5/14/10 2 Corinthians 7 -8
Two Promises
(2 Co 7:1) 1Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Sometimes the chapters divisions are not helpful, because they cause us to break the original thought of the author. Here it is inescapable to not notice that the first 4 verses of chapters 7 are the final thoughts of the final verses of chapter 6. Believers cannot have it both ways. You cannot live like the world and all its attachments and then claim that you have an intimate and faithful walk with Christ. The promises which believers have are, number one, God’s presence in you and beside of you (2 Cor 6:16a), and second a relationship (2 Cor 6:16b). Believers are considered the temple of God. The temple indicates the very place where God manifested his presence. What a comforting promise that believers do not need to travel to distant lands to experience God’s presence.
He also describes His relationship with a believer as a Father and son or daughter. His fatherhood is far superior to any father relationship that you have known. He loves you perfectly and uniquely. He knows exactly what His child needs and He is always faithful and consistent in his love. Do not let your earthly father relationship distract you from receiving this promise that God is the perfect Father and He will care for you better than any human father is capable of doing.
When we know and experience the presences of God and his fellowship as a father, then we naturally should desire to please him by living a clean and holy life. These promises are confirmed and strengthened when a believer is responsible to cleanse their lives of defilement in external and internal areas. Cleansing in this verse simply means that we are to separate ourselves from things that are in opposition to God and His ways. This is not to say that we are to have contact and association with those things (1 Cor 5:9-10), but not to be bound together as participates with these things whether they are people, events, or internal thoughts. When a believer who participates in all that the world has to offer they naturally do not experience the assurance of His presence and fellowship. This is where many doubts come from; it is simply a lack of obedience in this area.
So let the promises of His presence and Fatherly relationship along with a proper fear of God motivate believers to live separated and holy lives.
Prayer: Father I praise you for your great and might plan to reconcile me in a relationship where I can call you Father. I address you so many times not taking thought of what a privilege it is that you are my Father and I am your son. I praise Jesus for make this relationship with you possible. How marvelous and wonderful that the God of the universe desires a father-son relationship with me. I am unworthy of such a special privilege. I not only have you has Father, but I have your continued and abiding presence. You have been so gracious with me. When I have walked to areas and events that you did not approve you loving told me what I should do. Thank you for your guidance and your forgiveness. Amen.