Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.  (2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV)

The Lord commands us to cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit as we bring holiness to completion because of the promises we have received. What are the promises He is referring to?  Paul began speaking of these promises from chapter 6. In verse 16, he said:

“What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (2 Corinthians 6:16 ESV)

The great promise that should make us cleanse ourselves is that God had promised to make us His dwelling place on earth. Think about this for a second. You are God’s house on earth. How important is hygiene or cleanliness of your home to you? How do you feel living in a home that is filthy? Holiness of body and spirit, that is, the total man, is mandatory for those who are called to be carriers of God’s presence.

Holiness is not an old fashion concept. The contrary is true. Holiness is more important today and will be more important in the days to come than it ever was. Why? Because God’s presence is here and practically invading the earth!

MEDITATE

Did you notice 2 Cor. 7:1 above did not say we should cleanse ourselves from sin? He chose the word defilement. What is the relationship between sin and defilement? 

APPLY THE WORD

Holiness is facing threats of every kind in the Body of Christ today. Some Christians have become so legalistic and assume the legalism is holiness. On the other side of this pendulum, others have lost every standard of holiness in an effort of not being perceived as legalistic or judgmental. Both extremes are dangerous, and we must stay away from them. Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit!

PRAY

Ask the Spirit to help you make your spirit and body a clean and comfortable dwelling place of God’s Spirit. 

Free Mini E-book: From Spiritual Dryness to Flourishing