2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Therefore, beloved
The word "therefore" connects this verse to the preceding chapter, where Paul discusses the promises of God dwelling among His people and being their God. "Beloved" is a term of endearment, showing Paul's deep affection for the Corinthian believers. In Greek, "beloved" is "agapētoi," indicating those who are dearly loved, not only by Paul but by God Himself. This sets a tone of encouragement and familial love, reminding the readers of their identity in Christ.

since we have these promises
The "promises" refer to God's assurances mentioned in the previous chapter, such as His presence and His acceptance of them as His people. These promises are rooted in the Old Testament, reflecting God's covenantal faithfulness. The Greek word for "promises" is "epangelias," which implies a divine assurance that is both reliable and motivating for believers to live in accordance with God's will.

let us cleanse ourselves
The call to "cleanse" is an exhortation to moral and spiritual purification. The Greek word "katharisōmen" suggests a thorough cleansing, akin to a ritual purification. This reflects the Jewish understanding of purity, where physical and spiritual cleanliness were essential for worship and relationship with God. It emphasizes personal responsibility in the sanctification process, urging believers to actively participate in their spiritual growth.

from everything that defiles body and spirit
"Defiles" in Greek is "molunontes," meaning to stain or pollute. This phrase addresses both physical and spiritual impurities, indicating that holiness encompasses the whole person. The dual mention of "body and spirit" underscores the comprehensive nature of Christian sanctity, where both outward actions and inward thoughts must align with God's standards.

perfecting holiness
The term "perfecting" comes from the Greek "epitelountes," which means to bring to completion or maturity. "Holiness" is "hagiosynē," denoting a state of being set apart for God. This phrase suggests an ongoing process of becoming more like Christ, striving for spiritual maturity and moral integrity. It reflects the biblical call to be holy as God is holy, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.

in the fear of God
"Fear" in this context is "phobos," which can mean reverence or awe rather than terror. The "fear of God" is a foundational biblical concept, signifying a deep respect and acknowledgment of God's majesty and authority. It is the beginning of wisdom and a motivator for righteous living. This reverence leads believers to pursue holiness, recognizing God's sovereignty and their accountability to Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with pastoral care and apostolic authority.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges, where the early Christian church faced significant cultural pressures.

3. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, a diverse group of believers navigating their faith amidst a secular and often immoral society.
Teaching Points
The Promises of God
Reflect on the promises mentioned in the previous chapter (2 Corinthians 6:16-18), which include God dwelling among His people and being their God. These promises motivate believers to live a life set apart for Him.

Cleansing from Defilement
The Greek word for "cleanse" (kathariz?) implies a thorough purification. Believers are called to actively remove anything that contaminates their body and spirit, recognizing the holistic nature of sanctification.

Perfecting Holiness
The term "perfecting" (epitele?) suggests an ongoing process. Holiness is not a one-time achievement but a continual pursuit in the life of a believer, driven by reverence for God.

Fear of God
This fear is not about being afraid but having a profound respect and awe for God's holiness and authority. It serves as a guiding principle for ethical and spiritual living.

Practical Steps for Holiness
Engage in regular self-examination and repentance.

Cultivate spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers to support the journey toward holiness.
Bible Study Questions
1. What specific promises from God motivate you to pursue holiness in your life?

2. In what ways can you actively cleanse yourself from things that defile your body and spirit?

3. How does understanding the "fear of God" influence your daily decisions and actions?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to "perfect holiness" in your personal walk with Christ?

5. How do other scriptures, such as 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and Hebrews 12:14, reinforce the message of 2 Corinthians 7:1?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Paul previously reminded the Corinthians that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, urging them to honor God with their bodies.

Hebrews 12:14
This verse emphasizes the pursuit of holiness, which aligns with Paul's call to perfect holiness in the fear of God.

