2 Corinthians: Godly Sorrow

Sermon Outline for March 26, 2023
2 CORINTHIANS: Godly Sorrow
2 Corinthians 7:2-16

Introduction: Paul’s struggles with the Corinthians
In 2 Corinthians 7:2-16, Paul ...
• reassures the Corinthian church of his great love and concern for them (vv. 3-4)
• transitions to a second major agenda in his letter – raising money for the poor in
Jerusalem and calling on the Corinthians to contribute support (v. 16; see chapters
8-9)
• explains his anxiety about having grieved them, but expresses his joy that their
grief led to their repentance (vv. 5-11)
Godly sorrow ...
• leads to acts of repentance
• restores the broken relationship
2 Corinthians 2:5-8,
5
If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you
to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6 The punishment inflicted on him by the
majority is sufficient. 7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will
not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8

I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for

him.
1 Peter 2:24,
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live
for righteousness
Questions for Discussion:
• Think of a time you were sorrowful because your words or actions hurt another
person. Was your sorrow more of a godly sorrow or a worldly sorrow? Please
explain why. You can consult Paul’s list in v. 11 as a reference.
• True repentance is more than just a feeling of regret, but is also a change in
behavior that is demonstrated through action. Tell about a time you repented of a
wrong and the specific actions you took.
• How likely are you to lovingly address the sin of another person? What might
prevent you, and what would be a biblical response to your hesitation?