Brentwood Park Everyone is capable of making a mess in their life by words or actions. Admittedly, some messes seem to be worse than others. However, God’s way of dealing with messes is better than our way. Today we learn how to bring healing in conflict.

Brentwood Park Confrontation and Repentance II Cor. 7: Confrontation and Repentance II Cor. 7: The Initiation of Confrontation Always Begins with Self- Inspection Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. V Paul’s conscience was clear towards the Corinthians Today’s Message Today’s Message

Brentwood Park 2. Paul didn’t condemn the saints I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. V.3 a. He affirmed them I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. V. 4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. V Paul encouraged the saints a. He began with the positive

Brentwood Park For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn--conflicts on the outside, fears within. V Paul had great zeal for the saints a. In his zeal to find out their condition he experienced many difficulties Harassment Harassment Outward Conflict Outward Conflict Inward Fear

Brentwood Park b. The joy Paul experienced by the good news of Titus exceeded all the trials he experienced But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever. Vs. 6-7

Brentwood Park The Initiation of Confrontation Always Begins with Self- Inspection The Goal of Confrontation is to See True Repentance Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it--I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while-- 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. Vs. 8-9 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it--I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while-- 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. Vs. 8-9

Brentwood Park 1. Confrontation can be hurtful a. The hurt is evidence of the heart For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. II Cor. 2:4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. II Cor. 2:4 2. Confrontation must be direct a. It deals truthfully and lovingly with the issue

Brentwood Park 3. Confrontation without the desire for truth and repentance is the result of the absence of love 4. Confrontation done the right way will produce one of two responses Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. V. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. V. 10 a. Godly sorrow & repentance b. Worldly sorrow & death b. Worldly sorrow & death

Brentwood Park Godly sorrow and repentance is… the receiving of truth taking the proper action God requires Godly sorrow and repentance is not… just feeling sorry for the behavior an apology the experiencing of genuine hurt a choice that leads one to freedom

Brentwood Park The fruit of godly repentance See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. V Earnest in the reversal of behavior Let the wicked forsake his way…Let him turn to the LORD,…He will freely pardon. Is.55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way…Let him turn to the LORD,…He will freely pardon. Is.55:7

Brentwood Park 3. Indignation of the soul (self anger) The fruit of godly repentance cont. When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was stupid and ignorant, I was like a beast toward thee. Ps. 73:21-22 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was stupid and ignorant, I was like a beast toward thee. Ps. 73: Godly fear 5. Zealous to resolve the issue 6. Revenge - Attacking the problem 2. Eagerness to resolve the issue

Brentwood Park The attitude and fruit of worldly sorrow 1. Self absorbed 2. Unwillingness to receive truth 3. Anger, resentment, and unforgiveness 4. Don’t take responsibility - Blame 5. Self Justification Correction is grievous unto him that forsakes the way: and he that hates reproof shall die. Prov. 15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsakes the way: and he that hates reproof shall die. Prov. 15:10

Brentwood Park The Right Response Produces Encouragement So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13 By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. Vs (Each party saw the other’s devotion)

Brentwood Park Their Right Responses Vindicated Paul’s Feelings for Them I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. Vs. 14 I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. Vs Godly repentance enables people to maintain confidence in the feelings they have always had concerning a person.

Brentwood Park Their Right Responses Had a Powerful Impact on the Third Party And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. V. 15 And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. V. 15 I am glad I can have complete confidence in you. V. 16 Their Right Responses Brought Paul Gladness or Joy

Brentwood Park Conclusion 1. Confrontation is only effective when it is done in all honesty, truth and love. 2. Confrontation, though hurtful, must always be direct 3. Confrontation can produce great potential: rescue, forgiveness, confidence, and joy 4. Worldly sorrow produces death