Tag: 2 Corinthians 7:8-11
Life without regrets!
Scripture reading for August 6: 2 Corinthians 7
“For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it–though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regrets. whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.” 2 Corinthians 7:8-11
As believers, we have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. One of the benefits of the Spirit is the conviction of sin. As the Word of God is preached or read, the Holy Spirit takes that Word and brings conviction of sin which produces godly sorrow in the human soul. For unbelievers, this godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation and new birth. It has been said that truth is often negative in our first hearing. It produces sorrow and sometimes anger towards the one speaking. Believers also experience conviction through the Word of God and by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is grieved by sin and we feel that grief in the sorrow of feeling separated from God.
Paul admitted that he knew that his letter admonishing the believers to repent and forgive would cause some to grieve. He briefly grieved and regretted having to call them out. But now Paul was rejoicing because their godly grief had brought repentance and salvation and restored relationship with the Holy Spirit and God the Father. But some were just sorrowful that they were called out and did not repent. This group was headed towards death–eternal separation from God! True godly repentance brings earnestness to be cleared, holy fear of God and zeal for God’s will and leads to no regrets.
Have you ever experienced a godly sorrow over sin in your life that brought you to a change of heart and direction? Have you ever experienced worldly sorrow that brought no change? What are some of the possible regrets with simple worldly sorrow?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Gift of the Holy Spirit indwelling me. I welcome the conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit producing godly grief enabling me to know I need to repent. Lord Jesus, keep me from worldly sorrow that leads to death and the weeping and gnashing of teeth in eternal regret. Amen.
The joy of the Lord is my strength!
Scripture reading for May 10th: Nehemiah 8:2-10:39
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
After rebuilding the walls, Ezra and Nehemiah had a great church service. They brought out the book of the Law of Moses and began reading it to all who had gathered inside the walls near a high wooden platform built for this sacred occasion. Ezra the priest mounted the platform and those who would help with translation stood with him. When he opened the Book, all the people stood in reverence. (Nehemiah 8:4-5) Ezra praised the Lord and the people responded with “Amen! Amen!” and bowed in worship. As the word was read, the teachers instructed the people and made the meaning clear to them. The people began to understand what God had said and how they had failed to follow God’s word. This triggered emotions and conviction in the people and many began to weep and mourn in sorrow.
Why did Nehemiah tell the people not to grieve and weep before the Lord? Godly sorrow that leads to true change is commended in Scripture. (2nd Corinthians 7:8-11) Nehemiah actually sent the people away to enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and share with those who didn’t have any. He told them that the joy of the Lord would be their strength! (Nehemiah 8:9-10)
Joy always follows true understanding of the grace and mercy of God. Joy is the result of God’s mercy being revealed to us as a gift to be received by faith. As the people understood God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness for them, they could celebrate as people who were forgiven. The Book of the Law revealed this mercy and love of God to them and their children.
How have you responded to God’s Word when it brings conviction of sin or neglect of God’s mercy? Is the ‘joy of the Lord’ a source of strength in your life?
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13