Stand Strong in the Word
Stand Strong in the Word is a weekly bible study that teaches through the Bible verse by verse in chronological order. For more information, visit www.standstrongministries.org.
Stand Strong in the Word
#283 "Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Regret: Finding Redemption in Grief” (2 Corinthians 7:2-16)
🌟 What if your sorrow could be the spark that ignites profound transformation instead of leading you into despair? 🌟
In this episode, we’re diving into the depths of 2 Corinthians 7 to reveal how true repentance, inspired by God’s unwavering promises, can cleanse our hearts and bring redemption amid our grief.
Join Jason Jimenez as we explore the critical difference between godly sorrow, which opens the door to healing, and worldly regret, which may only deepen our pain.
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So how do we know the difference between someone who has godly sorrow, truly repented and seen God work in and through them, versus someone who just has worldly regret? Well, that's exactly what we're going to be exploring on today's podcast. So I encourage you guys to turn to 2 Corinthians 7 as we learn about what godly sorrow truly is. Well, hey there, my friends, welcome to Stand Strong in the Word podcast. Blessed to be with you guys, as always, as we are here studying, verse by verse, the book of 2 Corinthians, and so I want to welcome anybody who is new to this podcast. This is a podcast we've been doing for several years, and our passion here is to be able to teach you guys the New Testament in chronological order. Maybe there will be a day where we will jump into the Old Testament, but I'm sure we're probably, at this rate, another I don't know eight to ten years out, if the Lord continues to bless this ministry. So I want to just say welcome and I'm so glad you guys are listening. Whatever you're doing, you could be working out, you could be walking the dog, you could be sitting in your bedroom listening. Whatever the case may be, we love teaching God's Word. That is my number one passion. I was just being interviewed recently and someone says, jason, you write books, you're a pastor, you get to travel and speak in different environments, you do these podcasts, you do Q and A's apologetics what's your favorite and I hate that word favorite but what I really feel that God has gifted me specifically in is to teach the Bible, not just as a teacher, but the Bible. I'm not saying I'm great at it. I love being able to stand in a church and to specifically teach the Bible in a church, and to specifically teach the Bible, more so than when I give another topic, you know, just to you know, maybe making the case why Christianity is true, or teaching on hijacking Jesus. When it just comes to the purity of scripture, opening it up, preparing a message to, to minister to people. I love that and you know what I love this. I mean just the fact that we can come together.
Speaker 1:Here I'm in my studio, opening the Bible, looking at my notes, praying for you guys, praying that God would minister, that he would use this passage today to speak to you. And this one is a very personal one, not just for me but for all of us, because, as I say in my title godly sorrow versus worldly regret. This has caused a lot of pain, a lot of confusion in many people's lives, but this is why I put the tagline there finding redemption in grief, grief. If there's not redemption in someone's grief or they feel sorry, or they feel upset, that doesn't mean that the sorrow that they're experiencing is necessarily one that comes from the lord. And so this passage, my friends, is very, very important for us as we go through verses two through 16.
Speaker 1:Now, as always, we have to look at what we talked about in the previous podcast. So if you go back to podcast 282, we're talking about living pure in a polluted world. So when you are not living in the world, when you choose to work for the Lord, to walk in the spirit, to fight against the lust of the flesh, you will not be walking in worldly regret because you're not living in worldly things. So when you are sorrowful when you wrong someone, when you hurt someone or there's been a pattern of sin in your life and you learn and you're convicted, it's going to be godly sorrow and that is the work of the Lord. That's not something you and I can manufacture. That is not something that we can work out in our own flesh and blood. This is something that we have to respond to, the work of God.
Speaker 1:So when you connect verse one and I think it's important for us to read it so we can see the context as we're now diving into this next section of scripture in verse 1 he says since we have these promises beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement. So remember, we go back to chapter 6. What were the promises? The promises that God would be with us, the promises that we are the temple of God, the promises that God will forgive us, the promises that when we don't live in unclean things, we will be blessed. Those are the promises, the promises that we're children of God. So then he says every defilement of bodies, when we cleanse ourselves from, every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
Speaker 1:So then notice, he says in verse two make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. This is a common theme or approach that Paul's been having with the Corinthians. He's defending himself because, remember, they're calling into question. So if you've been following along for quite some time within this particular chapter. You know that is very common. In fact. If you go back to chapter six, he said in verse one, working together with him. And then you see that he says we are not imposters. In verse eight, and then he's, of course they were calling him imposters, right. And then it says in verse 11, we have spoken freely to you. And then he says open your hearts, make them wide open. This is a person who's putting it out there. He's wanting the Corinthians to understand how much he loves them and how much they can trust him. He's showing them this deep bond that they once shared.
