Consider what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what vindication! In every way you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. See what this godly sorrow has produced in youThe phrase "godly sorrow" is derived from the Greek word "katà Theòn lúpē," which signifies a sorrow that aligns with God's will and purpose. This type of sorrow is not merely an emotional response but a transformative experience that leads to repentance and spiritual growth. Historically, godly sorrow is contrasted with worldly sorrow, which leads to death ( 2 Corinthians 7:10). The Corinthians' experience of godly sorrow resulted in a profound change, demonstrating the power of true repentance in the life of a believer. what earnestness
The Greek word for "earnestness" is "spoudē," which conveys a sense of diligence and seriousness. This earnestness reflects a sincere commitment to rectify wrongs and pursue righteousness. In the context of the Corinthian church, it indicates their genuine desire to address the issues Paul had previously admonished them for, showing a heartfelt dedication to living according to God's standards. what eagerness to clear yourselves
"Eagerness to clear yourselves" comes from the Greek "apologia," meaning a defense or clearing of oneself. This phrase suggests a proactive effort by the Corinthians to demonstrate their integrity and innocence. It reflects a community eager to restore their reputation and relationship with Paul and, more importantly, with God. This eagerness is a testament to their repentance and desire to be in right standing. what indignation
The term "indignation" is translated from the Greek "aganaktēsis," which implies a righteous anger or displeasure. This indignation is directed towards the sin and the circumstances that led to their previous failings. It is a sign of their moral awakening and a rejection of the behaviors and attitudes that were contrary to their faith. what alarm
"Alarm" is derived from the Greek "phobos," often translated as fear. In this context, it refers to a reverent fear of God and a serious concern about the consequences of sin. This fear is not paralyzing but rather motivating, driving the Corinthians to seek God's forgiveness and to live in a manner that honors Him. what longing
The word "longing" comes from the Greek "epipothesis," indicating a deep desire or yearning. This longing is for reconciliation and restoration, both with Paul and within their community. It reflects a heartfelt desire to return to a state of spiritual health and unity, demonstrating the depth of their repentance. what zeal
"Zeal" is translated from the Greek "zēlos," which denotes fervor and passion. This zeal is directed towards God and His purposes, showing the Corinthians' renewed commitment to their faith. It is a fervent dedication to living out their beliefs and making amends for past wrongs. what vindication!
The term "vindication" is from the Greek "ekdikēsis," meaning justice or retribution. In this context, it refers to the Corinthians' efforts to make things right and to seek justice for any wrongs committed. It is an indication of their desire to be exonerated and to restore their standing before God and the apostolic authority of Paul. In every way you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter
This concluding phrase highlights the comprehensive nature of the Corinthians' repentance. "Proved" comes from the Greek "sunistēmi," meaning to demonstrate or show. Their actions have demonstrated their innocence and commitment to righteousness. Historically, this reflects the transformative power of repentance and the ability of a community to restore itself through godly sorrow and earnest action. It serves as an inspirational reminder of the potential for renewal and redemption in the life of every believer. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter, addressing the church in Corinth with pastoral concern and guidance. 2. The Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of the letter, a diverse and often troubled congregation in the city of Corinth. 3. Godly SorrowA key theme in this passage, referring to the sorrow that leads to repentance and spiritual growth. 4. RepentanceThe act of turning away from sin and returning to God, which is a central focus of Paul's message. 5. The Previous LetterAn earlier letter from Paul that caused sorrow but led to repentance and change in the Corinthian church. Teaching Points Understanding Godly SorrowGodly sorrow is not merely feeling bad about sin; it is a transformative sorrow that leads to repentance and change. The Fruits of RepentanceTrue repentance produces visible fruits such as earnestness, eagerness, and zeal, as seen in the Corinthian church. The Role of Indignation and AlarmIndignation and alarm are appropriate responses to sin, prompting believers to take sin seriously and seek God's forgiveness. Longing and Zeal for RighteousnessA repentant heart develops a longing and zeal for righteousness, striving to live in a way that pleases God. Vindication and InnocenceThrough repentance, believers can experience vindication and prove themselves innocent, restoring their relationship with God and others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of godly sorrow differ from worldly sorrow, and what are the implications for our spiritual growth? 2. In what ways can we cultivate the fruits of repentance, such as earnestness and zeal, in our daily lives? 3. How can we ensure that our indignation and alarm about sin lead to positive change rather than despair or guilt? 