http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+7&version=ESV
"Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one."
"I am filled with comfort, I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation."
"Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you may suffer loss from us in nothing, for godly sorrow produces REPENTANCE LEADING TO SALVATION, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: WHAT DILIGENCE IT PRODUCED IN YOU, WHAT CLEARING OF YOURSELVES, WHAT INDIGNATION, WHAT FEAR, WHAT VEHEMENT DESIRE, WHAT ZEAL, WHAT VINDICATION! In all things you proved YOURSELVES TO BE CLEAR in this matter."
"Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.............and his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything (or every thing)."
"Finally, brethren, farewell. BECOME COMPLETE. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and to the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11)
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The Corinthian church, referenced in Paul's first letter, was UNABLE to accept the meat of the word of God. If it did come, they would throw it up just as a baby would adult food. Adult food requires chewing- you have to work at it! The meat of God's word requires attention, and, even more than that, a clearing of yourself to make room for it. Milk is much easier for the self-fulfilled soul to accept.
In this study, Paul is commending the Corinthian church for their willingness to come to a place where completion may commence. Affliction applied produces the opportunity for repentance leading to salvation. So what did the Corinthian church do to take the path to completion rather than carnality? In the affliction - or godly sorrow - they received Titus, and what he had to minister to them, with fear and trembling. They began to open their hearts to those who were in a position to assist them!
The writer of this blog can be reached at ngm0811gdh@gmail.com.
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