When Repentance is Real

2 Corinthians 7:6-12
Introduction:
Difference between regret and repentance:
A preacher was visiting a man in jail. The preacher said, "I hope you've learned your lesson and will not make the same mistakes when you are released."
The prisoner responded, "No Sir, I sure won't be making those mistakes again. Next time I pull a job, I'll be sure to wear gloves."
We laugh, but then, that is the mentality of this world. People want to do whatever they can get by with, and, if they get caught, they learn to be more discrete about their crimes or hire a better lawyer who can get them off.
It’s like another man was taking the stand in a trial in which he was accused of many crimes.
The judge warned the witness, "Do you understand that you have sworn to tell the truth?"
"I do."
"Do you understand what will happen if you are not truthful?"
"Sure," said the witness. "My side will win."
There is no awareness of a higher court before which we must all appear. But believers are to live in light of the Judgment Seat and acknowledge that there is a distinction between regret, such as those criminals felt, and sincere repentance.
No one likes to be told that they are wrong. Nobody enjoys being called out, but God lovingly chastises us when we stray to bring us back to His Will.
In the Scriptures, we notice Paul explaining the benefits of true repentance to the Corinthians.

I. PRODUCTIVITY-
Paul’s first letter confronted an issue of sin that the church at Corinth had tolerated
He was concerned over how they would receive the rebuke, but God directed him to write it
Paul explains that it hurt him to hurt them, but that it was necessary and productive
Paul could rejoice not at their expense or in their suffering but because of their improvement
In his explanation, Paul makes a contrast of worldly sorrow and godly sorrow and their outcomes
A. They are different in their nature:
Worldly sorrow is sorrow over being caught, regretting consequences or even shame over actions
While Godly sorrow moves us to repentance: a change of heart leading to a change of mind causing a change of actions
Worldly sorrow is often accompanied by rationalization and excuses and shifting of blame
We seek to justify why what we did really isn’t that bad or really isn’t our fault
We look for ways to whitewash our sin and make it acceptable
Or else we take offence and either sulk or strike back at the person who confronts us
We become wounded and damaged by the person because of our own response
Godly sorrow owns responsibility for our actions and redirects us to better actions
9 The humility that accompanies godly sorrow is its own balm because no hurt is inflicted
The person realizes that the source of the rebuke is God and the spirit is love
B. They are different in their values:
7 Paul speaks of the mourning of the Corinthians. Their hearts are broken over their sin
They have come to see sin as God sees it and are grieving for their role in displeasing God
Until we agree with God about the nature of our sin, we will never move to repentance
Godly sorrow lasts but a season—mourning ends with forgiveness and restoration
Psalms 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
But if you have only worldly sorrow, you persist in the very action that brings