• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"You sorrowed in a godly manner..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 7:11

A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE

The Corinthians were caught in error and sin. Paul had to write to them sternly so that they would repent from their worldly mindset and their sinful ways. What they effected was genuine repentance and they were an example to others!

“For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner:
What diligence it produced in you,
what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear,
what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication!
In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”
2 Corinthians 7:11

1. Commendation from Paul

a) The repentant Corinthians were to “observe this very thing”.

b) Paul sought to analyse what they had done.

c) They must understand that they had indeed “sorrowed in a godly manner”.

2. The true marks of genuine repentance and sorrow

Paul listed seven distinctive features, most of which are self-explanatory.

a) Diligence produced

b) Clearing of themselves

c) Indignation

i) Against the sin they had allowed to affect them.

ii) Against the false teachers who had been allowed to affect them so adversely.

d) Fear

e) Vehement desire

i) To be cleansed of their erroneous and sinful ways.

ii) To make amends.

f) Zeal

g) Vindication

i) Proof that the repentance is genuine.

ii) The life of the repentant sinner displays the changes that have taken place.

3. In all things you proved yourself to be clear in these matters

a) The reality of the genuineness of godly sorrow and repentance must be obvious.

b) The repentant Corinthians proved themselves well.

c) The above features were noted by Paul.

d) They were commended for their appropriate response.