November 17, 2009—Holiness
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7, 8, 9, 10
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body[a] and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Observation
At the end of chapter 6, Paul urges the Corinthians not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Then, as he begins chapter 7, he refers to Leviticus and Isaiah, which assure God’s people that he will be their God, and even a father to them, if they will remain pure in their devotion to him.
We don’t have the full picture of what was happening in Corinth that prompted Paul’s comment, partially because the harsh letter Paul refers to in this chapter has been lost, but it boils down, once again, to the concept of being in the world but not being of the world.
Application
God has always intended for his people to be a living example of what it is like to be in right relationship with our Creator, but, as the history of Israel demonstrates, the tendency for people is to be influenced by the world, not the other way around. God wants us to be thermostats, not thermometers. The thermostat sets the standard for the environment, a thermometer simply adjusts to what is happening around it.
Prayer
Father, please guide me according to your promises today and grant that my life may be a picture of your holiness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