4. What practical steps can we take to maintain a longing and zeal for righteousness in a world that often promotes the opposite? 5. How can we support one another in the church community to experience and express true repentance and vindication? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 51David's psalm of repentance, illustrating godly sorrow and the desire for a clean heart. James 4:8-10Encourages believers to draw near to God with sincere repentance, similar to the earnestness described by Paul. Acts 26:20Paul's teaching on repentance and turning to God, performing deeds in keeping with repentance. Hebrews 12:11Discusses the discipline of the Lord, which produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those trained by it. Matthew 5:4Jesus' teaching on those who mourn, promising comfort, which aligns with the concept of godly sorrow leading to joy. People Corinthians, Paul, TitusPlaces Achaia, Corinth, MacedoniaTopics Affection, Alarm, Approve, Approved, Ardent, Avenging, Behold, Business, Care, Carefulness, Clear, Clearing, Completely, Concern, Defence, Defense, Demonstrated, Desire, Diligence, Displeasure, Eagerness, Earnest, Earnestness, Effects, Excusing, Fear, Forth, Free, Godly, Grief, Grieved, Guiltless, Indignation, Innocent, Jealousy, Justice, Longing, Mark, Matter, Meting, Point, Produced, Proved, Punishment, Pure, Purpose, Readiness, Reproach, Revenge, Selfsame, Serious, Sin, Sorrow, Sorrowed, Sorry, Sort, Vehement, Vengeance, Vindication, Wiped, Worked, Wrath, Wrong, Wrought, Yea, Yes, Yours, Yourselves, ZealDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Corinthians 7:11 5781 affection
5840 eagerness 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 5970 unhappiness 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 5947 shame 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 8265 godliness Library Hope and Holiness
Having therefore these promises . . . let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 COR. vii. 1. It is often made a charge against professing Christians that their religion has very little to do with common morality. The taunt has sharpened multitudes of gibes and been echoed in all sorts of tones: it is very often too true and perfectly just, but if ever it is, let it be distinctly understood that it is not so because of Christian …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureSorrow According to God
'Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.'--2 COR. vii. 10. Very near the close of his missionary career the Apostle Paul summed up his preaching as being all directed to enforcing two points, 'Repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.' These two, repentance and faith, ought never to be separated in thought, as they are inseparable in fact. True repentance is impossible without faith, true faith cannot exist …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 Cor. vii. 1. That holiness is more than cleansing, and must be preceded by it, is taught us in more than one passage of the New Testament. 'Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.' 'If a man cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ The Power of Sorrow.
Preached June 30, 1850. THE POWER OF SORROW. "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."--2 Corinthians vii. 9, 10. That which is chiefly insisted on in this verse, is the distinction between sorrow and repentance. To grieve over sin is one thing, to repent …
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton Sanctification is a Mystery.
"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of. God." --2 Cor. vii. 1. Sanctification belongs to the mysteries of faith; hence it can not be confessed but as a dogma. By this statement we intend to cut off at once every representation which makes "sanctification" to consist of the human effort to make oneself holy or holier. To become more holy is undoubtedly the duty which rests upon every man. God has condemned all unholiness, as an accursed …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Implanted Dispositions.
"Perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord."--2 Cor. vii. 1. To deny that the Holy Spirit creates new dispositions in the will is equivalent to a return to Romish error; even tho Rome argues the matter in a different way. Rome denies the total corruption of the will by sin; that its disposition is wholly evil. Hence, the will of the sinner not being wholly useless, it follows: (1) that the regenerate does not need the implanting of a new disposition; (2) that in this respect there is no difference …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson
Compiled by C. H. Spurgeon Thomas Watson's Body of Practical Divinity is one of the most precious of the peerless works of the Puritans; and those best acquainted with it prize it most. Watson was one of the most concise, racy, illustrative, and suggestive of those eminent divines who made the Puritan age the Augustan period of evangelical literature. There is a happy union of sound doctrine, heart-searching experience and practical wisdom throughout all his works, and his Body of Divinity is, beyond …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Nineteenth Day. Holiness and Resurrection.
The Son of God, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead.'--Rom. i. 4. These words speak of a twofold birth of Christ. According to the flesh, He was born of the seed of David. According to the Spirit, He was the first begotten from the dead. As He was a Son of David in virtue of His birth through the flesh, so He was declared to be the Son of God with power, …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ A Glorious vision.
