Off the Shelf Sunday School--2 Corinthians
Warren Mueller
Christian Author & Lake Ecosystem Scientist. Manager Environmental Assessments at Ameren (Retired).
Repentance and Forgiveness (2:1-11)
So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? I wrote as I did so that when I came I should not be distressed by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. 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. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
1. Paul apparently had previously visited with the Corinthian Christians and had rebuked them for sins and errors. He hopes that this letter will be enough to cause them to exercise church discipline and correct errors.
2. Paul stresses his concern for the Corinthian Christians whom he considers to be dear friends. Paul is a teacher, mentor and friend. He refers to them as his children. How is Paul showing parental love by instructing them and then trusting that they will do the right thing? (1 Cor 4:14-16)
3. Paul says that disciplined believers should be forgiven and restored to the church, provided they repent and change their ways. The goal of church discipline must always be for the benefit of the person who needs correction. It is not to make those doing the correction feel morally superior or to put people in their place.
4. What are the dangers to the church beliefs and practices if those sinning in obvious and public ways are not disciplined? What is wrong with churches who say that everyone is welcome to join, regardless of their beliefs or lifestyles?