Verse
of the day: 2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore,
having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of
the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
What promises is the
Apostle Paul referring to here? He is referring to the promises stated in
chapter 6 (6:16-18). The promises, in their context, relate to be unequally
yoked with unbelievers (6:14-15). The Word of God tells us that we are in this
world, but not of this world (Jn 17:16). Therefore, we are not to be mindful of
the things of this world, nor are we to entangle ourselves in the things of
this world (Jm 4:4; 2 Tim 2:4). The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are the
temple of the Holy Spirit, and we have nothing to do with those who still
belong to the devil (6:15-16). Please keep in mind that we are in the world to
serve God and share the Gospel with the unsaved. This does not mean that we
cannot, or should not, associate with unsaved people; as then we only become
Pharisaical in our approach to Christianity. How will we win the lost if we
isolate ourselves from them? What the Apostle is speaking of is avoiding intimate
relationships with the unsaved to the extent that the unsaved world becomes our
primary source of fellowship and company. The Christian sets himself/herself up
for failure when they marry an unsaved person, go into business with the
unsaved as partners, or choose unsaved friends as their source of advice. In
the beginning of each relationship there will be some “give and take”, but once
the “honeymoon period” is over, there will be a clash of beliefs and how things
should be done, based on those belief systems. For this reason we must avoid
relationships that will potentially lead us down a path of dishonesty, idolatry,
and sinful thinking and behavior (1 Cor 15:33). With all that said, the Apostle
reminds his readers that God promised that He will dwell in us, and be amongst
us. He will be our God and we will be His people. However, He goes on to say
that we are to come out from amongst the unsaved (not be unequally yoked), and
He will receive us. He will be our Father and we will be His children. Because
of these promises we are to then cleanse ourselves from the filthiness of the
world (both flesh and spirit). We know that salvation comes by faith alone, but
as born again believers, because we are saved, we are to strive to work out our
salvation (Phil 2:12). When we called upon Jesus as Savior and Lord, we began
the process of becoming more like Jesus, through the Holy Spirit’s work in our
lives. However, that does not mean that we just sit around and wait for this process
to take place without effort and battling on our part. We are responsible for
resisting temptation, choosing righteousness, and living a life that is
obedient to God’s Word. We are to resist the filthiness of the flesh, which are
our corrupt passions and appetites. We are also to avoid the spiritual
filthiness that can overtake us, such as pride, desires for revenge and sinful
ambitions that begin with corrupt thinking. For this reason we are encouraged
to not be yoked to people who will influence us to indulge in these thoughts
and behaviors. Too many Christians make light of, and do not take seriously,
the admonition to not be unequally yoked with those who do not believe in God
or reject Jesus as Savior. Sadly, I have seen many Christians who have
disobeyed this portion of Scripture, justifying their decision by saying that
they were going to change the unsaved person or going to lead them to Christ;
when in reality it was their own unwillingness to heed God’s warning, and their
stubbornness to do what pleases them at that moment. The end result in most of
those situations was long term suffering for a Christian who chose to marry an
unbeliever; a once dedicated Christian who no longer serves God because they
are too busy living like the world, with their ungodly companions, and
Christian businessmen who have traded in honest dealings for profits and
worldly success. When God warns us to avoid a certain paths in His Word, He
does it not for our hurt, but in order that we have the joy and peace that He
desires for us. In all things that we do it is our responsibility is to glorify
God (1 Cor 10:31). All of this is to be done in fear and reverence of God and
His Name. We must remember that we are always in the presence of God; and the
fact that we are in His presence should cause us to refrain from indulging in
sinful behavior and strive for righteous and holy living. Stop and think for a
moment. I have seen grown men and women who have refrained from using corrupt
language around a child, or men who are respectful avoid making lewd gesture or
telling inappropriate jokes in the presence of a child or woman. Such respect
and reverence is obviously not impossible when we set our minds and hearts to
doing it. So why, if we know that God is always present, would we not be
mindful, and strive, to avoid that which is not pleasing to the Lord or that
which dishonors His Name?
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