Speaker 1:Now, if you've ever gone through something like this, especially if you've been a mentor, especially if you've been somebody who has played a significant role in someone's life, and then over time, for whatever reason, there's a divide, something happens or somebody enters into that person's life and they don't necessarily like you, or they're trying to take over and, over time, that individual that you love so much, even though it hurts you what they've done, and they're even buying into some of these lies or thinking. How could you even think that I would say something or do something like that, or even call into question my loyalty? Have I not shown you, I didn't take advantage of you. I've never harmed you, I've never backstabbed you, quite the opposite. I've opened my home, my life, my resources. I mean, I'm sure if you are, like me, in full-time ministry and you've done ministry for quite some time, you have those stories.
Speaker 1:This is far beyond just a friendship. This is what Paul's doing here. You know, and you know me, I try to be real and when I'm studying the scriptures, you know it's, it convicts you and it brings up stuff. And when I was preparing for this, for the podcast, one of the stories that came up when I was reading this one verse we have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. And he says I do not say this to condemn you, for I say before that you are in our hearts. So Paul's saying I'm not, I'm not saying you're to blame, it's your fault, you're a troublemaker.
Speaker 1:And this brought back a memory in ministry where I had been going through some personal things and I was just really, you know, getting into a serious relationship. Who's now my wife? After it will be 24 years, and at this time time we were, we were engaged, and then we became newlyweds and I had a lot of growing to do spiritually when it comes to being submissive to my authority, to finding direction in ministry and what a shepherd truly is, and at that time, as a young individual going to school learning philosophy, apologetics. It was about proving myself. It was about proving people wrong in the process to make me look better, and that never goes well for anybody and it didn't for me, but it was a great lesson and I had some really amazing people.
Speaker 1:I didn't agree with everything they said or did or what they assumed or how they read into certain things, but that's not the point. The point was I needed to be disciplined and as I was learning and growing and they certainly had people in my life that were just really helping me be humble and be teachable and learning about taking care of others I had an individual who I invested in for quite some time, gave him a job, provided shelter, and he turned so many people against me and so when that time was coming, with the leadership that I was going to be coming back, a lot of the people that I had spent so much time investing into had eventually bought into this man who, temporarily, was supposed to be shepherding these people in my absence, and it destroyed not only my relationship with that individual who I can no longer trust, because he was unrepentant and come to find out he was another type of sin. But it was so hurtful to see people who would not acknowledge you. And you baptize them, you brought a birthday presents, you prayed with him. After the service, you took him to camp. They came to the altar and you embrace them as one of your own.
Speaker 1:That's what Paul's going through here, so I can relate and you know when he's trying to appeal to them, to their hearts. Now, obviously he recognizes the dangers and the influences that they've been dealing with false teachers that have been saying false things about him. Paul was focused on aligning himself with them and by doing so he was trying to reinforce the need for unity and strength in their spiritual journey against the backdrop of conflicting beliefs. That's what he was focusing on. So one of the things that he says, and it's powerful, he says I have not wronged you guys. And throughout the letter, remember this is what he's been doing. He's been defending his character and his ministry. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of truth, we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience and the sight of God. Can you do that? Can I do that?
Speaker 1:I just had a conversation with a friend of mine about another individual who I've been very close with, who's a public figure, prominent ministry, and he has recently come out and confessed some things that have happened. A while back, still stayed in ministry but it was not good and a lot of stuff's coming back to haunt him, and even though back then it was in a closed, isolated environment with the support of key people. Now people around the world know. And one of the things my friend said was you know, when you say and I thought of this passage right away we have wronged no one, and he's going around in ministry telling people not to wrong people and yet in the process he had, I mean, we automatically know that's hypocrisy, we automatically know it's a double standard.
Speaker 1:But what it does is it almost puts you in a position where it's like can you ever say that again? Like when will people ever trust you again when you say that you've not wronged people, when you clearly have? And then you lied about it and you covered it up and that's why I just can I just say, if you listen to this podcast and even if you personally know me and you know my wife, celia, and you know my four kids, tyler, amy Jackson Haley, can you pray for us? Just pray that we will walk in the spirit, just that we would, that we would love the Lord and love you guys and stay out of scandal, that I can honestly say I've wronged no one. Now, do I not always show the grace? Am I always patient? Of course not, but in this passage, what Paul's focusing on are three specific accusations that have been leveled against him and we ourselves have to look at this.