1 John 3:3
John speaks of purifying oneself as Christ is pure, echoing the call to cleanse ourselves from defilement.
An Exhortation to PerfectionC. Lipscomb 2 Corinthians 7:1
Having the Promises of GodMatthew Henry.2 Corinthians 7:1
HolinessJ.R. Thomson 2 Corinthians 7:1
Holiness Inculcated on Gospel PrinciplesJ. Young.2 Corinthians 7:1
Hope and HolinessAlexander Maclaren2 Corinthians 7:1
Our Great Life WorkR. Tuck 2 Corinthians 7:1
Perfecting HolinessW. H. Lewis, D. D.2 Corinthians 7:1
Personal PurificationF. W. Robertson, M. A.2 Corinthians 7:1
The Christian in Various AspectsC. H. Spurgeon.2 Corinthians 7:1
The Difference Between Fearing God and Being Afraid of HimJ. H. Jowett, M. A.2 Corinthians 7:1
The Practical Power of the PromisesR. Tuck 2 Corinthians 7:1
The Promises of God an Incentive to Holy LivingE. Hurndall 2 Corinthians 7:1
People
Corinthians, Paul, Titus
Places
Achaia, Corinth, Macedonia
Topics
Beloved, Body, Brothers, Clean, Cleanse, Completely, Contaminates, Dear, Dearly, Defilement, Evil, Fear, Filthiness, Flesh, Friends, God's, Holiness, Holy, Ourselves, Perfect, Perfecting, Pollution, Promises, Purify, Reverence, Rewards, Sanctification, Secure, Spirit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Corinthians 7:1

     1065   God, holiness of
     1100   God, perfection
     4324   dross
     5063   spirit, nature of
     5136   body
     5467   promises, divine
     5692   friends, bad
     5904   maturity, spiritual
     6611   adoption, privileges and duties
     6746   sanctification, means and results
     7028   church, life of
     7416   purification
     8115   discipleship, nature of
     8244   ethics, and grace
     8322   perfection, human
     8336   reverence, and obedience
     8341   separation
     8348   spiritual growth, nature of
     8349   spiritual growth, means of
     8441   goals
     8443   growth

2 Corinthians 7:1-2

     6130   corruption

Library
Hope and Holiness
Having therefore these promises . . . let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 COR. vii. 1. It is often made a charge against professing Christians that their religion has very little to do with common morality. The taunt has sharpened multitudes of gibes and been echoed in all sorts of tones: it is very often too true and perfectly just, but if ever it is, let it be distinctly understood that it is not so because of Christian
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Sorrow According to God
'Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.'--2 COR. vii. 10. Very near the close of his missionary career the Apostle Paul summed up his preaching as being all directed to enforcing two points, 'Repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.' These two, repentance and faith, ought never to be separated in thought, as they are inseparable in fact. True repentance is impossible without faith, true faith cannot exist
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 Cor. vii. 1. That holiness is more than cleansing, and must be preceded by it, is taught us in more than one passage of the New Testament. 'Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.' 'If a man cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Power of Sorrow.
Preached June 30, 1850. THE POWER OF SORROW. "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."--2 Corinthians vii. 9, 10. That which is chiefly insisted on in this verse, is the distinction between sorrow and repentance. To grieve over sin is one thing, to repent
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

Sanctification is a Mystery.
"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of. God." --2 Cor. vii. 1. Sanctification belongs to the mysteries of faith; hence it can not be confessed but as a dogma. By this statement we intend to cut off at once every representation which makes "sanctification" to consist of the human effort to make oneself holy or holier. To become more holy is undoubtedly the duty which rests upon every man. God has condemned all unholiness, as an accursed
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Implanted Dispositions.
"Perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord."--2 Cor. vii. 1. To deny that the Holy Spirit creates new dispositions in the will is equivalent to a return to Romish error; even tho Rome argues the matter in a different way. Rome denies the total corruption of the will by sin; that its disposition is wholly evil. Hence, the will of the sinner not being wholly useless, it follows: (1) that the regenerate does not need the implanting of a new disposition; (2) that in this respect there is no difference
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson
Compiled by C. H. Spurgeon Thomas Watson's Body of Practical Divinity is one of the most precious of the peerless works of the Puritans; and those best acquainted with it prize it most. Watson was one of the most concise, racy, illustrative, and suggestive of those eminent divines who made the Puritan age the Augustan period of evangelical literature. There is a happy union of sound doctrine, heart-searching experience and practical wisdom throughout all his works, and his Body of Divinity is, beyond
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Nineteenth Day. Holiness and Resurrection.
The Son of God, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead.'--Rom. i. 4. These words speak of a twofold birth of Christ. According to the flesh, He was born of the seed of David. According to the Spirit, He was the first begotten from the dead. As He was a Son of David in virtue of His birth through the flesh, so He was declared to be the Son of God with power,
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

