QT 6/27/2025 2 Cor 12:16-21, The need for cleansing

2 Corinthians 12:16–21 (ESV) —

16 But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. 17 Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?

19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 21 I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.

 

NOTE: At times, it does sound as if Paul's lost second letter is intermixed here. Because previously he seemed very satisfied at their response (2 Cor 7:11-15). But now, and in the verses starting in Chapter 10, he seems concerned (again). God's word is true, but it is certainly possible the letters were combined. Ignoring that issue, since it really is a minor point, Paul's words in these verses (especially verse 21) reflect one of the beatitudes.

 

Matthew 5:4 (ESV) — “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

 

It breaks my heart to think of what God sees that I only hear a snippet about in the news. The things that are done to children, that alone is enough to cause great pain, grief, and mourning. How can this world sin so greatly? A child -- Jesus gave a great warning to those who might hurt a child.

 

In these verses, Paul is not talking about sins against children thankfully. The sexual immorality is among adults, but every time I read the word "mourn," I think of God who sees all, and my eyes tear up for the helpless. Paul's mourning was because these sexual sins among adults hurt our lives in ways we cannot even imagine. And that is why he is so sad. Repentance is needed because it begins the process of cleansing and restoration.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I mourn over sin?
2. Do I even care about the sin done by believers and the impact on their lives?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive us. There is still great sins in the church, and even greater sins across my nation. Forgive us. May we repent and return to you. May we desire truth in our inmost beings. Protect us from the temptations of the evil one which are all around us. Have mercy on us.