Daily Bible Plan - 2. Corinthians

18. September 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Set Apart – 2 Corinthians 7

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

Introduction

Yesterday’s devotion was one of the best I have ever written! I was so blessed by it, and the continuation at Prayer Gym/Bible Academy was absolutely powerful. If you missed the midweek service, you truly missed something unique—something that stirred hearts and refreshed souls. I encourage you, as much as possible, never to miss midweek services. They carry a special grace that keeps your spirit alive and flourishing.

In that devotion, one key truth stood out to me: not to take the grace of God in vain, to understand suffering from a deeper perspective, and to live as a people set apart. Our dear sister Pauline also preached powerfully, reminding us of what it truly means to be separate—and why God has chosen us to be set apart for Himself.

Today, we continue this journey by opening our Bibles to 2 Corinthians 7:1–16. The goal is not just to read quickly, but to let the Word of God speak directly to your heart. If you need revelation, ask the Holy Spirit, for He gives wisdom freely to all who seek Him.

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Exposition

1. Cleansing from All Defilement (v.1)

Paul begins by saying:

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

To be set apart is to be cleansed not just outwardly but also inwardly. Many people pay attention to cleansing the flesh—avoiding obvious sins that people can see—but they neglect the inner life of the spirit. Yet if the spirit is corrupted, the flesh will follow. Holiness is not partial; it is both inward and outward, perfected in the fear of the Lord.

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2. The Heart of a Pastor – Verses 2–4

Paul continues:

“Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one…”

As a pastor, I feel this text deeply. Leaders don’t always get it perfect, but the call is to serve with integrity so that we can say, like Paul, we have not taken advantage of anyone. His heart was open to the church—he lived, suffered, and rejoiced with them. That’s the mark of true spiritual leadership: to die together and to live together with the people God entrusts to us.

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3. Trials in Ministry (v.5–7)

Paul shares a very real experience:

“When we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless, God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”

This is the reality of ministry. Missionary journeys brought Paul discomfort, conflicts, and fears. As a pastor, I can testify that leaders, youth executives, and prayer warriors often experience the same: no rest, constant battles, and pressures from every side. But the comfort of God comes—sometimes through people He sends, like Titus. Every ministry needs a Titus, someone who brings encouragement, spreads good news, and refreshes others in the Lord.

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4. Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow (v.8–11)

Paul admits that his earlier letter caused sorrow—but it was godly sorrow that led to repentance. He says:

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

Here’s the lesson: correction is not condemnation. True sorrow before God produces repentance and life. Worldly sorrow—like heartbreak, guilt without change, or regret without repentance—leads only to death.

As a pastor, I say this with love: you need friends, leaders, and mentors who can look you in the eye and say, “My brother, my sister, stop sinning. What you are doing is wrong.” Not to shame you, but to save you. A hard truth spoken in love can be the very thing that pulls you out of darkness and back into God’s light.

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5. The Fruit of Repentance – Verses 11–13

Paul celebrates the results: diligence, clearing of themselves, zeal, fear of God, and vindication. Their repentance showed in action. This is what happens when the Word cuts our hearts: it produces change, not just feelings. Leaders rejoice when they see their people grow. That’s the joy of ministry—seeing sons and daughters rising up in zeal and obedience.

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6. Titus’ Refreshing Spirit – Verses 13–16

Finally, Paul commends the Corinthians for refreshing Titus:

“His affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.”

Notice this: not only was Titus a source of comfort, but the church itself refreshed him. Ministry is mutual. Leaders pour into members, but members also refresh leaders through their obedience, love, and support. That is how the church flourishes—when every part builds up the other.

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Application

• Being set apart requires both inward and outward holiness.

• Ministry comes with trials, but God sends comfort through people like Titus.

• Godly sorrow leads to repentance; worldly sorrow leads to death.

• True joy in the church comes when believers grow in obedience and zeal.

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Reflection Questions

1. What areas of my life need cleansing—both in flesh and in spirit?

2. How do I respond when corrected: with humility that leads to repentance, or with pride that leads to excuses?

3. Can others boast of my love for God, my obedience, and my zeal?

4. Am I a Titus—someone who refreshes and encourages others in the Lord?

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Prayer

Father, thank You for calling us to be set apart. Cleanse our bodies and spirits, and perfect holiness in us through the fear of God. Give us humility to accept correction and allow it to produce true repentance in our lives. Raise up Titus-like encouragers, and help us to be people who refresh others. May our lives bring joy to our leaders, honor to Christ, and light to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.