THE Epistle to the Hebrews, this profound and blessed portion of the Holy Scriptures, unfolds a most wonderful vision of the Person, the Glory and the great Redemption work of our adorable Lord. The portion of the Epistle which is the richest in this respect is the Second Chapter. Here is a vista for the eyes of faith which is sublime. Our Lord in His Person, in His humiliation and exaltation, in His suffering and glory, stands out in a way which makes the believing heart rejoice with joy unspeakable …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory Sanctification.
In the last chapter we showed that the doctrine of justification deals with the sinner's change of relation, or change of state. We also learned that faith is the instrumental or applying cause of justification. In another place we showed that true faith presupposes penitence, and this again presupposes a sense and knowledge of sin. Again we showed that penitence and faith are the two essential elements of conversion; that where these elements are found there is a change of heart, and the beginning …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church "My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin Not. And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,"
1 John ii. 1.--"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father," &c. The gospel is an entire uniform piece, all the parts of it are interwoven through other, and interchangeably knit together, so that there can be no dividing of it any more than of Christ's coat that was without seam. If you have it not altogether by the divine lot, you cannot truly have any part of it, for they are so knit together, that if you disjoin …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Work of God in Our Work.
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ."--1 Thess. v. 23. The difference between sanctification and good works should be well understood. Many confound the two, and believe that sanctification means to lead an honorable and virtuous life; and, since this is equal to good works, sanctification, without which no man shall see God, is made to consist in the earnest and diligent …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
Having already presented to your view the dark side of the text, I shall now show you the light side, They shall be comforted'. Where observe: 1 Mourning goes before comfort as the lancing of a wound precedes the cure. The Antinomian talks of comfort, but cries down mourning for sin. He is like a foolish patient who, having a pill prescribed him, licks the sugar but throws away the pill. The libertine is all for joy and comfort. He licks the sugar but throws away the bitter pill of repentance. If …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace.
I come now to speak a little to the other part of sanctification, which concerneth the change of our nature and frame, and is called vivification, or quickening of the new man of grace; which is called the new man, as having all its several members and parts, as well as the old man; and called new, because posterior to the other; and after regeneration is upon the growing hand, this duty of growing in grace, as it is called, 2 Pet. iii. &c. is variously expressed and held forth to us in Scripture; …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Its Effects.
Among the effects and benefits which in this life accompany and flow from being filled with the Holy Ghost, may be mentioned the following:-- 1. Courage. "Oh, I could not do so and so--I have not the courage," is a reply frequently made by Christian people when asked to undertake some piece of service or other for the Master. The first point to be settled is, "Is that the Master's will for me?" If so, lack of courage is a confession to the lack of the "Fullness of the Holy Ghost." The Spirit-filled …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life Getting Ready to Enter Canaan
GETTING READY TO ENTER CANAAN Can you tell me, please, the first step to take in obtaining the experience of entire sanctification? I have heard much about it, have heard many sermons on it, too; but the way to proceed is not yet plain to me, not so plain as I wish it were. Can't you tell me the first step, the second, third, and all the rest? My heart feels a hunger that seems unappeased, I have a longing that is unsatisfied; surely it is a deeper work I need! And so I plead, "Tell me the way." …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Sanctification.
I. I will remind you of some points that have been settled in this course of study. 1. The true intent and meaning of the law of God has been, as I trust, ascertained in the lectures on moral government. Let this point if need be, be examined by reference to those lectures. 2. We have also seen, in those lectures, what is not, and what is implied in entire obedience to the moral law. 3. In those lectures, and also in the lectures on justification and repentance, it has been shown that nothing is …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
PHILIPPIANS i. 21-30 He will be spared to them--Spiritual wealth of the paragraph--Adolphe Monod's exposition--Charles Simeon's testimony--The equilibrium and its secret--The intermediate bliss--He longs for their full consistency--The "gift" of suffering Ver. 21. +For to me, to live is Christ+; the consciousness and experiences of living, in the body, are so full of Christ, my supreme Interest, that CHRIST sums them all up; +and to die+, the act of dying,[1] +is gain+, for it will usher me in …
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies Links 2 Corinthians 7:11 NIV2 Corinthians 7:11 NLT2 Corinthians 7:11 ESV2 Corinthians 7:11 NASB2 Corinthians 7:11 KJV
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