The parable is an expansion of the parable of the sower. This parable deals with the character of the seed sown as opposed to the character of the sower. As we all know the Sower is Jesus Christ ( the Son of Man) and the seed that he's sowing in is  "Word of God".  the seed sown are good seed, guaranteed to grow and the produce fruit.Christ has sown His Word into the world, The church is not the field, neither does the "wheat" or the "tares" represent true worshippers or false worshippers, nor do they represent true prophets or false prophets. The field represents the "world," in which the gospel is preached. The "good seed," the truths preached by Christ and his apostles.
I.   Matthew Henry's Commentary breaks this parable down completely. Observe:
(1.) He that sows the good seed is the Son of man. 

Jesus Christ is the Lord of the field, the Lord of the harvest, the Sower of good seed. When he ascended on high, he gave gifts to the world; not only good ministers, but other good men. 
Note, Whatever good seed there is in the world, it all comes from the hand of Christ, and is of his sowing: truths preached, graces planted, souls sanctified, are good seed, and all owing to Christ. Ministers are instruments in Christ's hand to sow good seed; are employed by him and under him, and the success of their labous depends purely upon his blessing; so that it may well be said, It is Christ, and no other, that sows the good seed; he is the Son of man, one of us, that his terror might not make us afraid; the Son of man, the Mediator, and that has authority.

(2.) The field is the world; 

The world of mankind is a large field, capable of bringing forth good fruit. The more is it to be lamented that it brings forth so much bad fruit: The world here is the visible church, that is, people that are to be saved and are scattered all the world over, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles.. Observe, In the parable it is called "his field" because the world is Christ's field. All things are delivered unto him of the Father: Whatever power and interest the devil has in the world, it is usurped, taken by deception and the use of wicked devices and people, thus the enemy's claims are false and unjust. When Christ comes to take possession of the "field" (world), He has legal right to both posess it and repossess the"usurped authority" the devil laid claim to. It is Christ's field because he took care to sow it with good seed.

(3.) The good seed are the children of the kingdom, true saints. They are:
 
[a] The "children of the kingdom" not by profession only, as the Jews were (chapter. 8:12), but in sincerity; Jews inwardly, Israelites indeed, incorporated in faith and obedience to Jesus Christ the great King of the church. 
[b.] They are the good seed, precious as seed, (Psalms 126:6). The seed is the substance of the field; so the holy seed, (Isaiah 6:13). The seed is scattered, so are the saints; dispersed, here one and there another, though in some places thicker sown than in others. The seed is that from which fruit is expected; what fruit of honor and service God has from this world he has from the saints, whom he has sown unto himself in the earth, (Hosea 2:23).

(4.) The tares are the children of the wicked one.
Here is the character of sinners, hypocrites, and all profane and wicked people. 

[a.] They are the children of the devil, as a wicked one. Though they do not own his name, yet they bear his image, do his lusts, and from him they have their education; he rules over them, he works in them, (Ephesians 2:2; John 8:44). 
[b.] They are tares in the field of this world; They do no good They cause others harm. They are unprofitable in themselves, and hurtful to the good seed, both by temptation and persecution: They are weeds in the garden, They receive the same rain, and sunshine, and soil, with the good plants, but are good for nothing: They tares tares sown among the wheat. Note, God has so ordered it, that good and bad should be mixed together in this world, that the good may be exercised, the bad left inexcusable, and a difference made between earth and heaven.

(5.) The enemy that sowed the tares is the devil; 

The Devil is a sworn enemy to Christ and all that is good, to the glory of the good God, and the comfort and happiness of all good men. He is an enemy to the field of the world, which he endeavors to make his own, by sowing his tares in it. Ever since he became a wicked spirit himself, he has been industrious to promote wickedness, and has made it his business, aiming therein to counter the work of Christ.

