"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."
Reflection
This verse from Paul’s
second letter to the Corinthians serves as a powerful call to action for
believers. It emphasizes the need for personal and spiritual purification in
light of the promises of God. Reflecting on this verse encourages believers to
take seriously their spiritual growth and the pursuit of holiness, motivated by
a deep reverence for God.
The
Foundation: Promises of God
Paul begins with
"Therefore, since we have these promises," pointing to the divine
assurances given to believers. These promises include God's presence,
protection, and the relationship of being His children, as highlighted in the
preceding chapters. The certainty and faithfulness of God’s promises provide
the foundation and motivation for the call to purity and holiness.
Purification
from Contaminants
"Let us purify
ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit" is a call for
comprehensive cleansing. This involves:
●
Physical Purity: Avoiding behaviors and
substances that harm the body, which is considered the temple of the Holy
Spirit.
●
Spiritual Purity: Removing sins and influences
that corrupt the spirit, such as harmful thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
This dual purification
recognizes that holiness involves both the physical and spiritual aspects of
our being, acknowledging that both are interconnected and essential in the life
of a believer.
Perfecting
Holiness
"Perfecting
holiness" suggests an ongoing process of sanctification. Holiness is not a
static state but a continual journey of becoming more like Christ. This
involves:
●
Growth in Virtue: Developing Christ-like
qualities such as love, patience, kindness, and humility.
●
Avoidance of Sin: Consciously rejecting sinful
behaviors and tendencies.
●
Spiritual Disciplines: Engaging in practices
such as prayer, fasting, and study of Scripture to foster spiritual growth.
Motivation:
Reverence for God
The motivation for
this pursuit is "out of reverence for God." Reverence, or deep
respect and awe for God, is the driving force behind the desire for holiness.
Recognizing God’s holiness and the honor of being His children compels believers
to live in a manner worthy of their calling.
Interpretation
- Divine Motivation: The promises of God serve as the motivation for believers to
pursue purity and holiness. These promises include God’s presence, favor,
and the assurance of being His children.
- Holistic Purity: The call to purify ourselves encompasses both physical and
spiritual dimensions, recognizing the holistic nature of holiness.
- Ongoing Sanctification: Holiness is a continuous process of growth and refinement,
requiring ongoing effort and dedication.
- Reverence
for God: The ultimate motivation for purity and
holiness is a deep reverence for God. This respect and awe for God’s
holiness drive believers to live in a way that honors Him.
Personal
Application
On a personal level, 2
Corinthians 7:1 challenges believers to actively pursue purity and holiness in
their daily lives. Practical applications might include:
●
Self-Examination: Regularly assessing one’s
life to identify areas of physical and spiritual contamination. This might
involve reflecting on behaviors, thoughts, and influences that need to be
purified.
●
Healthy Habits: Adopting habits that promote
physical health and well-being, recognizing the body as a temple of the Holy
Spirit.
●
Spiritual Disciplines: Engaging in spiritual
practices such as prayer, Bible study, and meditation to foster spiritual
growth and holiness.
●
Accountability: Seeking accountability and
support from fellow believers to help in the journey towards purity and
holiness.
Believers can ask
themselves: What areas of my life need purification? How can I grow in both
physical and spiritual holiness? How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God
in my daily life?
Conclusion
2 Corinthians 7:1
provides a compelling call to purity and holiness, grounded in the promises of
God and motivated by reverence for Him. By purifying ourselves from everything
that contaminates body and spirit, and by continually striving to perfect
holiness, believers can live lives that honor God and reflect His character.
This verse encourages a holistic and ongoing commitment to spiritual growth,
emphasizing the importance of both physical and spiritual purity in the life of
a believer. Through self-examination, healthy habits, spiritual disciplines,
and accountability, believers can actively pursue the holiness that God
desires.
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