Speaker 1:One was wrong, the wronging of others, which he said I have not done. Two was the corrupting of character, which he's saying I am rock solid in the Lord. And the third one is exploiting people for personal gain, which he says I have not done that. And so what Paul does is he firmly counters these claims and he's asserting that his ministry is not only sincere but also beneficial to those he serves. So the criticism directed at Paul suggests that his actions are damaging to individuals and that he is engaging in unethical behavior that harms the community. So what he does is he deals with it. He doesn't justify things, he doesn't take responsibility for things he didn't do. He doesn't turn and blame them, he doesn't get all insecure and attack them. He seeks to clarify that, rather than causing harm, his intent and his actions align with promoting the well-being and the spiritual growth of others. Now, in the process, what he does is he rebuts any notion that he's committing a form of injustice or he's looking to exploit people.
Speaker 1:So, through this discussion and we cannot dismiss this when he's saying open your hearts, we've wronged no one. His mission, the highlight here, is to restore trust and so, with that connection, with that relationship, that they can have more effective ministry as they go forth and minister to people. So then, in verse three, he says I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are our hearts. Notice. He says that you are our hearts to die together and to live together, for I said before that you are our hearts Notice. He says that you are our hearts To die together and to live together. I'm acting with great boldness towards you. I have great pride in you. I'm filled with comfort in all our affliction, I'm overflowing with joy, acting with great boldness. Now, this is what's interesting, because we look at this. And one, it's transparency. He's being vulnerable, he's opening his hearts to them and this, this is commendable. But also two is this wording is very complementary to ancient literature, meaning the way it's framed is common in his genre at the time.
Speaker 1:Paul, here in verses three and four, is being very frank and by doing so he's highlighting his commitment to the Corinthians to be honest and to be loyal. How many times, even in our relationships with people that we say look, my commitment to you is to be honest, to tell you the truth, to be loyal, to back you, to support you. That's what Paul's saying, that's what he's doing, just like if you've done that to somebody, that's what he's saying, he's suggesting that, and this is what we have to understand and how Paul, especially in Corinthians, with the philosophy and the Greek thinking there were so many orators, there were so many great intellectual speakers, but what he didn't want to do is he didn't want to take advantage of them, but he just wanted to be transparent. So he could have made this huge and put a lot of thought and use his you know rhetorician and his ability to argue to make the Corinthians look stupid. No, it's not what he did. He would rather be transparent in his communication and that's what he wanted from them as well.
Speaker 1:Now, this term when he talks about again let's look at it in these verses condemn acting with great boldness, great pride, filled with comfort, overflowing with joy. It underscores the importance of open and sincere dialogue and fostering trust and mutual respect. The language that he uses, that's what it brings, because notice in verse five, he says for even when we came into Macedonia. So now he's giving an example. This is important and we'll get to the godly sorrow versus the worldly regret. But oftentimes, when you're being vulnerable and you're talking with somebody, you're not dealing with superlatives, you're not dealing with generalizations, you deal with specifics. You don't deal with assumptions, you deal with specifics. So he says when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted every turn, fighting without fear and fear within. Now let me just tell you, guys, this Off and on, for at least two weeks when I've been studying 2 Corinthians, I would often go to this one verse.
Speaker 1:What did Paul mean? He talks about no rest, he talks about being afflicted at every turn and he talks about fighting without and fear within. Now, I would have loved to just spend time with this one verse and I actually jotted down so much more that I'm not gonna share with you guys in the podcast today, but I just wanna tell you this One. Let's go back to chapter two, verse 13. Remember when Paul said my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother, titus, there. So I took leave of them and went to Macedonia. So notice, he did not have a good feeling when his spirit was not at rest, when Titus wasn't there. So he took leave, goes to Macedonia. So he says for when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, so Paul's just struggling, okay, when he enters there in Macedonia, remember, he was harassed.
Speaker 1:We're told that every turn this isn't just a bad day, paul's not just having a bad day, he's not just having a bad trip, he is being attacked on all fronts. In fact, you know, with his colleague and companion Luke, we are told that Paul was attacked physically as well as having to deal with internal fears and unrest. For example, let's look at Thessalonica. This is in the book of Acts. This is in Acts, chapter 17, that you can see for yourself. And you see here where Paul says when the Jews, they were jealous, ever had somebody who's jealous of you and what they're willing to say and do to cause turmoil in your life or division?
