Text: 2 Corinthians 7:8-10
Memory text:
“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
II Corinthians 7:10 NKJV
Preaching can cause both joy and sorrow in the heart. It can lift up and can cause grief. This is the truth that many find difficult to accept, which eventually leads them into unsound and unhealthy doctrines. They love the joyful effect of preaching but hate to see it cause sorrow in the heart. This almost happened to Apostle Paul in Corinth.
The word of God is like a shepherd’s rod, which has both defensive and offensive roles. The word of God does not only comfort you, but it can also create wounds in the heart when it rebukes you for doing wrong. Paul said, “Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—“ (2 Cor 7:8 NIV). He recognized that his epistle to the Corinthians caused them sorrow, and they were hurt and grieved. At first, he regretted it, but when he considered the benefits, he decided not to stop it. This sorrow, though temporary, works out something eternal. “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation….” (II Cor 7:10). Even though the word is able to cause sorrow when it rebukes and corrects, yet the receiver must not be discouraged in order to receive the full benefits. “…My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects you, and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you.” (Heb 12:5 GNT).
Do you see why the word which is preached only to motivate people and to prevent them from being hurt or grieved is counterproductive? They avoid rebuking erring believers and correcting their wrong behaviour. This is one of the reasons why evil continues to spread in the church because some leaders misuse the word of God. They tolerate, pamper and polish shameful acts because the sinning believers can’t endure the humiliation, pains, and shame of discipline.
Jesus didn’t mortgage the truth, nor did He negotiate with erring believers. He didn’t choose the common option of lowering the standard of the word of God in order to accommodate erring followers. When someone told Him that some of His followers were leaving, He turned to Peter and asked if he would also go (John 6:66-68).
Friends, the parents who hate to see their children being unhappy or sad will eventually live in regret in later years. Don’t reject the rebuke and correction of the word of God so that it can do its perfect work in you.
Prayer points
1. Father, let Your word rebuke and correct me whenever I go wrong and help me to accept the temporary pain it causes in me, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, let me never misuse Your word by mortgaging the truth and by avoiding its rebuke, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. Godly sorrow produces repentance, leading to salvation, but worldly sorrow produces death.
2. I will not adulterate the word of God or Iower its standard in order to accommodate others.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng