2 Corinthians 7:14-16 (WEL) For if I have bragged about anything to him, I am not ashamed, but just as we talked to you about everything in truth, even so our bragging which I did to Titus is also true. 15 His deep care for you is very great as he reflects on your obedience. You welcomed him with great respect and trembling. 16 Therefore, I rejoice for the confidence I have in you in everything.
V14 For if I have bragged about anything to him, I am not ashamed, but just as we talked to you about everything in truth, even so our bragging which I did to Titus is also true.
If we brag about ourselves, it is pride. If we brag about God, make sure it is true. Bragging about God is good for it is to praise and for outreach. If we brag about others, make sure it is true.
Paul is proud (bragging) about the Corinthians believers. He now can use their obedience when other assemblies are having difficulties in church discipline as, “Look, how quickly the Corinthian believers acted.”
All church discipline must be based on the plain, normal reading of the New Testament, not a pastor’s preferences or even convictions. It must be based on the Bible. If church discipline is based on a human standard but not in the New Testament, then there is a problem. Some groups use standards that are not listed in the Scriptures. If they are based on the New Testament and agreed to do so, then that might be a standard, but be careful. Do not sign church covenants, etc. The leadership usually uses them for abuse and control.
V15 His deep care for you is very great as he reflects on your obedience. You welcomed him with great respect and trembling.
His refers to Titus.
The Greek word for trembling is G5156 τρόμος tromos, which means fear, i.e. (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains (Louw & Nida)) “to have awesome respect.” It is not used for literal shaking in one’s boots.
When we respect a teacher, pastor, evangelist, church worker, etc., always remember that God is to receive the highest respect. Respect for any teacher, etc., would be to listen to them carefully and treat them kindly. All respect must be based on God’s standards. If a person is elevated too much, they receive the glory instead of God. We must always avoid them. No human is that important.
V16 Therefore, I rejoice for the confidence I have in you in everything.
This is Paul’s attitude towards the Corinthian believers for clearing the defilement and following Paul’s instructions on this particular incident.
We learn:
- What proper respect is.
- How to base respect on God’s words found in the New Testament.
Questions:
- Do you respect properly?
- Do you base your judgments of a person on the Bible?