Speaker 1:He has a mob of Jews and it says taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob of jews. And it says taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in uproar and attacked the house of jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. And when they could not find them, they dragged jason and some of the brothers before the city of authority, shouting these men who have turned the world upside down have come here also and jason has received him. And they were all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another King, jesus and the people in the city. Authorities were disturbed when they heard these things and when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go and the brothers immediately sent Paul and Tylus away by night. So notice, they're being afflicted. They are very cautious and do not feel that it's safe for Paul and Silas, so they send them out by night secretively to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now, these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica and they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Christians daily to see if these things were. So Many of them be, uh, therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. So a lot of people are coming to Christ and Berea.
Speaker 1:But notice, it says, when the Jews from Thessalonica so the larger degree of Macedonia in that region right, he's a larger, and these are just broken areas within that region they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. So notice, he left Macedonia because or, excuse me, more specifically, thessalonica, because of the fear of these Jews, these mobs, what they're doing to Jason and others. And now they follow him and they're stirring up the crowd even more Okay, and he's, and they're causing agitation. Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way. So notice immediately, like we're not messing around, this is not good for you. If you stayed around, you might be even killed. But notice, it says but Silas and Timothy remain there and those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens and, after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed. Not only that, guys.
Speaker 1:But we're told in 2 Timothy 2, verse 23, that he has dealt with foolish and ignorant controversies Titus 3, 9, dissensions, philippians 1, 30, he engaged in a lot of conflict. So these are things, my friends, that we're told repeatedly of what Paul has had to go through. So when he's talking about unrest, when he's talking about turmoil, when he's talking about a lot of these issues in his life, it makes sense if you just follow the type of ministry that he was involved in. Okay, so now we understand a little bit as to what Paul's talking about with this type of fear and all of these dissensions and controversies. And then notice now, in verses six through seven, he says but God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.
Speaker 1:I love this all the time about Paul because he takes the focus off of the physical persecution and all the issues and he says but God, yes, we were downcast. Yes, there's fear inwardly that we're struggling with. Yes, we're fighting without meaning. We're trying to figure out. How are we going to pay for this? How are we going to live? But God and he says specifically God who comforts the downcast. The word downcast literally means the humble ones. It's actually a reference from Isaiah 49, verse 13.
Speaker 1:But I love this because you guys, one thing is, if you are being attacked like Paul is being attacked, and you have a lot of people who've turned their back on you, there's always a Titus somewhere. Because the great thing is one of the things that the God of all comfort remember he said this in 2 Corinthians 1, what he does is he sends him Titus, and it was Titus who brings good news. He's the one who brings joy and comfort. He's a trusted companion. In fact, if you look at 1 Thessalonians, 3, 6, and 7, when Timothy came, he brings good news. He brings good news about their faith, their love. So he's very detailed, he's very engaged.
Speaker 1:And then it says brothers, in all our distress and affliction, we have been comforted by you through your faith. So, despite the affliction, despite the stress or the distress, the fact that you are walking in the Lord and the fact that you love us and you care for us, that matters. So when someone tells you look, I've been having a bad day, or they don't even know it and you send them a text, or you call them, or you engage them, or you hug them, or you do something kind, or you take them to their favorite restaurant. You just spend time with them. I did that recently to somebody and they said thanks for always just being there for me. That's such a blessing. Such a blessing.
Speaker 1:Then it says for even if I made you grieve with my letter, do not regret it, though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieves you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting, for you felt a godly grief so that you suffered no loss through us. All right, I'm going to jump into verse 10 through 15 in a minute, but I just want to break down the section, because in verses 8 through 15, paul mentions a second reason for the joy that he has Titus right, but also the fact that the Corinthians responded with godly sorrow rather than in defiance. Now notice he says, though I did regret. He says, but I didn't really. He's not contradicting himself Again. Paul's being open and honest.
Speaker 1:Initially, paul wrestled with the decision to send the stern letter to the corinthians. Initially, paul had a deep sense of like fear. This is partly what I think if you go back to that verse. I said earlier that there was fear within, but he did it nonetheless. Why? Because Because he understood that this correspondence that he need to have with him, though it would bring about distress, he trusted the Lord. It was his way of trying to resolve, with the conviction that he had and the love that he had for God and these people with unwavering faith in God. He knew that it was essential. The Corinthians needed to be confronted in their sin. They need to be confronted about their sin, no matter how emotional this would be, no matter the emotional toil that this would have on Paul. He needed to do this. It was his responsibility as an apostle to guide them and to ensure that, through discipline, God would use us to grow them spiritually. Ensure that, through discipline, god would use us to grow them spiritually. And that's what he was so excited about, because they felt this godly grief.
