FRAMEWORKS:
2 Corinthians 7
In
this ‘Framework' we use our usual text PLUS comment style to enable
you, as simply as possible, to catch the sense of his writing.
FRAMEWORKS:
2
Cor 7 :
Bridge Building
v.1-4
Paul reaches out to the Church
v.5-7
The Comfort we received
v.8-12
Paul's words created godly sorrow & repentance
v.13-16
He and Titus blessed by them
[Chapter
Synopsis: This
chapter is obviously a major exercise in bridge-building after
the necessary corrective words had been brought. He starts by
encouraging them in the light of what he had just been saying
about God's promises, asking that such a response would draw them
closer. They had had a tough time in Macedonia which was only
lightened by the arrival of Titus who told about his time with
them. Paul slips in his pleasure at the response of repentance
his necessary words had brought, before reiterating how blessed
Titus had been by them.]
v.1-4
Paul reaches out to the Church
v.1
(the
promises of God being our Father should stir us to ensure we are
holy in outlook and living) Therefore,
since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves
from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting
holiness out of reverence for God.
v.2,3
(he
calls for them to be united in heart with him) Make
room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted
no one, we have exploited no one. I
do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have
such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.
v.4
(he
has spoken very honestly to them) I
have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in
you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows
no bounds.
[Passage
Synopsis: Paul
seeks to reassure the church of his love and concern and desire
to be one with them.]
v.5-7
The Comfort we received
v.5
(they
had really struggled in Macedonia [see also 1:8]) For
when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed
at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within.
v.6,7
(but
God had comforted him with the arrival of Titus who told about
them, increasing his joy) But
God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of
Titus, and
not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him.
He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent
concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
[Passage
Synopsis: Moving
from concern he reiterates what a tough time they
had had in Macedonia but it was the arrival of Titus with his
news about Corinth that had really encouraged them.]
v.8-12
Paul's words created godly sorrow & repentance
v.8,9
(he
was aware his writing had caused them sorrow but rejoiced that
it brought repentance as God intended) 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— yet
now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your
sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God
intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.
v.10
(that
sorrow, provoked by God lead to repentance and on to salvation)
Godly
sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no
regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
v.11
(the
outworkings of that sorrow were many) 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.
v.12
(thus
his corrective writing was not so much on behalf of the sinner
but so that the whole church could recognise their need and their
relationship with Paul as their father-figure) So
even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one
who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather
that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us
you are.
[Passage
Synopsis: Paul's
corrective writing had caused upset but it was godly sorrow that
grew to repentance, which was seen in a variety of ways, ultimately
showing their loyalty to their parent-apostles.]
v.13-16
He and Titus blessed by them
v.13
(Titus
had been really blessed by them) By
all this we are encouraged. In
addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted
to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed
by all of you.
v.14
(Paul
had told Titus beforehand about their zeal etc. and Titus confirmed
it after his visit) I
had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me.
But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting
about you to Titus has proved to be true as well.
v.15
(Titus
had felt strongly about them in the way they had received him)
And
his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that
you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling.
v.16
(which
also warmed Paul's heart) I
am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
[Passage Synopsis: Paul's
‘bridge-building' continues as he shares about how blessed Titus
had been by them.]
Chapter
Brief Summary/Recap:
Ch.
7
:
Bridge Building
•
as part of
that avoiding hindrances, he seeks to build a bridge to their
hearts
•
he shares
the comfort they have received by hearing of their love for
them
•
he realised
his previous letter was hard, but it was worth it having brought
for repentance and change
•
and further
shares how blessed they were by Titus's report
Continue
to Chapter 8