Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow
2 Corinthians 7:10
10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
What does sorrow look like? Its not just the words I'm sorry. It's far deeper than than. Sorrow is an emotional response one filled with passion and remorse.
Why do you think it says Godly sorrow has no regrets?
Why do you think it says Worldly sorrow leads to death?
10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
As we discuss the differences between worldly sorrow and Godly sorrow, lets look at two story's in the bible that can help us see examples of each. The stories of Peter's denial of Jesus and Judas betrayal of Jesus are similar in theme with respect to two people who end up doing things they regret, yet each of them has a different reaction when it comes to their sorrow and repentance.
JUDAS:
Matthew 26:14-16; 47-49; 27:1-5
14Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 16From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
47While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." 49Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
1Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. 2They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.
3When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4"I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood."
"What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility."
5So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Did Judas have Godly sorrow or worldly sorrow? Why? Judas decided to give the money back which is a sign of repentance. Judas had remorse for what he had done. Judas decided to kill him as his punishment and to ensure justice....right? Who was Judas thinking about in his sorrow? Judas was thinking about him self. He returned the money because he felt guilty. He was filled with remorse and felt sorry for himself. He committed suicide because HE could not deal with the guilt and wanted an easy way out. These are all symptoms of worldly sorrow.
PETER:
Matthew 26:69-75; John 21:15-17; Acts 2:14
69Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. "You also were with Jesus of Galilee," she said.
70But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said.
71Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, "This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth."
72He denied it again, with an oath: "I don't know the man!"
73After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away."
74Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!"
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.
Peter just like Judas betrayed Jesus. What was different about Peter's response? What type of sorrow did Peter have? Peter allowed his sorrow to convict his heart. He was not thinking about himself but about the way he had hurt Jesus. Godly sorrow brings action. Peter took what Jesus said, allowed it to cut his heart and made a decision to never deny Jesus again. Peter had Godly sorrow. In Acts 2 it was Peter who stood up and explained to the people at Pentecost who Jesus was and how they have killed the Son of Man! There was no denial there! Most historians believe that Peter ended up being crucified for Jesus's sake and he was crucified up side down. Peter's sin, brokenness and repentance led him to a changed life that was gave up everything for Jesus.
If we have Godly sorrow it too will change our life!
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