Speaker 1:Now, this phrase conveys the notion of a change in purpose and transformation of heart towards God. So when I was asking you the question in the opening of the podcast what's the difference? So, when I was asking you the question in the opening of the podcast, what's the difference? You clearly will know, no-transcript, the difference between godly sorrow and worldly regret. But what about a loved one who is in sin and they say I'm so sorry, I won't do it again? How do you know if that's true? Well, the phrase here, the godly grief that felt a godly grief is this notion of a change in purpose, so that person, the purpose to sin and for themselves, for their own gain and selfishness, that will change. And not only that, but there's a transformation. So they stop doing the sin and whatever goes with it, and you will see a transformation, a change of heart, and it's about God and through that you'll see this humility, you'll see a genuine brokenness, to the point where it brings pity to your heart. Now he says, for you felt a godly grief so that you suffered no loss through us. What does that mean? Well, although the Corinthians were upset, obviously, initially, with Paul's letter, it ultimately did not cause him any lasting damage because it was not a letter to condemn them and it was not a letter of spiritual abuse.
Speaker 1:If you go back to the previous chapter, remember, paul appealed to the Corinthians. He said this in first Corinthians six, verse two I don't want you to receive this without God's grace. Or rather he says without God's grace. Or rather he says do not receive this in vain. So it's about God's grace, was not about like you, listen to me because I'm your apostle. No, that's not his heart. Paul was devastated. So he initially regretted he didn't want to have to do this, but upon prayer and fasting and all the wise counsel that he had around him, he knew it was necessary. And then he hears a report from Titus. Oh my gosh, paul, it's amazing. They are genuinely repentant.
Speaker 1:So then he says in verse 10, for godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what ignatiation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment. At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. We know, my friends, that it's only through God, it's God's way, that can produce godly sorrow. That's how repentance is produced. Is God moving on our hearts and us responding with godly sorrow? That repentance is truly the fruit of it, the result of it Simply feeling bad about doing something wrong or harboring resentment. That's not sufficient, that's not godly sorrow.
Speaker 1:One piece of evidence of the Corinthians' repentance was what their earnestness the Greek word there is spoide to do what is right and to follow the clear teachings that were laid out by Paul. So if someone's truly repentant, you're going to see this earnestness or this eagerness to make things right. That's above them, not below them, and not for them, but unto God. So, just as Paul demonstrated, the Corinthians have shown that their changed attitudes and actions reflect the incredible work of God in their lives. That right, there was something that they responded to the genuine repentance, how Paul conducted himself, turning them to the grace of God. That brought newfound innocence in a situation, remember, that was threatened by condemnation. So this term here matter carries a legal weight, like court case. You guys are headed to court and you are going to lose and you are going to receive a damaging and a total consensus on the legal side that you're guilty. Therefore you are going to be facing some major time.
Speaker 1:So this was highlighting the seriousness of the unrepentance of the Corinthians because of their rebellion, and many of them are turning to paganism, many of them are returning to paganism. So Paul is saying the weight, the legal weight of that was remedied because the Corinthians were forgiven and they can now move forward as a community of believers, transitioning from judgment to restoration in God's grace. My friends, we cannot underestimate that, we can't overlook that. So that's why Paul says in verse 12, so although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. So see notice, he said I wasn't necessarily, I wasn't entirely. The aim was not just to record the record of your wrong or the people who've been hurt by your wrong.
Speaker 1:Paul writes this initial letter. Now, remember, he was unsure how the Corinthians would respond. He wasn't sure whether they would stay loyal to him and if they would continue to be disciples in the Christian faith. But he says I wrote this letter, I wrote that letter that your earnestness for us might be revealed, meaning I'm giving you an opportunity that you would respond and say Paul, we love you, we love the Lord.
