In Search Of Truth, 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

You may remember that in chapter 2 Paul described a strong letter he had written to the Corinthian church after having had a "painful visit" with them. The letter was written to test their obedience regarding some sin in their community that needed to be addressed and dealt with.

Paul reflects on that letter here. In one sense he regretted writing it because of the sorrow it caused them when reading it.(v.8) But in a more lasting sense, Paul was happy to have written the letter because that same sorrow caused the Corinthian church to take action and change for the better. (The word "repentance" in Greek means "a change of mind for the better".)

Sorrow that results in change for the better is the kind of sorrow intended and used by God. (v.9) "Godly sorrow" brings change that saves people. It is looked back on with gratitude instead of regret. (v.10)

We should clarify here what we mean when we say that Godly sorrow "saves" people. The term "salvation" in scripture is a general one. “Sozo” is the
Greek word in question here, and it has the general definition of “to
save”. And although we tend to use this word to specifically refer to
being saved from eternal punishment, it does not specifically have this
meaning whenever it is used. Its three common uses refer to different
types of salvation.

1. Salvation
   from the penalty of sin. (Called “justification”, this form of
   salvation rescues us from eternal punishment and removes all sin from
   our record.)
   


2. Salvation
   from the power of sin. (Called “sanctification”, this refers to an
   ongoing process of being “set apart” for God’s purposes, becoming more
   like God in character and moving further and further from sinful
   tendencies.)
   


3. Salvation
   from the presence of sin. (Called “glorification”, this refers to an
   eternal existence with God, where the human body is made perfect,
   immortal and indestructible and all tendency toward sin of any kind is
   removed.

Examining each occurrence of this word and its context is the best way to determine which definition applies.

Since this letter is written primarily to believers (who are already justified) and the context is referring to believers, we can assume that Paul is primarily talking about "sanctification", although the same principle can be applied to a non-believer who chooses to believe and "change his mind" after understanding his sin and need to be rescued. (v.9-10)

When Paul says "the sorrow of the world"(v.10), he is referring to the sorrow experienced as a consequence of sin in ourselves or in others who affect us. (The Greek word here for "world" refers to the natural, fallen world and the tendencies that come out of it.) Paul says that this sorrow brings death.

The Greek word here for "death" can refer to physical death, spiritual death(a separation from God's blessing and influence in life), or eternal death, meaning hell. Like the word "salvation", we have to treat this word in context. Although we may find application in all three definitions of "death", the most appropriate here is probably "spiritual death" and possibly "physical death". (Paul has indicated to the Corinthians before that sin can lead to physical death in some cases. See 1 Cor. 11:30)

The "Godly sorrow" the Corinthian church experienced as a result of Paul's correction brought about a number of positive changes. They became earnest to make things right and to clear their names. They became appropriately shocked and angered by sin and its harmful effects. Their desire for justice increased and they became passionate about doing the right thing. And their actions proved that they were caring about the right things. (v.11)

Next Week-

How strong relationships bring about change that God likes!

Coffee House Question-

What kind of scenario can you imagine in which "Godly sorrow" brings about positive change?