My sermon notes for Sunday, June 9th as we continue our study through 2 Corinthians.  Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon.  To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net

 

2 Corinthians 7:5-16 – “For the Love of the Church “ 3 words (word 3)

Certainty (a courageous confidence)– vv. 12-16

 

Big idea of the Text/Message

1. Paul is bringing this section to an end. Because he loved the church and desired for the church to truly be the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ…
2. He appealed to them:
   • For acceptance and affection – 6:11-13
   • For separation from unbelievers – vv. 6:14-18
   • For holy living v. 7:1
   • To remember his love for them (Lord’s Church) – vv. 7:2-4
   • To embrace God’s comfort in the midst of affliction – vv. 7:5-16
   • To reflect upon the importance of repentance – vv. 7:8-11
   • THIS SECTION. Because of these things… we have CERTAINTY and CONFIDENCE in the Lord and His Church.

 

Here he brings this section of the letter to a close and ties it all together by reminding them about

1. Tough Love
2. God’s Comfort
3. Godly Confidence

 

TOUGH LOVE – v. 12

So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God.

 

• I did not write for the offender (false teachers/accusers)
• I did not write for the offended (those offended)
• BUT TO THE CHURCH because they had lost their focus and way…IN THE SIGHT OF GOD
  • He loved them enough to confront them in the first place.
  • He knew it was not about people and personalities, BUT ABOUT PEOPLES SOULS AND LIVES BEFORE A HOLY GOD

 

PRODUCES GREAT COMFORT – vv. 13-14 (come alongside)

[13] Therefore we are comforted.  And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. [14] For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true

 

• They had great comfort due to their repentance
• Titus had great comfort because of what they had done
• Paul had great comfort.

 

 

WHICH PRODUCES A GODLY CONFIDENCE – vv. 15-16

[15] And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. [16] I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you. (ESV)

 

• Paul had complete confidence because he knew GOD HAD DONE A WORK FOR THEM and now they CAN DO A WORK FOR GOD.
• 1 John 1:8–10 – [8] If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (ESV)
• Ephesians 2:8–10 – [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)
• 2 Timothy 1:3–7 – [3] I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. [4] As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. [5] I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. [6] For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, [7] for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (ESV)