Category: Godly Sorrow

This is a hard thing for children. It might be because a child thinks that if he admits he has done wrong, there will be consequences. In fact, some children will continue to proclaim “I didn’t do it” or “It wasn’t me” even if they were caught red handed!

It can be the same for Christians as well. Why would a Christian who has sinned deny, or rationalize,  or excuse their actions? Well, it may be that they fear what others may think if they admit to not being perfect! But, no one is perfect, and that shows too much concern for what others think, rather than what God thinks! “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6). Continue reading “Acknowledging Responsibility for Wrong” →

This context is divided into two different passages so that first the event can be examined, and then the message Paul proclaimed (verses 14-21) can be addressed later.

When Peter came to Antioch of Syria, he and Paul had an encounter caused by Peter’s sin. Though by this time the inclusion of Gentiles into the kingdom was established (Acts 15), there was still opposition to it that Peter reacted to by “separating himself [from the Gentiles] fearing those who were of the circumcision” (12).

This was a public sin, and Paul responded publicly, admonishing Peter “before them all” (14). Peter’s actions were public, and they had led others, even Barnabas, to be “carried away with their hypocrisy” (13). Public sin can and often must be dealt with publicly. A little leaven leavens a whole lump (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:6).

Apparently, this admonition left no hard feelings, as Peter wrote approvingly of Paul in his own epistle at another time (cf. 2 Peter 3:15-16). A penitent soul does not harbor resentment for admonition.

Why in John 21 did Peter say, “I am going fishing”? We don’t know for sure, but we do know he was grieved for betraying Jesus on the night of his death. And, we know when he helped to establish the kingdom he remained faithful unto death.

• Audio
• YouTube Video of Sermon

All of us experience regret from time to time. Sin causes regret for the Christian. We all sin. How do we handle our feelings of regret? Our soul depends on the answer!

• Audio
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

In 2 Corinthians 7, the apostle noted the comfort he received from Titus, when told of the Corinthians penitent hearts. God supplies comfort to His people. Often the people themselves are the source of that comfort, as they supply support and help to each other.

• Audio
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

The Jews of Jeremiah’s day had no shame, they had forgotten how to blush (cf. Jeremiah 6:11-15; 8:8-12). God’s people need to know how to blush. A sense of shame will help to protect and correct in areas such as conduct, speech and appearance.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In Psalm 38, the Psalmist describes his great sorrow in sinning against his God.

Audio

Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

The text of 2 Corinthians 7 is used to describe the type of sorrow which leads to repentance and the forgiveness of sins.

Audio

Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

Josh uses the text of 2 Corinthians 7:8-ff, to explain the godly sorrow that should be present in every person guilty of sin, that they might repent and be saved.

Audio

Most people experience sorrow as a result or consequence of sin. Is that sorrow godly sorrow, leading to repentance, or worldly sorrow leading to death? The lesson examines the difference between the two.

Audio

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.

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).

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.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

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.

To listen to this Podcast, click here .

To subscribe to the podcast feed, click here .