Cain’s Moment

The Need (1 Corinthians)

• To have a change of mind; to change

– Simon (Acts 8:22)

– Thessalonians (1 Thess 1:8-10)

– Prodigal son (Luke 15:17-20)

The Proof

• 2 Corinthians 7:1111 For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter.

The Proof

• “Earnestness” (diligence): eager…right decision

• “Vindication” (clearing): an plea for forgiveness

• “Indignation”: bitter hatred for the sin

• “Fear”: …of God’s retribution for sin

• “Longing” (vehement desire): to be right with God

• “Zeal”: burning desire to take action

• “Avenging of wrong” (vindication): found innocent

The Cause

• Cain: the counsel of God

• Corinth: a letter from an apostle

• 2 Corinthians 7:88 For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it — for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while —

The Result

• 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 9 For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow [sorrow that is according to the will of God] produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

The Result

• 2 Corinthians 7:1010 For godly sorrow [sorrow that is according to the will of God] produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

– Worldly sorrow considers how sin affects us

– Godly sorrow considers how sin affects God

The Example

• Psalm 51:3-4 (Psalm 32)3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge.

– David listened to God (2 Sam 12:1-15)

Is this a Cain moment?