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SEPTEMBER 16
5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What
our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled diligence it produced in you, what clearing of
on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what
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were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication!
the downcast, comforted us by the coming of In all things you proved yourselves to be clear
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Titus, and not only by his coming, but also by in this matter. Therefore, although I wrote to
the consolation with which he was comforted you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had
in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who
your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I suffered wrong, but that our care for you in
rejoiced even more. the sight of God might appear to you.
8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, 13 Therefore we have been comforted in your
I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more
perceive that the same epistle made you for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been
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sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, refreshed by you all. For if in anything I have
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not that you were made sorry, but that your boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But
sorrow led to repentance. For you were made as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so
sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer our boasting to Titus was found true. And his
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loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow affections are greater for you as he remembers
produces repentance leading to salvation, not the obedience of you all, how with fear and
to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world trembling you received him. Therefore I rejoice
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produces death. For observe this very thing, that I have confidence in you in everything.
DAY 15:What are the characteristics of true repentance?
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians produced a sorrow in the believers that led them to repent
of their sins (2 Cor.7:9).“Repentance”refers to the desire to turn from sin and restore one’s relation-
ship to God.“Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation” (v. 10).“Godly sorrow” refers
to sorrow that is according to the will of God and produced by the Holy Spirit.True repentance can-
not occur apart from such a genuine sorrow over one’s sin. Repentance is at the very heart of and
proves one’s salvation: unbelievers repent of their sin initially when they are saved, and then as
believers, repent of their sins continually to keep the joy and blessing of their relationship to God.
Verse 11 provides a look at how genuine repentance will manifest itself in one’s attitudes.
“Diligence.”Better translated,“earnestness”or “eagerness.”It is the initial reaction of true repentance
to eagerly and aggressively pursue righteousness. This is an attitude that ends indifference to sin
and complacency about evil and deception.“What clearing of yourselves.” A desire to clear one’s
name of the stigma that accompanies sin. The repentant sinner restores the trust and confidence
of others by making his genuine repentance known.“Indignation.”Often associated with righteous
indignation and holy anger.Repentance leads to anger over one’s sin and displeasure at the shame
it has brought on the Lord’s name and His people.“Fear.”This is reverence toward God, who is the
One most offended by sin.Repentance leads to a healthy fear of the One who chastens and judges
sin.“Vehement desire.”This could be translated “yearning,”or “a longing for,”and refers to the desire of
the repentant sinner to restore the relationship with the one who was sinned against.“Zeal.”This refers
to loving someone or something so much that one hates anyone or anything that harms the object
of this love.“Vindication.”This could be translated “avenging of wrong,”and refers to the desire to see
justice done.The repentant sinner no longer tries to protect himself;he wants to see the sin avenged
no matter what it might cost him.“To be clear in this matter.”The essence of repentance is an aggres-
sive pursuit of holiness,which was characteristic of the Corinthians.The Greek word for “clear”means
“pure”or “holy.”They demonstrated the integrity of their repentance by their purity.

So that there is no house, no harbor;
September 16 From the land of Cyprus it is revealed
to them.
2 Be still, you inhabitants of the
Isaiah 23:1–24:23
coastland,
You merchants of Sidon,
23 The burden against Tyre. Whom those who cross the sea have
Wail, you ships of Tarshish! filled.
For it is laid waste, 3 And on great waters the grain of Shihor,

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