The Reporter     Volume 48 # 7,  --  February 15, 2008

 

Satan Takes Advantage Of Some

– 2 Corinthians Two –

 

   Paul had a strong desire to visit Corinth. However, he did not want it to be a sorrowful visit. He knew that if he visited Corinth and the problems were not corrected that it would be a sorrowful time for him and for the brethren there also. If Paul had visited Corinth and found them in a state of confusion and unfaithfulness he would have felt himself called on to exercise the severity of discipline. He wanted to avoid that if at all possible.

 

   Paul wanted to help the church to understand how they should treat the brother that had been immoral. Church discipline had worked and it had its desired effect. The church had carried out proper discipline against this sinning brother and he had repented of his wickedness. Now they must be careful to forgive him and to be an encouragement to him. Paul wanted the brother forgiven so that he would not become discouraged and then Satan could easily take advantage of the situation again. Satan is always busy looking for those that he can gain some advantage over.

 

   Paul expressed a deep concern for Titus. He left Troas where there was a great "open door" to go on to Macedonia to search for him. In 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 we learn that Paul did find Titus and that he was safe. “For indeed, when we came to Macedonia,  our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.” Paul was so thankful for how, (1) God had blessed his work, (2) delivered Titus to him safely, and (3) proven that he was an apostle of Jesus Christ. He said, "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place." He viewed himself and his work as "a sweet savour of Christ."

 

   Trying to avoid sorrow – 2 Corinthians 2:1-4: Paul so much wanted to visit Corinth again. However he did not want it to be a painful visit. Just the writing of First Corinthians had caused Paul pain in writing and it caused these brethren pain in being brought face to face with sin and error. Paul would be so sad to have to come to Corinth if the brethren did not correct the wrongs that were going on there. He would feel sad but the brethren would also be saddened by the severity of corrective apostolic discipline.

 

   Paul wanted the brethren to have ample time to profit from the first letter. There is sorrow in wrong doing. Both the evil doer and the one doing the rebuking feel a deep sadness. The only way for the one that is rebuking the wrong to find joy is for the sinful person to repent. That is why Paul delayed in going to Corinth. He wanted them to have time to meditate on his letter and to correct their sinful situations. He did not desire to make them feel sad when they brought him so much joy. Like a loving parent Paul wrote to show his concern and love with reference to their spiritual welfare.

 

   Lest Satan get an advantage – 2 Corinthians 2:5-11: Paul realized that he was not the only one that had been made to feel bad by the fornicator in the church. Here Paul does not mention specifically the man or the sin because the brother had repented. Even part of the brethren at Corinth had brought Paul grief by endorsing the fornicator. Paul did not want to make this too big of an issue because the man had repented and the church had largely accepted the first epistle and corrected their actions.

 

  Paul now exhorted the brethren to receive this brother back into the fellowship of the church. They had pointed out the wrong he did; he repented and therefore that was punishment enough for what he had done. The entire church was involved in the discipline process and the entire church must be involved in the forgiveness. When Christians sin and then repent the church should forgive and comfort them, so they will not give up in despair. The brother must have no doubt of the love of the church for him and that he has been forgiven.

 

   Paul desired the Corinthians to follow the instructions he had written. He, as an apostle, had the authority of Christ. Both by that authority and by his own hearts desire he had forgiven the penitent brother. If the brother was not received back by the church it might push him back into the world and that would give Satan an advantage over the church. Satan has all kinds of plans, purposes and schemes to get people back into the world. Beware!

 

   Paul's search for Titus – 2 Corinthians 2:12-13: When Paul reached Troas he found a great open door for evangelism. Troas was an important port city along the Aegean Sea. It was situated in northwestern Asia Minor. Paul traveled through Troas several times. It was during a night vision there that a man pleaded with him to come to Macedonia to help them. Paul was disappointed that he did not find Titus at Troas. He had expected to meet him there and receive a report of how the brethren at Corinth had reacted to the first epistle.

 

   The disappointment that Paul felt caused him to cut his visit short and go to Macedonia. In they faced all kinds of obstacles. He said "we Macedonia there was no chance to rest. There were troubled by enemies and troubled by fears." God encouraged and cheered Paul by sending Titus to him. Paul was cheered by seeing Titus. He was cheered even more when Titus reported to him how sorry Corinth was over the mess they had made in the church. He was also blessed when he found out how concerned they were for him personally. Even the most faithful need encouragement.

 

  Christians triumph in Christ – 2 Corinthians 2:14-17: Paul was very discouraged at not finding Titus. However he did not allow this to turn him away. He was always grateful that God makes it possible for Christ to lead to victory. God helped Paul spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere. This knowledge was like the pleasingly fragrant smell of perfume. Those that are being saved inhale the aroma of the gospel and they are saved. Sadly, some inhale the gospel and to them it has a bad smell and leads them to a horrible death.

 

   Paul was sufficient for the work of preaching the gospel because he was an inspired apostle of Jesus Christ. Many, in order to get rich, corrupt the word of God by preaching some other message. Paul was fit to do this work because he and those with him were God's sincere messengers. He is not one that corrupts the word of God. Paul delivered God's pure message to the people. He did not preach it mixed with human tradition. He spoke by the power of Christ and he spoke the message with God as witness.

 

  Are you a faithful member of the church of Christ? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (1 Peter 3:21) The new life in Christ is a glorious hopeful and useful helpful life. The Christian life is a life where Christ is reflected in every thought and action. (Galatians 2:20).

