I. The Explanation of His Actions. 2 Corinthians 1:3-2:13
II. The Exhortation to Understanding. 2 Corinthians 3:1-7:1
III. The Earnest Desire for Unity. 7:2-16
A. The Confession of his undying love for them. 2 Corinthians 7:2,3
B. The Comfort of the Lord to overcome. 2 Corinthians 7:4-7
C. The Confidence in his actions toward them. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11
1. The charge brought against them. 7:8
2. The challenge to repent and do right. 7:9
3. The choice they could make. 7:10
4. The change brought about through repentance. 7:11

D. The Commendation for their submission. 7:12-16

1. The desire for them to repent, understanding his purpose. 7:12

The actions of the family had consequences for the church. Paul did not single out the offended or the offender, but he wrote to the entire church to reprove them and exhort them to repent, discipline the offending member, and restore the unity in the Lord. Paul had already instructed them in the importance of every member of the church and how the actions of one will effect the whole. Refer to 1 Corinthians 12:14-27
Note the illustration of how one person’s rebellious acts effected the whole nation of Israel.

a. The instructions given to the people –
Joshua 6:18, 19, 24.
b. The Inhabitants were being judged due to their rebellion against the Lord and their wealth was confiscated, dedicated to the use of the Lord.

Leviticus 18:24-25 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.

c. The iniquity of individuals visited by the Lord.

1). His judgment of mercy was bestowed on Rahab and her family members because of their belief and trust in God.
2). His judgment upon Achan and his family because of their sin.
Joshua 7:1, 10, 19-26
Note that Achan had options –

a). He concealed his sin.

His iniquity was known by his family and possibly by others involved in the battle who chose not to accuse him. The items that he took could be concealed, but not easily. The silver would be about the size of a 6 inch cube, the gold a three inch ball, and the cloth would be easily noticed being so different from what the Israelites had been wearing for the past 40 years of wandering in the wilderness! He took things that he had to conceal from others and would not be able to use, bringing forth only guilt and eventually, condemnation.
b). He could have repented and taken the silver, gold, and garment to the collection point and told them that he had found these items and was bringing to the storehouse.

2. The delight in their reaction. 7:13-15

Titus brought a report of their repentance.

a. Callous to caring. 7:13
If you will read 1 Corinthians, you will see the changes needed. No they are no longer
hard hearted and self serving, divided . They had turned from –
3). Rebellious to repentant.
2). Hateful to harmonious.
3). Suspicious to supporting.
4). Accusing to accepting.
5). Selfish to sharing.

Titus came with rejoicing and encouraged Paul and the missionaries when they saw “…the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.” Titus had seen that the church, for the most part, desired to glorify God in all that they did. He brought with him a –

b. Confirmation of Paul’s expectations. 7:14,15

Paul had shared with Titus prayerful anticipation of the condition of the church. He had established the church through the preaching of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and spent a year and a half teaching them the Word of God. He was confident that they knew the truth, they just needed to submit to the truth!

1). They had been instructed in the Word of God, not only in theoretical doctrine, but in practical application, even in how to care for the men of God.

1 Corinthians 16:10-11 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

2). They had applied the Word of God to their lives through their actions and gained the heart of Titus and his desire to give a good report of them.

3. The decision that they were ready to take part in the offering for the saints. 7:16

The church had been informed of the offering, but Paul wanted to be sure that they were prepared spiritually to give. All that is involved in salvation and service is a privilege, the gift of God to man. Paul was rejoicing that the church that had been serving itself for so long was now prepared to serve God for His glory and honour.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Today, are you prepared to serve the Lord for His glory?
Are you saved?
As saved, are you serving? Are you seeking the Lord in prayer for His direction in your life? Are you looking for an opportunity to receive from Him that you may give to others?