What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 7:1? Therefore Paul opens with a connecting word that pulls forward everything he has just said (2 Corinthians 6:16-18). Because God promises to “live with them and walk among them,” be their God, and receive them as sons and daughters, action must follow. Scripture consistently ties divine promise to human response (Romans 12:1; James 1:22). Beloved By calling the church “beloved,” Paul speaks as a spiritual father, reminding them they are cherished in Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2). Love is the environment in which correction is given; discipline never negates affection (Hebrews 12:6). Since we have these promises • God will dwell among His people (2 Corinthians 6:16; Ezekiel 37:27). • He will be their Father, and they His sons and daughters (6:18; Revelation 21:7). Because these promises are certain, believers have every motivation to pursue purity (2 Peter 1:4-8). Let us cleanse ourselves Salvation is God’s work, yet sanctification involves our cooperation (Philippians 2:12-13). “Cleanse” is intentional: • Daily turning from sin (1 John 1:9). • Removing influences that draw the heart away (Psalm 101:3). Though empowered by the Spirit, we are not passive spectators (Galatians 5:16). From everything that defiles body and spirit Paul addresses both the visible and the invisible: • Body: immoral acts, idolatrous practices, unholy partnerships (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). • Spirit: attitudes, motives, secret thoughts (Psalm 139:23-24). God’s holiness encompasses the whole person (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Perfecting holiness “Perfecting” points to a process that aims at completion. Key ideas: • Growth: moving from infancy to maturity (Hebrews 5:14). • Consistency: making holiness a settled pattern, not a momentary impulse (Colossians 1:10). • Dependence: relying on the Spirit’s power while exercising disciplined obedience (Galatians 5:22-25). In the fear of God Reverential awe fuels real transformation: • Fear keeps us humble, aware of God’s majesty (Proverbs 1:7). • Fear purifies motives—obedience flows from worship, not mere duty (Psalm 130:4). • Fear guards against complacency, reminding us we will give account (2 Corinthians 5:10). summary Because God promises to live among us and claim us as His own, believers respond by actively removing every physical and spiritual stain. Holiness is not a stagnant state but an ever-advancing journey, carried out with reverent awe under the loving gaze of our Father. |
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