The Crisis of Conflict

The Crisis of Conflict Godly reproof and results… 2 Corinthians 7

Paul’s Conflict with Corinth • Started with his 1st Letter to Corinth. 3:2,3 … you are still fleshly…are you not walking like mere men? 4:7 For who regards you as superior? 6:6 ... I say this to your shame 4:3 I care very little if I am judged by you… 4:8 You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us… 4:19,21 Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? 11:20 14:23 …will they not say that you are mad?

Paul’s Conflict with Corinth • Started with his 1st Letter to Corinth. • It was loving rebuke, not hateful backlash. • They were hurt, but apparently listened. You, too, will experience this if you care about someone

Disapprobation • Reproof is not wrong! 2-4 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. I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.

Disapprobation Not Backlashing... • Reproof is not wrong! • It is a lack of concern not to reprove! • To Confront is not to Condemn! • The “write-off” IS condemnation • You confront when you care… • You believe in someone… • You have their good in view… • You’re committed to their growth… “Make room for us in your hearts…You have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.” 2 Cor. 7:2,3

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Disapprobation • Includes Affirmation! (v.3-4) • Remembers the Good! (v.5-7) 5-7 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn--conflicts on the outside, fears within. 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. I do not say this to condemn you…I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. 2 Cor. 7:3-5

Disapprobation • Includes Affirmation! (v.3-4) • Remembers the Good! (v.5-7) • It will cause sorrow (v.8-9) • Yet without regret! (v.8-9) • But it hurts to do it (v.8-9) • …only for a little while (v.8-9) • And it was worth it! (v9) 8,9 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… 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.

Repentance: the other side! Our response determines the outcome… • Growth Requires Some Sorrow • But Not All Sorrow is Good… • Is it godly, or is it worldly sorrow? Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.2 Cor.7:10

Judas Betrayed by a kiss! A Traitor! Triggered a Brutal Crucifixion… Felt extremely sorrowful after: “Repented” (Mt.26) Returned $$ ! Hanged himself!! Peter Brags: “I’ll fight!” Betrays 3 times! Intimidated by a servant girl! Cussed & cursed JC! In front of JC! Felt extremely sorrowful after… Our response determines the outcome… “Without Regret” vs. “Death”

Judas Went to HELL! PREMEDITATED! Felt Remorse… Peter A Powerful Leader! Denied 3 Times! Our response determines the outcome… “Without Regret” vs. “Death” Acts 1: “Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines…” “Judas turned aside to go to his own place…” “…I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition…” John 17:12 Metamellowmai Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver Matthew 27:3

Judas: Metamellowmai:“Worldly sorrow” Emotional: “with the heart” Peter Metanoia:“Repentance” A Decision:“with the mind” Our response determines the outcome… “Without Regret” vs. “Death” Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.2 Cor.7:10

Judas: Metamellowmai:“Worldly sorrow” Emotional: “with the heart” God couldn’t work Self-Pity Guilt! Driven by Shame “My unique sin” Peter Metanoia:“Repentance” A Decision:“with the mind” God worked w/ Peter Accepted forgiveness Drew close to God Homologia: agreed with God’s viewpoint Our response determines the outcome… “Without Regret” vs. “Death”

Healthy Emotions DO Accompany Metanoiya: 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. 2 Cor. 7:11

The Crisis of Conflict