Slices
Prepare
Sometimes we struggle to see where we’re culturally compromised. Ask the Spirit to show where you’re conforming to the pattern of this world and need to change (Romans 12:2).
Bible passage
7 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Paul’s joy over the church’s repentance
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.
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.
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.
Explore
Our first verse concludes a section about Gentile believers who’d failed to separate themselves from local cults (6:14 – 7:1). Gentile Christians should choose Christ over their idols (6:15,16). Nothing less than this shows reverence for God (7:1). Are there idols in today’s church to be wary of?
That section had interrupted Paul’s long defence of his apostleship and character. But now Paul ends his defence by asking the Corinthians once more to make room for him in their hearts. Authority should be much more about relationship than about status in Christian leadership. Without their trust Paul could not hope to continue to lead them. When have you seen the consequences of broken trust? What helps rebuild it?
Paul had shared that he’d waited anxiously for news from Titus as to how his challenging letter had gone down (2:12,13). But even after moving on to Macedonia, Paul still had had no rest until Titus arrived (7:5). Yet when it came, Paul was so encouraged by Titus’ report, as it showed the Corinthians’ genuine desire to be in right relationship with him (vs 8–11). While regretting the necessity (vs 8–10), Paul is delighted with the outcome (vs 4,12,13) and reassured about their ongoing relationship (v 16).
Respond
Think of a Christian you have heard good news about recently, praise God for them and pray for their continued growth in God.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Nehemiah 7,8; Luke 8
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray that in a world of increasing IT security challenges, Technical Analyst James Gregg will know God’s protection and wisdom as he manages our IT security and ensures compliance to Cyber Essentials Plus.
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
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