Power of Repentance

(2 Corinthians 7:2-18)

Repentance is not about changing your behavior.

1. PAUL'S APPEAL FOR UNDERSTANDING AND RECONCILIATION (2 Corinthians 7:2-3)

   1. Paul urges the Corinthians to open their hearts
      1. Encourages them to make room for him in their hearts
         1. The Corinthians need to expand their hearts for Paul
         2. While narrowing their hearts toward idolatry
      2. Paul lists ways he has not wronged or taken advantage of them
         1. Wronged no one
         2. Corrupted no one
         3. Taken advantage of no one
   2. Paul expresses his willingness to live or die with them
      1. Purpose is not to condemn
      2. The Corinthians were in Paul’s heart to live or die together with them
   3. Paul expresses his joy in the Corinthians

2. PAUL'S JOY (2 Corinthians 7:4-9) (Renewal of 2:13)

   1. Paul’s boldness brings joy
   2. Titus’ Report
   3. Paul’s purpose of his letter

3. TRUE REPENTANCE (2 Corinthians 7:10-13a)

1. Godly grief brings repentance leads to salvation
   1. Godly grief is the knowledge you offended an Holy God and never wanting to do it again.
2. Worldly grief brings death
   1. Feeling sorry for getting caught
3. Result of true repentance
4. Paul has comfort
5. Titus’s report affirmed Paul’s boast
   1. Their obedience increased
   2. Paul’s rejoices over his safe confidence in them

4. PAUL IS JOYFUL OVER THE CORINTHIAN'S JOY (2 Corinthians 7:16)

Conclusion:

1. Go to Christ and ask for godly grief, true sorrow for offending a Holy God.
2. Let scripture bring you to the place you no longer want to disobey God.
3. Rejoice and be comforted when an offender repents and is restored.