Bible Chapter: II Corinthians 7

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Chapter 7 starts out wrapping up chapter 6 and the statements about purity and avoiding the entanglements with worldliness.  We are challenged to purify ourselves from everything that contaminates (this means sin).  Holiness must be perfected out of reverence to God.  This is another reminder to get as close to Jesus as we can and get far from the active participation in sin.
    Paul then went on to talk about his joy in the believers in Corinth.  Corinth was a notoriously immoral city and some of their pride in moral corruption had infected the church there.  Paul’s first letter was sometimes scathing in calling out their sin.  Now he is rejoicing in the impact he had and the changes they were making.  He felt bad to hurt them, but it was necessary.  Their sorrow brought them to repentance.  Verse 10 tells us that Godly sorrow leads to repentance and that leads to salvation.  Nothing is more important than our personal salvation and our assurance of a real relationship with Jesus.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    It took the church in Corinth a while to learn to be the one who does the influencing and not be the one who is influenced.  They were influenced by the sin that was rampant around them.  The city has been described as intellectually arrogant.  I see the same thing in our culture today.  One of the highest ranking government officials recently said that  the United States protects religious freedom because: “In America, you have a right to be stupid.”  That kind of arrogance and haughtiness exemplifies the animosity to God we see today and is setting us up for destruction.  Like the folks in Corinth, I and all believers must be careful to not get caught up in this mentality that says we don’t need God.
    I need to remember Paul’s rejoicing in the desire of the church in Corinth to turn from their wickedness and serve the Lord.  I think of this over and over, the thought of how close can I get to Jesus.

3.  How can I help someone?
    The Bible talks about people being blinded spiritually.  That describes our world today.  I am often amazed at how blind people really are.  They can’t see the sin and the impact it makes.  They find all kinds of excuses for sin, blaming it on everything except the real cause.  Sin is no longer sin.  I must help people see the difference.