-August 16, 2020-
Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,
-Cleansing Ourselves From Spiritual And Physical Defilement, Perfecting Holiness-
“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
(2 Corinthians 7:1).
We must remember that Paul is writing these words to the Corinthians who are believers in Christ. They, like us today, are confronted with all kinds of spiritual, physical, moral, and ethical defilement on a daily basis. We cannot escape it. We are bombarded with it on TV, radio, internet, magazines, and everywhere else.
Paul had been speaking of separation from this world in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. He told them not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, and to come out from them and be separate. Every believer should be separated from the world and set apart for God. This includes relationships in marriage, business, and close personal friendships with the unsaved. God has given us relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage us and help us in our walk with Christ. We need to hold each other accountable to the Lord.
In our text Paul says, Therefore, having these promises, beloved….” What promises is he referring to? In 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 he lists them: “I will receive you, I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters.” These are the promises we can claim when we come out from among them and are separate, not touching what is unclean.
It is a daily battle against sin, evil, and wickedness. The devil is fighting against us and we must put on the whole armor of God which Paul discusses in Ephesians 6:10-18. Temptations come in many forms and we must be on guard. Jesus said, “Watch and pray, lest enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
We can only be victorious through the power of the Holy Spirit. We must “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:14-16, “As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’” The Greek word hagios is translated as our English words holy, separation, and sanctification.
Personal holiness is so vital in our lives today. Hebrews 12:14 tells us, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” May the Lord help us to perfect holiness in the fear of God. To do this we must be in prayer and in the Word daily in order to be victorious in our character, conduct, and conversation.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day walking in holiness before the Lord. Stay safe and healthy.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 