6.) The harvest is the end of the world,  

This world will have an end; though it continue long, it will not continue always; time will shortly be swallowed up in eternity. At the end of the world, there will be a great harvest-day, a day of judgment; at harvest all is ripe and ready to be cut down: both good and bad are ripe at the great-day, (Revelation 6:11). It is the harvest of the earth,( Revelation 14:15). At harvest the reapers cut down all before them; not a field, not a corner, is left behind; so at the great day all must be judged (Revelation 20:12,13); God has set a harvest (Hosea 6:11), and it shall not fail, Genesis 8:22. At harvest every man reaps as he sowed; every man's ground, and seed, and skill, and industry, will be manifested: see (Galatians 6:7-8). Then they who sowed precious seed, will come again with rejoicing (Psalms 126:5,6), with the joy of harvest (Isaiah 9:3); when the sluggard, who would not plow by reason of cold, shall beg, and have nothing (Proverbs 20:4); shall cry, Lord, Lord, but in vain; when the harvest of those who sowed to the flesh, shall be a day of grief, and of desperate sorrow, (Isaiah 17:11.)

(7.) The reapers are the angels: they shall be employed, in the great day, in executing Christ's righteous sentences, both of approbation and condemnation, as ministers of his justice, ch. 25:31. The angels are skillful, strong, and swift, obedient servants to Christ, holy enemies to the wicked, and faithful friends to all the saints, and therefore fit to be thus employed. He that reaps receives wages, and the angels will not be unpaid for their attendance; for he that sows, and he that reap, shall rejoice together (John 4:36); that is joy in heaven in the presence of the angels of God. 

(8.) Hell-torments are the fire, into which the tares shall then be cast, and in which they shall be burned. At the great day a distinction will be made, and with it a vast difference; it will be a notable day indeed.

II.  Now concerning the sowing of the tares, observe in the parable,

[1.] That they were sown while men slept. Magistrates slept, who by their power, ministers slept, who by their preaching, should have prevented this mischief. This gives you some insight about how Satan operates:

(A.) Satan watches all opportunities, and takes advantage of all opportunities, to propagate vice and profaneness. The prejudice he does to particular persons is when reason and conscience sleep, when they are off their guard; we have therefore need to be sober, and vigilant. It was in the night, for that is the sleeping time. 

(B.)  Satan rules in the darkness of this world; that gives him an opportunity to sow tares, (Psalms 104:20). It was while men slept; and there is no remedy but men must have some sleeping time. Note, It is as impossible for us to prevent hypocrites being in the church, as it is for the husbandman, when he is asleep, to hinder an enemy from spoiling his field.

[2.] The enemy, when he had sown the tares, went his way (v. 25), that it might not be known who did it. Note, When Satan is doing the greatest mischief, he studies most to conceal himself; for his design is in danger of being spoiled if he be seen in it; and therefore, when he comes to sow tares, he transforms himself into an angel of light, (2 Corinthians 11:13,14.) He went his way, as if he had done no harm; such is the way of the adulterous woman, (Proverbs 30:20). Observe, Such is the proneness of fallen man to sin, that if the enemy sow the tares, he may even go his way, they will spring up of themselves and do hurt; whereas, when good seed is sown, it must be tended, watered, and fenced, or it will come to nothing.

[3.] The tares appeared not till the blade sprung up, and brought forth fruit, (v. 26). 

There is a great deal of secret wickedness in the hearts of men, which is long hid under the cloak of a plausible profession, but at some point comes forth and reveals itself. The "growth" process for both the "seed" and the "tare" are the same. They both lie buried under the soil and when they first spring up,  it is hard to distinguish them; but when "trying time" comes, at the time fruit is to be brought forth, when good is to be done that has difficulty and hazard doing it, then you will return and discern the difference between the good fruit (sincere) and  that which is weeds (the hypocrite): then you may say, This is wheat, and that is tares.

I.    The reaction of the workers in the field

When the servants, noticed the many weeds in the planted field, complained to their master.  Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? No doubt he did; 
Pertaining to the church: whatever is amiss and has gone wrong in the church, Christ certainly is not the author of confusion, considering the seed (Word) which Christ sows, we may well ask, with wonder, Whence should these tares come? 

Note: The rise of  doctrinal errors, the breaking out of scandals, and the growth of profaneness, are and should be matters of great grief to all the servants of Christ; especially to his faithful ministers, who are directed to complain of it to him whose the field is. It is sad to see such tares, such weeds, in the garden of the Lord; to see the good soil wasted, the good seed choked, and such a reflection cast on the name and honor of Christ, as if his field were no better than the field of the slothful, all grown over with thorns. 

