7 day plan

Times of Refreshing

Day 6 of 7

NIV

2 Corinthians 7:10

10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Reflection:

The Bible makes it clear that “times of refreshing” are “from the Lord” (Acts 3:19). Historical revivals are sovereign acts of God. However, although we cannot force God’s hand, we can prepare our hearts.

When Peter used this phrase in his sermon after the miracle at the temple gate, he started by challenging the audience to repent. The recognition of our deep-rooted sin and our subsequent heart-felt repentance are not popular themes in today’s world, but they are both essential in revivals.

Repentance was certainly a major theme of Duncan Campbell, the key figure in the Hebridean Revival in 1949, when God ‘swept in’ and transformed the entire community. His passionate plea was for ‘a vision of desperate need’ and a ‘baptism of honesty’ among his hearers. If we are going to see a revival in Australia, we must also be truly honest about our sinfulness and our desperate need for an awakening. Revivals require honesty.

Prayer:

Father God, I praise your holy Name. Thank you that you are full of mercy and willing to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. May your kindness lead us to repentance. Help me to be truly honest about my own sins, failures, and weaknesses. I ask this in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

Days

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2
3
4
5
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7

2 Corinthians 7:1-16

1Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Paul’s Joy Over the Church’s Repentance

2Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.

5For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

8Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13By all this we are encouraged.

In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 16I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.