Moving from the Flesh to the Spirit

When is repentance and discipleship real and profitable? To answer this question, Paul wrote of a situation that took place in the Corinthian church regarding the sin of one of the elders. The sin was gross and hideous, however, the council of elders did nothing to cause the sin to cease. Instead they continued to rejoice in the fact that they were a functioning church. When the Holy Ghost informed Paul of the situation and their response, he wrote an epistle rebuking them sharply. The rebuke also gendered a response from them that caused them to move out of the flesh and back into the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 7:9-12

9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

The Sons of God have not truly repented for their actions until they produce the same fruit as that of the Corinthians. Carefulness – Speedy earnestness. Sincere consideration as to how their actions have affected others. There is no controversy in emotions regarding the spiritual effect of his or her sin on those within the sphere of influence. There is no pride or excuses, just a sincere earnest desire to manifest Christ.

Clearing of themselves – to give an account of oneself. To answer righteously any accusation. To accept total responsibility for the navigation of the situation into sin and death. This also means that the individual is willing to deal with all aspects of his sin. Many times saints will render a defensive explanation as to why they were in a posture to do a particular thing, without ever really admitting to actually doing the thing itself. They want you to focus as they do, more on the things that motivated the wrong rather than the wrong itself. If you allow this, you will never bring the individual to a place of facing the ugliness or the cruelty of sin. He or she will never really come face to face with their true character.

Indignation – to be totally displeased with one's actions or spiritual disposition. The abuse here can be seen when one is able to talk about the ugliness of their sin or spiritual disposition as a horrible thing, but in the same breath is able to condemn others for their involvement or to just generally judge others.

Oftentimes, it is the unforgiveness of how others have affected them that comes to the surface. If such is the case the individual is not yet broken to a place of contriteness that will satisfy the Father or change the course of his or her life for that matter. When a Son of God is truly indignant of his sin, then he can only regard the disposition of others as a pitiful state, considering himself and the devastating effect it has on him and others; he can only look upon his offenders with love and compassion. The Sons of God must be brought to this place of righteous indignation concerning their own sin in any attempt to disciple. Otherwise, the “I’m sorry,” and “I repent,” without righteous indignation will remain the standard in their lives.

Fear – The fear of the Lord should be prevalent. If so, there will be a sincere respect for the Word and way of God. As an apostle dealing in the lives of many leaders as well as members of local assemblies, I have seen almost a total elimination of this spiritual sense. Vehement desire – An earnest craving for righteousness. A longing to please the Father and bring peace and righteousness to the forefront. Zeal – a fervent mind. When true repentance or discipleship is accomplished, the mind of Christ finds its way to the forefront. The soul is in agreement with the eternal purpose of God, and the body is brought under the power of the Spirit. Even in those who have recently entered the Body, there is a steadfastness to obey the Word. This mind prevails in spite of persecution, trials, tribulation or affliction. It is a posture that makes one immoveable in the face of adversity. It considers nothing more valuable than accomplishing the purpose of God.

Revenge – vindication. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled (2 Corinthians 10:6).

When the Sons of God are vindicated, their existence is justified. This justification comes only through a manifestation of Christ Jesus being formed in us. This revenge implies authority over all the power of the enemy. It is also a loosing for ministry. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death . . . (1 John 5:16).

To impart the Life of Christ to others is the greatest revenge of all against the sins of the flesh. It is the goal of the leader to bring those he disciples to a place of spiritual maturity wherein they are able to impart the life of Christ to all who seek it. It should come forth in their conversations, their daily life style and their very presence among heathens.