II.    Christ responds to the servants inquiry

Jesus responded: An enemy (Satan) has done this. He didn't blame the servants. But notice even though they could not prevent the enemy from attacking the field, they had properly sowed the field and the enemy sowed tares in the field under the cloak of darkness. Regardless of the church or denomination or claim of "non-denomination", found within the fellowship will be a mixture of bad with good, hypocrites with the sincere, in the field of the church. Remember, Jesus said in this life we will have tribulation but to remember with good cheer that He has already overcome the world. It it of necessity that such offences will come; and when they do, they shall not be laid to our charge. the key is we must continue to do our duties as call and chosen ministers of the Gospel to do our duty, though it.

III.    The Zealous reaction of the Servants

The servants were very forward to have these tares rooted up. "Wilt thou that we go and do it presently?" Note, The over-hasty and inconsiderate zeal of Christ's servants, before they have consulted with their Master, is sometimes ready, with the hazard of the church, to root out all that they presume to be tares: Lord, wilt thou that we call for fire from heaven? It's important every servant of God prays to seek God's instructions to properly handle any situation that occurs in the church. by praying (seeking) God's directions, the Master very wisely prevented them from rooting up wheat that looked like tares. Jesus said: "Nay, lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them". 

Note, Because man is infallable and prone to error, it is not possible for any man without the discerning power of the Holy Spirit to distinguish between wheat and tares in their tender state. Christ, in His infinite wisdom will rather permit the tares, than endanger the wheat in any way. It is certain that scandalous offenders are to be censured, in fact,we are to withdraw from them. We are to come out from among them and separate ourselves from close association. 

I say close association because we are to witness and live a life of holiness among all who we come in contact with. Yet, those who are openly the children of the wicked one, are not to be admitted to special ordinances, as this may prove vexatious to many that are truly godly and conscientious. As far as church discipline is concerned, great caution and moderation must be used in inflicting and continuing church censures, lest the wheat be trodden down, if not plucked up. The wisdom from above, as it is pure, so it is peaceable, and those who oppose themselves must not be cut off, but instructed, and with meekness, 2 Timothy 2:25. The tares, if continued under the means of grace, may become good corn; therefore have patience with them.

IV.   The Fate of both the Wheat and Tares: (Harvest- Judgment)

[1.] The tares will then be gathered out: 
The reapers (whose primary work it is to gather in the corn) shall be charged first to gather out the tares. 

Note, Though good and bad are together in this world undistinguished, yet at the great day (judgment) they shall be parted; On that day, no tares shall then be among the wheat; that is, no sinners will be among the saints: On this day you will plainly be able to identify the righteous and the wicked, which here sometimes it is hard to do, Malachi 3:18; 4:1. 

Christ will not bear always, (Psalms 50:1),  They shall gather out of his kingdom all wicked things that offend, and all wicked persons that do iniquity: when he begins, he will make a full end. All those corrupt doctrines, worships, and practices, which have offended, have been scandals to the church, and stumbling-blocks to men's consciences, shall be condemned by the righteous Judge in that day, and consumed by the brightness of his coming; all the wood, hay, and stubble 
1 Corinthians 3:12); and then woe to them that do iniquity, that make a trade of it, and persist in it; not only those in the last age of Christ's kingdom upon earth, but those in every age. Perhaps here is an allusion to Zephaniah 1:3: "I will consume the stumbling-blocks with the wicked"
. 
[2.] They will then be bound in bundles, (v. 30). 

"Sinners" of the same sort will be bundled together in the great day: a bundle of atheists, a bundle of epicures, a bundle of persecutors, and a great bundle of hypocrites. Those who have been associates in sin, will be so in shame and sorrow; and it will be an aggravation of their misery, as the society of glorified saints will add to their bliss. Let us pray, as David, Lord, gather not my soul with sinners (Psalms 26:9), but let it be bound in the bundle of life, with the Lord our God, 1 Samuel 25:29. 

[3.] They will be cast into a furnace of fire; "The Wicked"

This will be the "ultimate" end of wicked, mischievous people, those who God has classified as tares within the church. 

Note, Hell is a furnace of fire, kindled by the wrath of God, and kept burning by the bundles of tares cast into it, who will be ever in the consuming, but never consumed. But he slides out of the metaphor into a description of those torments that are designed to be set forth by it: There shall be weeping, and gnashing of teeth; comfortless sorrow, and an incurable indignation at God, themselves, and one another, will be the endless torture of damned souls. Let us therefore, knowing these terrors of the Lord, be persuaded not to do iniquity.