A Glorious vision.
THE Epistle to the Hebrews, this profound and blessed portion of the Holy Scriptures, unfolds a most wonderful vision of the Person, the Glory and the great Redemption work of our adorable Lord. The portion of the Epistle which is the richest in this respect is the Second Chapter. Here is a vista for the eyes of faith which is sublime. Our Lord in His Person, in His humiliation and exaltation, in His suffering and glory, stands out in a way which makes the believing heart rejoice with joy unspeakable
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Sanctification.
In the last chapter we showed that the doctrine of justification deals with the sinner's change of relation, or change of state. We also learned that faith is the instrumental or applying cause of justification. In another place we showed that true faith presupposes penitence, and this again presupposes a sense and knowledge of sin. Again we showed that penitence and faith are the two essential elements of conversion; that where these elements are found there is a change of heart, and the beginning
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin Not. And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,"
1 John ii. 1.--"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father," &c. The gospel is an entire uniform piece, all the parts of it are interwoven through other, and interchangeably knit together, so that there can be no dividing of it any more than of Christ's coat that was without seam. If you have it not altogether by the divine lot, you cannot truly have any part of it, for they are so knit together, that if you disjoin
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Work of God in Our Work.
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ."--1 Thess. v. 23. The difference between sanctification and good works should be well understood. Many confound the two, and believe that sanctification means to lead an honorable and virtuous life; and, since this is equal to good works, sanctification, without which no man shall see God, is made to consist in the earnest and diligent
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
Having already presented to your view the dark side of the text, I shall now show you the light side, They shall be comforted'. Where observe: 1 Mourning goes before comfort as the lancing of a wound precedes the cure. The Antinomian talks of comfort, but cries down mourning for sin. He is like a foolish patient who, having a pill prescribed him, licks the sugar but throws away the pill. The libertine is all for joy and comfort. He licks the sugar but throws away the bitter pill of repentance. If
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace.
I come now to speak a little to the other part of sanctification, which concerneth the change of our nature and frame, and is called vivification, or quickening of the new man of grace; which is called the new man, as having all its several members and parts, as well as the old man; and called new, because posterior to the other; and after regeneration is upon the growing hand, this duty of growing in grace, as it is called, 2 Pet. iii. &c. is variously expressed and held forth to us in Scripture;
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Its Effects.
Among the effects and benefits which in this life accompany and flow from being filled with the Holy Ghost, may be mentioned the following:-- 1. Courage. "Oh, I could not do so and so--I have not the courage," is a reply frequently made by Christian people when asked to undertake some piece of service or other for the Master. The first point to be settled is, "Is that the Master's will for me?" If so, lack of courage is a confession to the lack of the "Fullness of the Holy Ghost." The Spirit-filled
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Getting Ready to Enter Canaan
GETTING READY TO ENTER CANAAN Can you tell me, please, the first step to take in obtaining the experience of entire sanctification? I have heard much about it, have heard many sermons on it, too; but the way to proceed is not yet plain to me, not so plain as I wish it were. Can't you tell me the first step, the second, third, and all the rest? My heart feels a hunger that seems unappeased, I have a longing that is unsatisfied; surely it is a deeper work I need! And so I plead, "Tell me the way."
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Sanctification.
I. I will remind you of some points that have been settled in this course of study. 1. The true intent and meaning of the law of God has been, as I trust, ascertained in the lectures on moral government. Let this point if need be, be examined by reference to those lectures. 2. We have also seen, in those lectures, what is not, and what is implied in entire obedience to the moral law. 3. In those lectures, and also in the lectures on justification and repentance, it has been shown that nothing is
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
PHILIPPIANS i. 21-30 He will be spared to them--Spiritual wealth of the paragraph--Adolphe Monod's exposition--Charles Simeon's testimony--The equilibrium and its secret--The intermediate bliss--He longs for their full consistency--The "gift" of suffering Ver. 21. +For to me, to live is Christ+; the consciousness and experiences of living, in the body, are so full of Christ, my supreme Interest, that CHRIST sums them all up; +and to die+, the act of dying,[1] +is gain+, for it will usher me in
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

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