By Stan Cox, on March 27th, 2008
2 Corinthians 7:8-12
The apostle’s words here give us a wonderful example of the attitude that should be present in a Christian when convicted of sin.
Paul wrote concerning the various failings of the Corinthians, documenting many in his first epistle to that church. Verse 12 seems to indicate that Paul had specifically in mind their treatment of the immoral man in 1 Corinthians 5. They had tolerated his sin rather than withdrawing their fellowship from him, as Paul had commanded them.
But, at Paul’s instruction they had repented. Godly sorrow, as they were convicted of their sin, led them to repent. Such sorrow was strong, and led to indignation (toward themselves), and zeal (to prove their repentance). As a result of this profound change of heart regarding their sin, Paul stated, “In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (vs. 11). May we all show the same sorrow at our own transgressions.
By Stan Cox, on June 15th, 2007
It was F.B. Meyer, I believe, who once said that when we 
see a brother or sister in sin, there are two things we do not know: First, we do not know how hard he or she tried not to sin. And second, we do not know the power of the forces that assailed him or her. We also do not know what we would have done in the same circumstances.
Stephen Brown, Christianity Today, April 5, 1993, p. 17.
The point is not to ignore or tolerate the sin of a brother. Paul admonished the Corinthians for their acceptance of immorality into the church, (cf. 1 Corinthians 5), and instructed them to “deliver such a one to Satan.”
However, that same individual, upon his repentance, received Paul’s pity. “Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him” (2 Corinthians 2:8).
Our approach to the sinner should be one of humility and compassion, even as we seek to discipline him in his sin. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).
By Stan Cox, on February 4th, 2007
John chapter 8 records a conversation between Jesus and a woman caught in adultery. Jesus showed mercy to the woman, conditioned upon her repentance. This teaches us the importance of turning away from ungodliness, and to serve the living God.
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By Stan Cox, on June 16th, 2006
Podcast Number 6
The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 7:11 describes godly sorrow, which leads one to repentance and salvation. Unfortunately sometimes the actions of Christians caught in sin do not match the description given by Paul in this passage.
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