2 Corinthians 7: 2-16 Do what is right, not what is easy

Overview The flow of the letter Paul’s love for the church The church’s response to Paul’s rebuke The reason for Paul’s rebuke Titus and the church So what?

The flow of the letter 1:1-2:13 Greetings God of all comfort Paul’s plans and care Forgive the sinner Paul waiting for news 2:12-7:1 Triumph in Christ Ministers of the new covenant The light of the gospel Treasure in jars of clay Heavenly home Ministry or reconciliation Temples of the Living God 2:2-16 Paul’s joy at their response While talking about the problems and his anguish over the church, Paul maintains a heavenly perspective and is full of praise and thankfulness

Paul’s love for the church Paul’s plea to the church –Make room for us in your hearts (6:11-12) –We have not wronged you in any way –Paul is not condemning them –We have boasted of you Despite the problems, Paul delights in them, boasts about them and pleads with them

Paul’s love for the church Paul’s eager desire to hear from Titus –Titus brought good news –Their zeal for Paul –Paul had made them sorrowful but this had led to true repentance –Godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation –Worldly sorrow leads to death

The church’s response to Paul’s rebuke Earnestness Eagerness to clear themselves Indignation Alarm (fear) Longing Concern (zeal) Readiness to see justice done (punishment)

The reason for Paul’s rebuke He did not write to see the sinner punished He did not seek justice for those who had been sinned against He wrote for the good of the church Paul was comforted to hear of their swift obedience

The church and Titus They had been a blessing to Titus –Paul’s boasting was seen to be justified –They refreshed Titus’ spirit –They obeyed –They received him with fear and trembling –Paul rejoiced and Titus remembered them with affection (see also 8:16-17)

So what? Do we have a heavenly perspective when things are hard? Do we thank and praise God through difficult times? Do we delight in the Lord’s people, even if they cause us pain? Are we eager for unity and peace in the church? Are we zealous for righteousness? –Are we willing to say hard things? –Is our motive to see true repentance? –How do we respond to rebuke? Do we see the importance of acting for the good of the church, not just of individuals? Do we seek to be a blessing to the Lord’s servants?

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