Speaker 1:So sometimes, you guys, when we have to do confronting the main goal, especially if there's godly sorrow there, isn't to say well, I wanted to tell you the areas that you're wrong and I need to prove my case, and along the way, I want to tell you all the damage that you've done. A lot of times you say, look, you know why I'm here. I'm here because I'm hoping, I am praying, that your earnestness might be revealed in this, that you'll respond in repentance Again, assuming that that individual is in sin. So Paul says this, and we'll close with this. Therefore, we are comforted. Besides our own comfort, we rejoice still more at the joy of Titus because his spirit has been refreshed by you all, for whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true. And his affection for you is even greater as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. I rejoice because I have complete confidence in you, my friends.
Speaker 1:Titus, I got to say, is such a wonderful example Of not only a devoted minister who genuinely loved God's people, but also he's a model of a friend. I mean, Titus, more than likely, was there when, throughout, the entirety of the churches in Corinth were giving a collection in 1 Corinthians 16, 1 and 2. We know that he traveled abroad. He's with Silas. He gets reports in Thessalonica, he gets reports for the Corinthians. He gives it to Paul. Paul needs him.
Speaker 1:Paul's not at ease. He's, you know, he's uneasy, he's not restful until Titus comes. So one let me say this I know we're talking about godly sorrow, I know we're talking about the difference between that and worldly regret. But one thing I will say about worldly regret, or worldly grief, is it's about you. Therefore, you won't have a Titus in your life. But if you're truly repentant of your sin, you will have people like titus in your life. Matter of fact, you would long for them and I would even go as far as saying you're really you and I will really not move forward in our lives without their assistance. And then, in closing, this obedience of you, and he's rejoicing because he has complete confidence in them. I mean, even though, with this apprehension, even with the nerves, even with the eagerness to be reunited to them and having, you know, some worries and expectations, they were enthusiastic. They embraced the letter, they told it to Titus. They saw there was this compliance. They saw that there was this respectful demeanor and Titus felt such a warm affection in this community.
Speaker 1:And, guys, as I close, this is a pleasant turn of events because not only did it lift up Titus's spirits, but it also reinforced Paul's faith in the Corinthians transformation. Why? Because of godly sorrow. That's the power of godly sorrow. It doesn't just change the person who finally sees the light and their sins are forgiven, but that person's no longer committing the harms and the wrongful actions with the people around them. As Paul witnessed their obedience and newfound respect, he felt reassured and confident that the previous tensions and the conflicts between himself and the Corinthians had significantly eased. And the amazing thing is we're going to be seeing in the next few chapters now is that he's able to take this godly sorrow with the Corinthians and start teaching them about acts of grace and giving, not just financial giving, but giving of themselves for the glory of God. So I pray that's a blessing to you, guys, as you hear God's word for you in your life.
Speaker 1:My friends, as I'm recording this, we're coming to the end of the year and let me just tell you this we have set a goal to raise $30,000. That will help us. The great thing is we God has blessed us in the previous year, but we are adding new initiatives that require some more financial assistance so we can have more individuals that we can hire to help me in my travel, to help me with our articles, to help us with production, to help us with editing. We're looking to grow more content on YouTube weekly, on a weekly basis. And not only that, but we also partner with ministries that can't afford the type of ministry that we have, and so what we try to do is we try to raise funds throughout the year to allow me to be able to not only do something like this, this podcast, but also be able to bring our books at no cost or little cost, as well as teaching for nothing, for free, to train parents, to train young people, to even train as we came back from Nepal, a nation of pastors, and partnering with existing ministries using our resources. So I was recently, in 2024, I was able to go for a 10-day mission trip to Nepal to train pastors because of my donors, because of the faithful people who have supported this ministry all these years and this is just one avenue is this podcast? So if this is your only connection to the ministry.
Speaker 1:I want to thank you for your faithfulness, not only leave a review, not only go to our website, standstrongministriesorg, to learn more about our ministry and all the resources that we make available to help Christians stand strong in their faith with wise thinking and bold living, but also to come alongside us and become a stand strong supporter, whether that's 10, a hundred dollars a month or a one-time gift every year.
Speaker 1:But I'm encouraging you please and I say this because I love you guys and I'm vulnerable I need your help. My team and I are so thankful God is so faithful, god is so good to us and I could not be doing what I'm doing without the generous and faithful giving of men and women, just like you. So I encourage you if you're listening to this as we close out, please prayerfully consider, talk to somebody your spouse, your parents, a pastor at church, whatever but let them know about Stand Strong Ministries and see the work that God is doing in and through us. And come alongside us, partner with us, give what you can so we can meet this goal, so we can come strong into 2025 to continue to share Christ with others. Love you guys. Until next time, keep standing strong in the Word of God.