V.   The fate of the Wheat (Righteous)

Heaven is the barn into which all God's wheat shall be gathered in that harvest-day. But gather the wheat into my barn: so it is in the parable

Note: In the field of this world good people are the wheat, the most precious grain, and the valuable part of the field. This wheat shall shortly be gathered, gathered from among the tares and weeds: all gathered together in a general assembly, all the Old-Testament saints, all the New-Testament saints, not one missing. Gather my saints together unto me, Psalms 50:5. 


All God's wheat shall be lodged together in God's barn: particular souls are housed at death as a shock of corn (Job 5:26), but the general in-gathering will be at the end of time: God's wheat will then be put together, and no longer scattered; there will be sheaves of corn, as well as bundles of tares: they will then be secured, and no longer exposed to wind and weather, sin and sorrow: no longer afar off, and at a great distance, in the field, but near, in the barn. Nay, heaven is a garner (chapter 3:12), in which the wheat will not only be separated from the tares of ill companions, but sifted from the chaff of their own corruptions.

Dr. William Edward Boddie

Bible Study Outline:          Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 8: 1-24

Christian Stewardship:     “Due Benevolence” through "Due Diligence"

I.       “Excel in Giving- Christ is our “ultimate” Example” (verses 1-7)

A. God’s favor on the Churches in Macedonia            (vs. 1)

God gave these churches (Philippi, Berea, and Thessalonica) a “Spirit of Benevolence” enabling them to cheerfully give to help the church in Jerusalem. Paul shared this with Corinth in hopes to ignite the same spirit in them to also give.(Acts 16:9;  Romans 15:26; Philippians  4:10- 18) Philippi (reportedly) gave the most because they were able to do so. The other churches gave the best they could. And so should it be with us. Some will be able to give more than others but all can give the best they can!

Note: Cheerful giving is an attribute of love that comes from first loving God and second, responding to God’s love and financial appeal. This means that :

 (1) It is God's love that triggers a Spirit of Benevolence in a person. 
Giving is not naturally in us because we are naturally selfish. God being the author and finisher of our faith plants both His love and the desire to give in our hearts. The Spirit of Benevolence is one of the many effects of his grace as He imparts both grace and mercy upon us. “Benevolence” opens our hearts in love and out of the concern for others, we express that love in our giving.

(2) "Benevolence" is a favor bestowed on a church or a group when God excites the members in her to give, especially in “special” offerings of benevolence to those in desperate need..
Giving is one of the evidences of his love. Giving is a higher proof that we possess the favor of God and the ability to meet the needs of others. The Apostle Paul did not say in a “cold-like” manner that the churches of Macedonia had contributed to this object, but he spoke of it as a favor shown to them by God that they were able to do it. And he meant, to drop the “hint” to the Corinthians that it would be evidence that they were enjoying the favor of God if they gave to this cause in the same manner.

B. Macedonia gave while being persecuted and in much suffering.   (vs. 2)

They gave joyfully at a time when they were in dire straits themselves. Instead of focusing on their own needs and their needs were many, Paul said they gave based on their belief in the promises of the Gospel message. (Hebrews 10:34) (Luke 6:38) God’s love will cause you to give to help others even when you are just barely holding on financially yourself. These saints in the churches in Macedonia were constantly under brutal attacks from the Judaizers and the government. many times, their homes were "ramsacked" and their valuables seized by the magistrates, yet their love for Christ and their full belief in the promises of the gospel supercharged their love for the brethren elsewhere. god give them a giving spirit and they were willing to give out of abundance and out of lack. they wanted to help and were willing to share what little they had to help others.Just like they- so should we!

C.  Churches in Macedonia Gave beyond Expectation.                                       (vs. 3-7)

They had an attitude to give and did it out of choice and were honored to give. They didn’t have to be begged to do it. How did they do it? (vs. 3)

1.     They gave themselves to the Lord first. (vs.4)

2.     Then, accepting that all that they possessed was from the Lord, they submitted themselves under Paul’s ministerial authority and did what they were asked to do by the way of collection. (vs. 5)   SO….

