What does "perfecting holiness in the fear of God" mean for believers? Setting the Scene “Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” — 2 Corinthians 7:1 Why Paul Says “Therefore” • Looks back to 2 Corinthians 6:16-18—God promises to dwell and walk among His people, to be their Father, and to receive them as sons and daughters. • Because God pledges such intimate fellowship, believers respond by removing whatever contaminates that fellowship. What “Perfecting” Signals • The Greek verb (epiteleō) means “to bring to completion, carry through to the end.” • Holiness begins at conversion (set apart by Christ) but is pursued daily until we meet Him face to face (Philippians 1:6). Understanding “Holiness” • Separation to God: Exodus 19:5-6; 1 Peter 2:9. • Moral purity: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4—“For this is the will of God: your sanctification.” • Christ-likeness: Romans 8:29—conformed to the image of His Son. Living in “the Fear of God” • Reverent awe, not paralyzing dread (Psalm 34:9; Hebrews 12:28-29). • A motivation that keeps the heart tender and the conscience sharp (Proverbs 8:13). • Anchors holiness in relationship, not mere rule-keeping. Practical Pathways to Perfecting Holiness 1. Continual Cleansing - Confess and forsake sin (1 John 1:9). - “Cleanse ourselves” implies personal responsibility empowered by the Spirit. 2. Guarding Both “Body and Spirit” - Body: flee sexual immorality, substance abuse, gluttony (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). - Spirit: reject bitterness, pride, unforgiveness, occult practices (Ephesians 4:31-32). 3. Saturating Life with Scripture - John 17:17—“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” - The Word exposes defilement and supplies power to overcome it. 4. Dependent Prayer - Hebrews 4:16—draw near for mercy and grace in time of need. - Prayer aligns desires with God’s holiness. 5. Christ-centered Fellowship - Hebrews 10:24-25—spur one another on toward love and good deeds. - Accountability helps close gaps where defilement slips in. 6. Spirit-led Obedience - Galatians 5:16—walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the flesh. - The Spirit produces the fruit that displays holiness (Galatians 5:22-23). Promises Fuel the Pursuit • God’s indwelling presence (2 Corinthians 6:16). • Sonship and acceptance (2 Corinthians 6:18). • Future glory—“Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). Evidence That Holiness Is Being Perfected • Increasing sensitivity to sin. • Quicker repentance and restored joy (Psalm 51:12). • Growing love for God and others (Matthew 22:37-39). • Steady conformity to Christ’s character (2 Corinthians 3:18). • Fruit that endures—“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). In Short Perfecting holiness in the fear of God is a lifelong, Spirit-empowered process of cleansing every area of life—body and spirit—out of reverent devotion to the Father who lives within us and calls us His own. |
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