2 Corinthians 7:1


Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God ~ 2 Corinthians 7:1

The promises Paul is referring to are found in the previous chapter, verses 17 and 18 which promise God would be a Father to you, that He would protect you, and be your friend. He would do this for you and in return, you must remove anything which may be offensive in His sight. It sounds as though this purifying is something we are responsible for, and this is true. We cannot, nor do not save ourselves, that is God’s work, done on the cross. And, we do have God’s help in purifying ourselves through the power of the Holy Spirit which dwells within us, but there is an effort from our own power which leads us away from doing or acting in ways which contradict God’s character in which we must be diligent. We have to resist evil desires, but we resist with aid from God. What contaminates our body and spirit are the passions and lusts of our flesh which includes all sorts of sins, whether that be gluttony, jealousy, pride, envy, greed. Our body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, and as such, we ought to regard our body and treat it with holiness. God cannot inhabit a garbage dump. We perfect our new life, not in that we are perfect, but that we bring to completion the holiness God planted in us, that we strive toward that end, for His sake. It is a life-long obligation to be more like our Lord and Saviour.
Devotion by Pastor Julia

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