3.     We sent Titus to collect the offering you are willing to give. We pray that you give liberally and not let those who are poverty stricken out give you. (vs. 6)

4.     As you are rich in spiritual things: faith, love utterance, knowledge, and all diligence, show your love and prosperity by giving to this cause. (vs. 7)

II.                An Appeal and Opportunity:     “Prove your Love”.                 (verses 8-15)

“Testing” your love                                                         (vs. 8)

A.   Jesus Christ: Our Example: He was rich, but became poor for our sakes that we might become rich through His poverty. (vs. 9)

Note:  Jesus, The possessor, as he was the creator, of the heavens and the earth; for our sakes  became poor, that is He emptied himself, and made himself of no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant, and humbled himself unto death, even the death of the cross; that we, through his poverty-through his humiliation and death, might be rich that is, we might regain our forfeited inheritance, and be enriched with every grace of his Holy Spirit, and brought at last to his eternal glory.

B.    It’s to your advantage to finish what you started:  You had a readiness of mind to do this first. It’s based on what you have, not what you don’t have it.

C.   Sometimes, it’s not that some are not willing, they simply don’t have it. If they had it they would certainly give it. Give in abundance so when you lack, they who now have will give in the same manner you did when you had it. (vs. 10-15) You are not doing this to impoverish yourself so others can live “high on the hog”.

D.   As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack."* 

III.             Concerning Titus: The Collection (offering) to the Judean Saints  (verses 16- 24)

A.   Titus had already been given the initiative to collect an offering, Paul thanks God who had already disposed the heart of Titus to attend to this business; and, with his usual address, considers all this as done in the behalf of the Corinthian church; and that though the poor Christians in Judea are to have the immediate benefit, yet God put honor upon them in making them his instruments in supplying the wants of others. He who is as almoner to God Almighty is highly honored indeed. (vs. 16-17)

B.    We sent “the Brother” along with Titus                                      (verses 18-19)

Whose praise is well known throughout the churches (Luke ?)

(Taken from Barnes commentary Notes)
It has been generally supposed that this anonymous brother was Luke. Some have supposed however that it was Mark, others that it was Silas or Barnabas. It is impossible to determine with certainty who it was; nor is it material to know. Whoever it was, it was someone well known, in whom the church at Corinth could have entire confidence. It is remarkable that though Paul mentions him again (2 Corinthians 12:18), he does it also in the same manner, without specifying his name. The only circumstances that can throw any light on this are:

(1) That Luke was the companion and intimate friend of Paul, and attended him in his travels. From Acts 16:10-11, where Luke uses the term "we," it appears that he was with Paul when he first went into Macedonia, and from Acts 16:15 it is clear that he went with Paul to Philippi. From Acts 17:1, where Luke alters his style and uses the term "they," it is evident that he did not accompany Paul and Silas when they went to Thessalonica, but either remained at Philippi or departed to some other place. He did not join them again until they went to Troas on the way to Jerusalem; Acts 20:5. In what manner Luke spent the interval is not known. Supposedly, it might have been in multiplying copies of his gospel for the use of the churches. Perhaps also he might have been engaged in preaching, and in services like that in the case before us.

(2) It seems probable that Luke is the person referred to by the phrase "whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches." This would be more likely to be applied to one who had written a gospel, or a life of the Redeemer that had been extensively circulated, than to any other person. Still it is by no means certain that he is the person here referred to, nor is it of material consequence. Luke was well known and highly esteemed. In some way he was celebrated for making known the truths of the gospel.

C. This Brother was Chosen by the (Jerusalem) church to travel with Paul many times.

 He was chosen by the churches. Many concurred in the choice, showing that they had entire confidence in him. Paul had been unwilling to have charge of this contribution alone (1 Corinthians 16:3-4; compare 2 Corinthians 8:20), and he had procured the appointment of someone to undertake it. Probably he expected that the church at Corinth would concur in this appointment. WHY?

1.     Avoiding Accusations                                                     (vs. 20-22)
The “accusation” that we were guilty of “filthy lucre” that is, misusing collected money for our personal use instead of the reason it was collected.

2.     Integrity
Our conduct in handling church money and the church business in the appropriate way will be “above board” and not “under the table”.

