The gospel message is a message of repentance and reconciliation. Paul had to handle some very sensitive issues in the congregation at Corinth. He wrote three very pointed letters of correction to them; one of those letters, which is now lost, included some of the severest rebukes. In addition to the doctrinal and practical problems that were addressed in those letters, Paul had to deal with those individuals who were vehemently opposed to him and his ministry. They were poisoning the minds of the church at Corinth by seeking to convince them that if Paul really loved them, he would never speak to them with such severity.
Praise God for His working in the hearts of the Corinthian congregation! Instead of digging in their heels and falsely accusing Paul of not loving them, they were convicted of their sinful behavior, repented, and were reconciled. In our study today, we are going to hear one of the most clear cut teachings in all of Scripture about the distinction between godly sorrow that produces repentance and worldly sorrow that ends up in death.
How do you respond when you are corrected of sinful or questionable behavior? What does the gospel teach us about repentance and reconciliation with God? Because life is messy and saints can find themselves out of sorts with one another from time to time, the message of repentance and reconciliation is always like a breath of fresh air.
