother/Sister in Christ

⁃ James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

⁃ You don’t have to confess to everybody. Just find 1 true brother/sister

⁃ Confess to them. Ask them for help and accountability.

⁃ Listen to me: Until you tell someone else, you aren’t serious about repentance.

⁃ We cannot fight sin in the dark!

⁃ Side note: Give you some tips when someone confesses sin to you!

⁃ Don’t be Passive - “it’s okay… everyone struggles with that.” Don’t Justify… Help

⁃ Don’t be Aggressive – “you piece of crap” (Quit being arroagant)

⁃ Be Christ to them. “meet them where they are… help them get to where God wants them to be”

⁃ Listen to me: If they are coming to you, 99% of the time they want help. (weird attention thing)

⁃ Help them… fight with them….

⁃ Dig into Gods word with them.

⁃ Pray with them.

⁃ Ask them tough questions.

⁃ Help them memorize scripture.

⁃ This is life and death. This is Freedom or slavery. This is Flourishing or destruction.

⁃ Galatians 6:1-2 – Restoration is the goal!

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

d. Life Change The Fruit of True Repentance = Life Change Transformation

⁃ God literally transforms our lives through Repentance

⁃ Think about it… It’s the process Jesus uses to help us take our eyes off of sin and put them on Him.

⁃ The secret to a good no is a better yes! Bucky Kennedy

⁃ Thru Repentance…. God Renews our joy. He Refreshes us with the gospel.

⁃ He fills us anew with His Spirit He Changes us! Our heart, our mind, and our actions.

⁃ Did you hear what Paul said about the Corinthinas…

11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you (then lists 6 fruits of their repentance)

Renewed Earnestness
Renewed Eagerness.
Renewed Indignation (hatred towards sin)
Renewed Alarm (Fear of God)
Renewed Longing & Concern
Renewed Readiness to Obey

⁃ Remember…. This is the same Corinthians that we’re driving Paul nuts.

⁃ Now they are changed. Different. Zealous for God.

⁃ How? True Repentance. What if we saw repentance this way?

⁃ Whenever true repentance happens, it is absolutely amazing to watch!

⁃ Examples: Most famous Example: Judas / Peter

⁃ Both denied Christ.

⁃ One responded in repentance and God used him greatly. (Rock)

⁃ Other never repented and Satan used him to kill Jesus.

⁃ Here’s the crazy thing:

⁃ Judas was aware of his sin… even sorrowful… but never repented and ended up hanging himself.

⁃ Matt 27:3-5 - 3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility. 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

⁃ Judas’ sorrow did not lead to repentance. (bc he never turned to God)

⁃ Peter on the other hand… did He was restored! His repentance produced Life!

⁃ Question: Is your heart more reflective of Judas or Peter?

⁃ How are you responding to the sin in your life?

⁃ Good News…. if you’re still breathing… there’s still opportunity.

3. The Refreshment of Community

6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

⁃ Did you notice the language Paul used here… refreshed. Encouraged. Comforted.

⁃ He said… I was refreshed by Titus He said… Titus was refreshed by Corinthians

⁃ He said…. The Corinthians were refreshed by Titus.

⁃ There is a big truth in this passage…. That I don’t want you to miss!

⁃ One of God’s greatest means of encouragement, refreshing, and joy in your life is Christ-Centered relationships.

⁃ DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS!!! This is huge!

⁃ Community is hands down… one of the greatest gifts God has given us.

⁃ Paul was downcast.

But God… comforted Him thru the coming of Titus.

⁃ Titus was probably scared to death going to Corinth.

But God… comforted Titus thru the repentance of the Corinthians.

⁃ The Corinthians were straying from God in sin…

⁃ But God… sent community in Titus to help bring them back to God.

⁃ No matter where you find youself today…. Downcast Fearful Straying

⁃ God’s answer: Community!

⁃ Question: Are you walking in community? Are you in a CG?

What could God be trying to do in your life thru community?

⁃ Don’t try to follow Jesus in isolation!

A step towards God is a step towards community!

⁃ I always say it this way… A step away from community is a step away from God.

The drift of sin in you loves isolation