ELNORA’S BIBLE STUDY WITH FRIENDS, 2 Corinthians 7, January 10, 2025

 

        

Introduction to Chapter 7

Second Corinthians 7 begins with a single verse concluding Paul's teaching about what it means for Christians not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. He then urges the Corinthians once more to make room in their hearts for him and his fellow ministers. He expresses enormous comfort at hearing that they have received a letter of rebuke from him with an eagerness to make things right with him. Titus, too, is impressed with their obedience and humility. Paul declares that he now has complete confidence in them. Following chapters will continue to address spiritual problems within that church. (https://www.bibleref.com/2-Corinthians/7/2-Corinthians-chapter-7.html)

Introduction, Verses 1-4, KITTY

7 Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Please open your hearts to us. We have not done wrong to anyone, nor led anyone astray, nor taken advantage of anyone. 3 I’m not saying this to condemn you. I said before that you are in our hearts, and we live or die together with you. 4 I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in you. You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles.

^{SECTION QUESTIONS:} 

1. What promises is Paul referring to? (V.1) 

2. What does Paul mean by let us "cleanse ourselves?" Can we cleanse ourselves? (V.1)

3. What can we learn from Paul about how to conduct Christian ministry? 

4. Application: Whatever you are "defiled with" whatever sin entangles you. Take it to God right now. Confess your sin. Ask Him to cleanse you and help you to overcome it. 

5. Application: There is a time when it is necessary to offer a defense of one self. When the credibility of the gospel or God’s word is at stake, one should defend himself. The principle then is “all things for the gospel/God's glory.” If the gospel is furthered by remaining silent, remain silent. If the gospel is furthered by speaking to defend your actions, then speak out.

Paul's Joy at the Church's Response, Part 1, Verses 5-10, KESHIA

5 When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. 6 But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. 7 His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy! 8 I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. 9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

^{SECTION QUESTIONS:} 

6. How does God use people to comfort others? 

7. What can we see about the relationship between grief and repentance in this lesson? Does grief always bring about repentance? 

8.  Reflection: How has God comforted you? 

9. Reflection: What are ways we can tell that repentance is fake news? 

10. Application: If you truly repent over sin, there will be fruit of a changed life. Ask yourself if you are sorry because you are caught of if you are sorry because you have grieved God. Evaluate your spiritual life to see if you are bearing the fruit of repentance or if it is only words. 

Paul's Joy at the Church's Response, Part 2, Verses 11-16 DESTINY 

11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right. 12 My purpose, then, was not to write about who did the wrong or who was wronged. I wrote to you so that in the sight of God you could see for yourselves how loyal you are to us. 13 We have been greatly encouraged by this. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was about the way all of you welcomed him and set his mind[a] at ease. 14 I had told him how proud I was of you—and you didn’t disappoint me. I have always told you the truth, and now my boasting to Titus has also proved true! 15 Now he cares for you more than ever when he remembers the way all of you obeyed him and welcomed him with such fear and deep respect. 16 I am very happy now because I have complete confidence in you.

^{SECTION QUESTIONS:} 

11. This section of scripture is filled with commendation and encouragement to the church at Corinth. What are some of the things Paul is saying to the Corinthians here? 

12. Reflection: Paul said, “I have complete confidence in you” as he spoke to the Corinthians. A Cross Reference scripture we read in earlier lessons for this is 1 Corinthians 13:7 – Love believes all things. Paul gives us a great example of how a Christian worker should think of the people he serves. He could have become cynical or a skeptic. The continued sin of those he ministered to could have hardened his own heart. 

 

                    Prayer Confession for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 7

 "Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God."           (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Dear Heavenly Father, I kneel in awe and wonder when I consider the grace that has been showered on me, that I should be called a child of the holy Creator-God and made joint-heir with Your beloved Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. I pray, that as I gaze into the face of the lovely Lord Jesus, I may pass from glory to glory, and become increasingly conformed into Christ's image, and separate myself from the impurities and lusts of the world system and my fleshly self. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.

"I’m not saying this to condemn you. I said before that you are in our hearts, and we live or die together with you." (2 Corinthians 7:3)

Heavenly Father, thank You for this instructive and comforting epistle from Paul to the Corinthians. I pray that I may develop a teachable spirit and be ready and sufficiently humble to react correctly to any reproof, correction, or training in righteousness I may receive. Keep me looking to Jesus, and keep me growing in grace. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.

(Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/7#)

"For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death." (2 Corinthians 7:10)

We come before you with a heart full of sorrow and repentance. We know that godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, which brings no regret. We claim this promise today, Lord, and ask that you help us to turn away from sin and turn towards you. We pray that you would fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may have the strength and courage to resist the temptations of the world. We know that the sorrow of the world produces death, but with your help, we overcome and find life in you. Thank you for your grace and mercy, Lord. we trust in your promise that godly sorrow leads to salvation, and we pray that you would continue to guide us on this journey of faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. (Source: https://prayerz.org)