Scripture

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work towards complete holiness because we fear God.

Observation

We have these promises from God (6:16–18) that God will dwell with us, that we are His people, and that God is our Father. therefore, we must cleanse ourselves from everything that will defile us and become completely holy.

Paul again asks the Corinthians to open their hearts to him. He is confident in them and takes pride in them. In Macedonia, Paul faced conflict on every side. He was encouraged when Titus arrived with the news of how the Corinthians longed to see him, and how they repented for what had happened. Paul’s heart was filled with joy.

Application

Many Christians see faith as a blessing machine. We sign up to Jesus and then He gives us all that we need. These people don’t see the need for a changed life. Paul he says it is exactly because of the promises of God that we that we must pursue a live of holiness.

God promises to be our God and our Father, so so we must make ourselves holy. Various sins defile us in body and in spirit, so we must put them away to remain holy before the Lord

The motivation for this is because we fear God. God has the power to destroy us in body and spirit. He can condemn us to the terrors of Hell. Therefore, He is to be feared.

We do not live in terror of God, because He loves us. We have experienced His love and grace. He limits His power to destroy those who walk in covenant with Him, because He loves us. We must not take that love for granted, however.

Prayer

Lord, I love you. Please show me how to become more like you, to become holy as you are holy. Amen.