The Prophetic Word - Day 13: There can be no repentance without godly sorrow.
- May 5, 2023
- 3 min read
“Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin. Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the Lord by doing this, your child will die.””
2 Samuel 12:13-14 NLT
Biblical Corinth was steeped in paganism and sexual immorality. So, as Paul ministered to the church at Corinth he had to dispense some very strict reprimands concerning their tolerance of pagan practices and sexually immoral behavior. Apparently, on one occasion, Paul had rendered a particularly harsh rebuke to the Corinthians over which he initially had regrets. However, it seems that the letter (given to them through Titus) was well-received and led to godly sorrow and repentance.
In Paul’s referencing of the harsh letter he reminded them of the reason sinful behavior must be challenged:
“Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT
He then explains why he no longer regrets sending the harsh letter:
“I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.”
2 Corinthians 7:8-10 NLT
Paul was now glad over the harsh letter because—not only had their godly sorrow led to repentance—now they were on fire to do the right thing!
“Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.”
2 Corinthians 7:11 NLT
Yesterday we promised to provide further definition of “holy despair.” What Paul is explaining here in terms of godly sorrow is a key part of the definition of holy despair. And, we will look at another aspect of holy despair tomorrow.
Tragically, many possibly well-intentioned pastors are denying people the opportunity for godly sorrow, repentance, and good works because they have rejected the teaching of holiness as being too restrictive and a “nonstarter” in today’s world.
Well, that’s not working out very well. Those with the philosophy that everything must be their definition of “positive,” are producing Christians so mixed with the world, they don’t know the difference between the two.
In our opening scripture we see David‘s response when the prophet Nathan confronted him about his sin. This confrontation of his sin led to David’s sincere repentance we see reflected in Psalm 51 (written after Nathan‘s visit to David).
“For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.”
Psalms 51:3-4 NLT
Child of God, do not run from the correction of the Lord. Rather, let the correction hurt and lead to the repentance which produces newness, holiness, and good works!
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
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