"Compelled by Sorrow and Repentance" 2 Corinthians 7:2-16
Pastor Kyle Van Tine at Summit View Church: Heritage Park Campus
CG Coaching for Week #8 of 2 Corinthians: "A Church Compelled"
Sunday, July 26th sermon by Pastor Kyle Van Tine
"Compelled by Sorrow & Repentance" - (2 Cor 7:2-16)
Growing Deeper
Depression is often called the common cold of the soul. Eventually, most people catch it. Even Paul catches it. He was afflicted from within and without. Quarreling and conflict dogged him. Paul had followed God willingly into the fray of spiritual warfare and now was paying the cost of the battle. He was fearful for the church he had planted and he was exhausted with a troubled soul for the people he loved. But comfort was coming; God sent Titus. Titus’ visit is a slice of God’s comfort for Paul. His joy is doubled by the news of the repentance of the Corinthians.Paul gains strength in the well being of others and finds joy when others repent. Worldly grief weeps for our losses. Godly grief weeps for sin against God. It produces repentance.Joy and sorrow are often linked in our Christian lives. Sorrow comes when we recognize sin. Joy celebrates when repentance and spiritual prosperity are present within the church. We need to be like Paul-- other-focused and seeking the spiritual prosperity of the church body through the repentance of its members. We need to be infected by a yearning for one another’s spiritual health. To learn how to walk beside and love others to godly repentance. To support others as they join God in the battle against sin. The Christian life is a life lived before the face of God. We must strive to reflect God’s goodness in the way we grieve, mourn, comfort and repent.
Read 2 Corinthians 7:2-16; Psalm 51, I Thessalonians 3:6-13.
Repentance means to turn around. It is a sincere decision to forsake selfish sin and to value what God desires. It isn’t self-disgust, it is sorrow.
- What are your joys and your sorrows?
- How do you respond to a loving rebuke?
- What are the characteristics of a trusted person who can listen to another person’s deep longings and secrets with care and love?
- Is there someone you need to encourage to be strong in the battle against sin?
Recommended reading: Side by Side by Edward Welch
