SORROW, G

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WORLD

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2 CORINTHIANS 7: 10 - 11

“ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.  See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.”

GODLY SORROW VS. WORLDLY SORROW

Greek Word: sorrow, pain, grief, annoyance, affliction

We might think of it as a burden of heart or conscience.

The message translates it as “distress”

Are there times when it is appropriate to place a “godly burden” or to cause “godly distress” to someone for whom we care?

The implication here, is “yes”.

(Insight into Paul’s Pastoral heart)

CHARACTERISTICS OF GODLY SORROW

1.It produces an improvement in character

2.It motivates us to correct our course

3.It causes self-reflection, more admirable behavior

4.It is the sign of a healthy conscience

Imagine someone who never says they’re sorry. Is that because they’re super healthy?

WORLDLY SORROW

“….worldly sorrow brings death”. (v. 10)

“Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets”. (message)

PROVERBS AND GODLY SORROW

Correction – (improve performance)

Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. (Prov. 15: 32)

Reproof – (turn “about face”)

Whoever heeds life-giving correction (reproof) will be at home among the wise.

(Prov. 15: 31)

Instruction – (life-long learning)

Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,

Teach a righteous man and he will aincrease his learning.

PRODUCTS OF GODLY SORROW (VERSE 11)“You’re more alive, more concerned, more sensitive,

more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you’ve come out of this with purity of heart.” (Message)

“…what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.(NIV)

HOW TO DELIVER A GODLY CORRECTION

1.AUTHORITATIVE vs AUTHORITARIAN

2.WITH HUMILITY MIXED WITH CONVICTION

3.WITH FAITH IN THE HIGHER RESULT

4.WITH SELF-AWARENESS

5.APPEALING TO GOD’S REVEALED WILL