A SHEPHERD’S HEART

2 Corinthians 7:1-16

Key Verse 7:3b

I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.

In this passage we can learn a shepherd’s heart for sheep. 

Read verse 1. What do “these promises” refer to? (6:14-18) In view of the promises what does the Apostle Paul exhort us to do? (1b)

** The promises for God to live with his children and walk among them.

** We are called to purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness.

Skim through 7:2-16 and think about the Apostle Paul’s labor in serving the Corinthians, particularly the following: 

Make room for us in your hearts (2)

I have spoken to you with great frankness (4 - NIV 2011)

Paul working together with Titus (6,13)

Godly sorrow brings repentance (9)

He remembers that you were all obedient (15)

Receiving him with fear and trembling (15)

I [am glad I can] have complete confidence in you (15)

How did the Lord bless his efforts?

** Paul’s efforts resulted in the flock of God bearing fruit that meets with repentance. 

Verse 3b reads, “You have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.” What does this statement indicate about the kind of heart Paul had for the members of the church in Corinth? 

** He had the heart of a shepherd just as our Lord Jesus had for his flock. In John 10:11 Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” 

The end