Win
2 Corinthians 7:9 (ESV) As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.
Paul rejoices over the Corinthian's grief. Why?
What good is grief over sin if it does not produce a change of mind and a change of lifestyle? The Corinthians were rebuked by Paul and instead of simply feeling bad about their sin, they grieved and changed as a result. This is reason to rejoice!
There are times to mourn, there are times to rejoice. This moment encompassed both. Because when one sinner repents, this is a joyous occasion. We need to understand why. It is because sin is so damaging, so empty, so blinding and so horrible that all heaven rejoices when we turn away from it. Get that picture in your mind in the face of temptation. The courts of heaven and the angels are watching with baited breath over that moment. Will you win? Will you lose?
Do you ever watch a sporting event with that kind of interest? When your favorite team pulls off the championship, what is your response? Celebration! That's the response of heaven over a person repenting from the damnable choice of sin. Because sin is walking away from God and choosing what you were NOT created for. Sin is putting the enemy's team up one more point. Why lose when you can win?
Paul has rejoiced because his words were not simply listened to, they were acted upon. The Corinthians chose a different path and forsook their evil ways. Heaven rejoices.
2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV) For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.
Let's start playing to win.
PRAYER:
Father, help me to see sin for what it is. Help me to see the destructive nature of sin. Help me see what sins I am blind to at this time. And empower me by grace to walk in repentance! In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Paul rejoices over the Corinthian's grief. Why?
What good is grief over sin if it does not produce a change of mind and a change of lifestyle? The Corinthians were rebuked by Paul and instead of simply feeling bad about their sin, they grieved and changed as a result. This is reason to rejoice!
There are times to mourn, there are times to rejoice. This moment encompassed both. Because when one sinner repents, this is a joyous occasion. We need to understand why. It is because sin is so damaging, so empty, so blinding and so horrible that all heaven rejoices when we turn away from it. Get that picture in your mind in the face of temptation. The courts of heaven and the angels are watching with baited breath over that moment. Will you win? Will you lose?
Do you ever watch a sporting event with that kind of interest? When your favorite team pulls off the championship, what is your response? Celebration! That's the response of heaven over a person repenting from the damnable choice of sin. Because sin is walking away from God and choosing what you were NOT created for. Sin is putting the enemy's team up one more point. Why lose when you can win?
Paul has rejoiced because his words were not simply listened to, they were acted upon. The Corinthians chose a different path and forsook their evil ways. Heaven rejoices.
2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV) For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.
Let's start playing to win.
PRAYER:
Father, help me to see sin for what it is. Help me to see the destructive nature of sin. Help me see what sins I am blind to at this time. And empower me by grace to walk in repentance! In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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