3.     Track Record
“Our Brother” is well known and well respected by all parties involved and is above reproach

IV.               Concerning Titus:   “Inquiry”   What about Him?                      (verses 23-24)

A.    He’s My (Paul’s) partner and fellow helper
He helps me fully minister to you. He preaches and also helps me organize and establish churches. (Titus 1:5)

B.     The Brethren with him also are messengers (couriers) “Administrative Assistants”
They help conduct the churches administrative business

C.   All of them are Christians and they conduct business and live their lives in a “Christ-like manner.”

D.   When they all get there, show them how much you love God, me (Paul) and the “cause” of the gospel that my “bragging” of you was not in vain. That I really did understand your true character in Christ Jesus, that you were willing and ready to show Christian benevolence in your giving to this cause.


Dr. William Edward Boddie

2 Corinthians  7:1-16: "Repentance: Cleansing Ourselves and Perfecting Holiness"

"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.  I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.  Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. 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. For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while.  Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.  For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.  Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true. And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything". (NKJV)

Bible Study Outline: Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 7 

I. Having “these” promises: Cleanse Yourself (verse 1)
Why should we cleanse ourselves from unrighteousness?

A. “Because God made these promises and kept them: (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)
1. Promised to be Your Father and God.
2. Promised to be your protector and friend
3. Promised to indwell every believer.

We are challenged by the Lord to  “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh (physically and psychologically) and of the spirit; (spiritual influences from Satan and demons) thus, perfecting “holiness” in the fear (reverence) of the Lord".
 
B. Purify ourselves. (Sanctify ourselves) 

As we go through the sanctification process of salvation, we must submit ourselves to God completely in everything  pertaining to our lives. We must "walk in holiness", that is we must respond favorably to the purifying influence of the Holy Spirit and “lay aside” every weight and the “sin(s)” that so easily set us back and run with patience the race that has been set before us; looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Note: Any person who expects to be made pure by the Holy Spirit without making any physical and mental efforts of their own, will never become pure; and whoever becomes holy will be so because they put forth the strenuous efforts to resist the evil of his own heart by being obedient to the movement of the Holy Spirit and yielding to the ongoing sanctification process which cleanses us from the power of sin by giving us “resisting power”, and to become like Christ-like in our character and conduct. We have the “blessed assurance” (promises) of God to aid us. We do not go about the work in our own strength. It is not a work in which we are to do without divine help. But it is a work that God desires to perform in us, and where he will give us all the help we need. The Lord is a very present help in the time of need.

Cleanse yourself from "filthiness":

1. The filthiness of the flesh: 

That is, “sensual” gratification (satisfying your senses) which triggers the gross and corrupt appetites and passions of the body. This would cover any such actions that are inconsistent with chasteness, virtue and moral purity because we must give in account of every deed done in the flesh (body) whether they are good of bad. The Bible said our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and any deeds we do in our physical body should reflect that we are both “walking” in holiness and “being kept” holy by the Holy Spirit who was been sent by Jesus to guide and aid us in bringing our bodies under His subjection-avoiding all such passions and appetites that the Holy Spirit of God would not produce in us.

2. The filthiness of the spirit: 

That is, the “thoughts” or mental influences (demonic influences) that defile the way a man thinks and ultimately how he acts and interact with others. Jesus in Matthew 15:19 talked about the evil thoughts; spiritual influences that are triggered by demons buffeting your mind and making evil suggestion of what you should think and how you should act. These things proceed out of the heart, and that pollute the man’s thinking and ultimately his actions.

Paul included all the sins and passions which pertain particularly to mind or to the soul rather than to carnal appetites; sins such as the desire of revenge, pride, avarice, ambition, etc. These behaviors are in themselves as polluting and defiling as the grossness of yielding to “sensual” pleasures. Here are the reasons:

1. They stand as much in the way of sanctification,
2. They are as offensive to God, because they prove that the heart is depraved as the grossest sensual passions. 
3. They are more decent in the external appearance; Because they look harmless on the outside, they can be better concealed in a person’s heart until such time they become “issues” of the heart, then your mouth will began to verbalize what’s in your heart and your actions will also reflect your feelings as well.. 
4. They are usually indulged by a more elevated class in society; but they are still offensive to God. It may be added, also, that they are often found in the same person; and that the man who is defiled in his "spirit" is often a man most corrupt and sensual in his" flesh." Sin sweeps with a desolating influence through the whole frame, and it usually leaves no part unaffected, though some part may be more deeply corrupted than others.

