THE GOD WHO COMFORTS

In chapter 6, Paul shared some hard things with the Corinthians as part of his appeal to them. Now in chapter 7, Paul's interest is on the relationship, so he begins, "Make room in your hearts for us." There's much to learn, so let's read 2 Cor 7:2-16 together ...

2 COR 7:2-4

2 Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.

• "MAKE ROOM" - Appealing to their past affections, Paul in verse 2 lists 3 somewhat synonymous reasons that he should still be thought of well in Corinth. What are the three possible accusations against him that he denies in verse 2?

• "IN OUR HEARTS" - After a mild defense, Paul in verse 3 and 4 goes somewhat overboard in his statements of affection. What are the ways in v 3-4 that Paul describes his emotional connection and deep commitment to the Corinthians?

2 COR 7:5-9

5 For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. 6 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 with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. 8 For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. 9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.

• "INTO MACEDONIA" - Paul recounts for the Corinthians the recent past. After staying in Corinth, Paul left for the region of Philippi and Thessalonica ("Macedonia" in v 5). What was their initial time up "north" like for them?

• "GOD WHO COMFORTS" - In verses 6-7, Paul receives comfort from 3 sources. Who are the 3 that he credits with bringing comfort to him?

• "I REJOICE" - Paul isn't sadistic, and a clear reading of v 8-9 proves it. Yes, he wrote a painful letter. But why is Paul not apologetic about the letter or its tone? What did the letter bring about?

2 COR 7:10-13

10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 12 So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. 13 Therefore we are comforted.

• "GODLY GRIEF" - Paul takes verses 10-13 to give a powerful treatise on the difference between two types of grief. What are the two types Paul lists out in verse 10?

• "EARNESTNESS ..." - Paul's description of their godly grief in v 11 is robust. What does Paul commend in them here that proves their grief and repentance weren't superficial?

• "WE ARE COMFORTED" - In verse 13, Paul says, "Therefore, we are comforted." What was he referring to from verse 12 that brought him comfort?

2 COR 7:13b-16

13 And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true. 15 And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. 16 I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you.

• "AND BESIDES" - Beyond Paul's comfort, what else brought joy to Paul in v 13?

• "BOASTS I MADE" - Apparently, Paul had been boasting about the Corinthians. What does this show about Paul's character, that he was still optimistic about a church that had hurt him so badly 

• ONE FINAL THOUGHT - Who has hurt you so badly that you have trouble believing any good can be found in them or in their motivations? What needs to change (in you, not them) for you to adopt Paul's mindset? What practical steps might need to be taken (in the broader relationship, not just in you) that could help to develop this confidence?

Looking forward to Sunday with you,

Pastor Darren