2Corinthians 2:1-4 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that makes me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.
‘I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.’ I decided that it would be best not to see you at all until you have acted by my first letter, putting the evils away from you. I do not want to come to you in sorrow and grief. If I make you sorry enough to cause you to put away sin, then you will make me glad (2:1-2).
‘And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.’ I wrote the first epistle to you so you could correct the evils in your midst, lest when I came I would have to take action and make you sorry by having to deal with those who should make me rejoice. I know that you wish my joy and I wish yours, so if writing will accomplish my present purpose we shall be happier with one another when I do come.
‘For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.’ It is the hardest part of my [Paul] ministry to have to bring judgment, so this is another reason why I wrote to you before I came. My purpose was not to cause you grief but to let you know my love and concern for you. Paul knew the consequences of someone who sinned willfully and was determined to have this individual brought to repentance through this judgment, rather let him be removed from God’s grace (no more sacrifice) as he clearly stated in Hebrews 10:26-31. The warning here to all Christians are NOT TO: Sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth (Heb. 10:26). Renounce Christ as the only sacrifice after we have received Him (Heb. 10:26). Despise the gospel after we have received its knowledge (Heb. 10:26, 28). Tread under feet the Son of God after knowing Him (Heb. 10:29). Count Christ’s blood that once sanctified us, an unholy thing (Heb. 10:29). Do despite or blaspheme the Holy Spirit of grace that we have received (Heb. 10:29). Become an adversary after knowing the truth (Heb. 10:26-27).
Living the Word 