2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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A GODLY SORROW (II)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
2 Corinthians 7:8-13
Psalm 51:1-19
“For godly sorrow worketh
repentance to salvation …”
A GODLY SORROW (II)
Yesterday, we saw the worldly sorrow of Judas Iscariot and King Saul for their sins which ultimately led to their deaths. Their sorrow stands in contrast with David’s in Psalm 51. David had committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. To cover his tracks, he had Uriah killed in the fiercest point of battle. Nevertheless, when he was confronted by the prophet Nathan, he did not push the blame but wholly admitted his sin. Psalm 51 records his genuine sorrow and repentance of his sins:
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest” (Ps 51:1-4).
The Corinthian Christians had a similar response when confronted by Paul in the severe letter. “For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (2 Cor 7:11). They were eager and diligent to deal with the spiritual issues addressed by Paul in the severe letter. They were not like Saul or Judas Iscariot who chose the route to death. Rather, they sought to make themselves right unto a restored fellowship with God and His saints.
Are there any sins which you have not repented of? Truly confess your sins and repent. There is always forgiveness with the Lord. Be like David, not like Judas Iscariot.
THOUGHT: Have I truly repented of my sins?
PRAYER: (Use Psalm 139:23.)