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"If anyone has caused grief..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 2:5

DEALING WITH PROBLEMS

There was a time when problems arose. These difficulties, of course, had to be resolved. Paul had to deal with the problems in his own typical way.

1. Spell out the problem.

2. Seek out the underlying factors.

3. See things in the Biblical perspective.

4. Seek to resolve problems so that the church may be fully restored.

5. Seeking full reconciliation must be the ultimate goal.

WHEN PROBLEMS ARE RESOLVED

When problems come, the heart is often troubled and hurt. When problems are resolved, there is still a need to exercise understanding and compassion.

“But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me,
but all of you to some extent- not to be too severe.”
2 Corinthians 2:5

1. “But if anyone has caused grief”

a) This is a reference to those who had created the problems in the church.

b) No specifics are given though as to:

i) Who these people are.

ii) What they did to cause grief.

2. Those who are aggrieved

a) Paul was one who felt deeply grieved.

b) There were others who were grieved too.

i) They may not have expressed their grief.

ii) They may have suffered in silence.

c) The church being the body of Christ.

i) All would have been affected.

ii) The question is “extent”.

3. “Not to be too severe”

a) Paul now focused on those who had caused grief.

b) Graciously he expressed deep concern on those who had caused grief but had since repented.

c) How should the church regard these people?

d) Paul’s gracious words were “not to be too severe” towards the repentant ones.