                       

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: In Need Of Prayers: Lou Acreman, Jimmy Allen, Deane Autrey (1236 Grove Park, Auburn, AL 36830 – 334-826-8647), Jerry Barr (following hospital stay), Barbara Bennett, Jim Beard, Mae Beverly, Colby Boutwell (following surgery), Brenda Burkett, Quentin Crowe, Birdie Lee Godwin, Roy Goodwin, Hannah Hanks, Montine Hardin, Evan Hartsell, Linda Holley, Mary Lawrence, Jeremy McGill, Jo Ann Moorer, Kenneth Munro, Curtis Newton, Shirley O’Connor, Mary Powell, Bobby Shields, Austin Shows, Joe Smith, Leroy Waller, Richard Watts, Johnnie Wesley, and Mary Williams. Crowne Health Care: Mary Alexander, Gladys Childs, Kathy Johnson, Wallace Murry, and Myrtle Perdue. Pine Needle: Mary Lou Phelps. Homewood of Greenville: Marie Walton. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey, and Doris Pierce. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, Jean Hayes, and Doris Taylor.

 

2. Sympathy Expressed: Our love and sympathy is expressed to Emily and Lee Crawford in the death of their baby. Emily is the daughter of Freddie and Ann Daughtry and the grand-daughter of Nelson and Nell. Pray for them often.

 

3. Please Pray For: The following people are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan: Taylor Bodie, Todd Till, Paul Fullington, Ben Newton, and Joe Barrett. Pray for them often! Pray that their families can be strengthened also.

 

4. Jason Godwin back to Iraq: Please begin now praying for Jason as he will return to Iraq soon. Pray that the war will soon be over.

 

5. Birthdays: Celebrating birthdays this week are: February 18^th Dorothy Buck, Terry Reaves, and Jimmy Walker, February 19^th Colby Boutwell, and February 23^rd Ed   Bagents.

 

6. Beautiful Flowers: The beautiful flowers that were in the auditorium were there in honor of Sister Alma Ward. Please continue to pray for her family.

 

7. Thank You: Dear Brethren at Walnut Street, Thank you for the plant that was sent to Mama’s  funeral. A special thanks to so many who came to support us and pay respects at the visitation and funeral. Please continue to pray for us. In Christian Love, Bill Ward

 

8. Food List: Remember to sign the food list to assist Sister Doris Taylor. She is a special lady and we want to show our love to her.

 

9. Walter Johnson To Guyana: Walter Johnson will make a trip to Guyana March 5^th-18^th. Please pray for his safety and success. There is a great work to be done in that country.

 

10. Thank You To Jason Owens: Our thanks to Jason for recording our Financial Management Seminar and for duplicating the CD’s for those that requested them. That is a big job that was well done.

 

11. Ladies Bible Class: The Wednesday morning Ladies Bible class invites all ladies to participate in the class. The class meets at 10 am. 

 

12.  Visit Our Website:  Our website address is:  http:\\www.walnutstreetchurchofchrist.org. There are many past issues of the Reporter available on the site. Many articles are also available. Use the site and share it with others.

 

13. Put These Dates On Your Calendar: (a) February 22nd – 24th – Yes Weekend 2008 – Forrest Park Church of Christ Valdosta, Georgia, (b) March 3^rd – 6^th – 2008 Annual Bible Lectureship – Faulkner University – Theme: The Battle for the Minds of Men. See bulletin board for details. (c) March 30th – April 3rd – Memphis School of Preaching Lectures – Theme: “Strengthening The Heart”, (d) June 22nd-26th – Vacation Bible School – Walnut Street Church of Christ, and (e) July 6th-13th – Backwoods Christian Camp – Please participate! Please see Darrell Powell or Charles Box if you are interested in participating, either as a camper or a counselor. Bible camp is a wonderful opportunity for adults to serve and for young people to be blessed.

 

14. Thank you: Nelson Daughtry has been building steps and doing some improvements on the house next door. Thank you!

 

A Penitent Spirit

 

   Penitence is a sad and humble realization and regret of sin.  It is the gut-wrenching feeling you that you get inside when you want to do right, but you know you’ve done wrong.  It was a penitent spirit that caused David, after his sin with Bathsheba, to say, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.  For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.”  (Psalm 51:2-3.)  And it was Paul’s penitent spirit, which motivated him to say, “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”  (I Corinthians 15:9.)

 

   Anyone who has a fervent desire to do what’s right surely morns his or her sin.  It is this remorse, which brings about repentance.  Now, it is possible to realize and regret sin without true repentance.  Paul said in II Corinthians 7:10, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”  So true, godly penitence brings about true repentance.  And true repentance bears fruit worthy of repentance. (Matthew 3:8.) True repentance doesn’t stop at mere sorrow and regret, it moves in the opposite direction of sin.

 

   When we maintain our penitent spirits in conjunction with repentance, the Lord will remain ready and willing to forgive us.  However, if we allow sin to remain in our lives it can harden our consciences and snuff out any trace of godly sorrow.  Sin that is tolerated in one’s life can scar the conscience as if it had been seared with a hot iron, taking away from the heart its ability to mourn.  (I Timothy 4:2.)  It then leaves a fleshly body that “cannot cease from sin,” and that is bound for an eternity in hell.  (II Peter 2:14.)

 

   Anywhere there is a desire to get to heaven, there must also be a penitent spirit.  One, which drives us to do what we should, refrain from doing what we shouldn’t, and return to the sheepfold when we go astray.    

-         - - - Darrell Powell

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Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)