II. Corinthians’ Repentance “Paul’s appeal” (verse 2- 4)
Paul made the following appeals o the Corinthian church:
A. Receive us. (Paul and his ministry team) We’ve wronged no one, we’ve corrupted no one, and we’ve defrauded no one.
B. We are not condemning you…we are fully committed to you living and worth dying for.
C. I (Paul) am being open and frank with you in love. I equally as commending to you as I am in criticism of you when you erred, but know that I’m overjoyed that I’ve had the privilege to be your minister.

III. Macedonian Experience:    “What we went through for you”    (verses 5-7)

Paul explained to the Corinthians again why he went to Macedonia first before coming to Corinth.There were some who spreaded a nasty rumor that paul really didn't care about the Corinthians and their situations.

A. In Macedonia, we were agitated an put under great distress (Judaisers)
B. We experienced harassment and strife while we ministered and there was no let up.
C. The gospel preaching was constantly under fire and opposed by Pagans, Jews, false teachers. Sometimes, the crowds were violent and threatening.
D. I (Paul) finally experience joy when I heard from Titus and the good news that you were remaining steadfast in the faith and those who were in error repented and the church as a whole was walking in the faith and still had love for me.

IV. No regrets for the Letter (it’s contents) (verses 8-12)
Here, Paul reinterates that he had no regrets for writing such a "stringing" letter> (1 Corinthians) He stresses the reason he wrote to them was out of love and a deep concern for the gospel message that was preached to them, and the hope that they were remaining steadfast in the faith and continuing to follow Jesus Christ. thus he makes the following declarations:

A. I have no regrets for hurting your feelings (it was necessary and only for a moment)
B. I rejoice because the letter convicted the guilty and caused them to repent and turn away from their sin. You were indeed put to pain and grief by my reproof. You sorrowed. But it has done you no injury on the whole. It has been a benefit to you. If you had not reformed, if you had been pained without putting away the sins for which the reproof was administered, if it had been mere grief without any proper fruit, you might have said that you would have suffered a loss of happiness, or you might have given me occasion to inflict severe discipline. But now you are gainers in happiness by all the sorrow which I have caused."
C. You being “godly” sorry caused you to repent and change. (vs. 9-11)
You saw sin the same way God does and you desired to please God, so it became your desire to live he way God intended!
D. I wrote to you so you could see how much we care for you (vs. 12)
(Not just for the benefit of the sinner, nor for the one who was sinned against)
  
Note: Godly sorrow causes the kind of pain king David felt in Psalms 51.  It overwhelmed his soul in disgrace; and made him see his sin as a sin against a Holy and Just God. All sin is against God, not just the person. Godly sorrow will lead the sinner to seek God to obtain forgiveness; to seek for God to console and comfort them. Genuine sorrow for sin leads the soul to God, and through the Redeemer, to obtain both pardon and peace which Jesus Christ only can give to a wounded spirit. In God alone can pardon and true peace be found; and godly sorrow for sin will seek them there. 


The 'carnal" man sees the solutions to life's problem far differently than God does:
The Carnal man strives for "reformation" when what he really needs is "regeneration".
The Carnal man seeks to turn over a "new leaf", when what he really needs is a new life in Christ Jesus.
The carnal man wants to be justified by the Law, when true justification comes by faith in the Lord Jesus.
The Carnal man believes all he has to do is clean up the old man, when what he really needs to do is be made a new creation in Christ Jesus.
 The Carnal man thinks that he can be saved by his works, when he can only be saved by the grace of God, not by his works, so his bragging on whatever he did is nullified by the grace of God.
Jesus is the only solution for a man whose life has been ruined by sin.

V. In Conclusion:       "Our Joy came through Your Joy)          ( verses 13-16)
A. We are overjoyed because you dealt with the offence and nipped it in the bud
B. We are overjoyed in the way you treated Titus, our fellow laborer in the ministry.  Titus fell in love with the Corinthian church and grew fond of the people.
C. We are overjoyed that you found out everything I said about Titus and how he could be a help o you was true .
D. I’m (Paul) convinced that you are deeply committed to God and will do everything to live according to His will  and way by His standards.


Dr. William Edward Boddie