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).
The Father’s goal in Christ is to bring holiness to completion, cradled in the fear of God, in word and deed to every born-again person. It should be obvious to the believer that this goal must rest in each one, causing us to become a mirror of God’s word. Therefore, we strive to have a life that is pleasing to God which on our part starts with His Word and our words! God deals with our heart, then with our speech! If our words do not become perfect, our conduct will never be perfected! We know that our conduct must change and those habits we have received and learned from our natural fathers must be dealt with by the hand of the Almighty. It is He who has drawn us to His Son, and it is He who will guide us to Himself with His steady and righteous hand!
Paul says,“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit” (2 Corinthians 7:1). I ask, what are these promises that cleanse us from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit? We find the answer here. “For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’ Therefore ‘come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:16–18). The first statement the Apostle makes, “for you are the temple of the living God,” is a qualifying introduction to blessings never known before. By the will of God, we are now qualified for receiving something heavenly, His residency. The fact that we are the temple of the living God implies a place of residency and worship. God lives in His temple and from His temple He receives worship!
He also makes us promises based on His own impeccable and unchangeable character. He lives from eternity to eternity and has never made even one mistake nor has He ever failed in faithfulness! What He says, He will do! And He says, “I will dwell in them and walk among them” (2 Corinthians 6:16). Dwelling in us and walking among us brings God’s Life-force to bear upon our insufficiency and brokenness, thus giving each of us an incomparable fellowship with Himself and between fellow believers. He further promises us, saying, “I will be their God and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16). Being our God and we being His people means that He is now our protector, provider, and preserver! Therefore, I implore you, rest in His protection, provision, and preservation, regardless of your situation! He will never fail you!
Pastor Don