Pursuing Holiness: Embracing God’s Promises 2 Corinthians 7:1
Introduction:
Today, we turn our attention to a profound verse that calls us to live lives that reflect the holiness of God. Our key verse for this message is 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT): "Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God." This verse is a call to action, urging us to live in light of God’s promises and to pursue holiness in every aspect of our lives.
Holiness is not an outdated concept, nor is it something that only the super-spiritual are called to pursue. Holiness is the natural response of a heart transformed by the grace of God. It is the reflection of God’s character in our lives.
Today, we will explore three key aspects of this verse: the motivation for holiness, the process of holiness, and the goal of holiness.
I. The Motivation for Holiness: God’s Promises
2 Corinthians 7:1 begins with, "Because we have these promises, dear friends…" The motivation for our pursuit of holiness is rooted in the promises of God. What are these promises? Paul is referring to the promises mentioned in the previous chapter, specifically in 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 (NLT), where God says: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people… I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters."
These promises speak of intimacy with God, of being His people, and of Him being our Father. They are promises of relationship, identity, and belonging. Because of these incredible promises, we are motivated to live lives that reflect our new identity in Christ.
In 2 Peter 1:4 (NLT), we are reminded that "And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires." These promises not only motivate us to pursue holiness but also empower us to do so by sharing in God’s divine nature.
Consider a child who has been adopted into a loving family. Knowing that they are now part of this family, with all the privileges and love that come with it, the child is motivated to live in a way that honours their new family. In the same way, knowing that we are God’s children motivates us to live in a way that honours Him.
Do you live with the awareness of God’s promises? Let these promises be the fuel that drives your pursuit of holiness. Reflect on the incredible privilege of being God’s child and let it inspire you to live a life that reflects His holiness.
II. The Process of Holiness: Cleansing Ourselves
The second part of 2 Corinthians 7:1 calls us to "cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit." This is the process of holiness—removing from our lives anything that is impure or dishonouring to God.
The Greek word used for "cleanse" here is katharizo, which means to purify or to make clean. It is the same word used in 1 John 1:9 (NLT): "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."
This cleansing is both an inward and outward process. It involves removing sinful thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours, and replacing them with godly ones. It is a continual process of sanctification, where we are being transformed into the image of Christ.
In James 4:8 (NLT), we are given a similar exhortation: "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." Holiness requires a single-minded devotion to God, and this begins with cleansing our hearts and minds from anything that divides our loyalty.
Imagine a gardener who diligently removes weeds from their garden. If the weeds are not removed, they will choke the plants and hinder their growth. In the same way, we must remove the "weeds" of sin from our lives to allow the fruit of holiness to grow.
Take a moment to examine your life. Are there areas that need to be cleansed? Are there thoughts, habits, or behaviours that are defiling your body or spirit? Ask God to reveal these areas to you and commit to the process of cleansing, knowing that He is faithful to forgive and purify you.
III. The Goal of Holiness: Reverence for God
The final part of 2 Corinthians 7:1 states, "And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God." The goal of holiness is to reflect the character of God and to live in reverence for Him. The word "fear" in this context does not refer to being afraid of God, but to having a deep respect, awe, and reverence for Him. The Greek word used here is phobos, which can also be translated as "reverence" or "awe."
Holiness is not about following a set of rules; it is about having a heart that is in awe of God and desires to please Him. It is about living in a way that honours Him in every aspect of our lives.
In 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NLT), we are reminded of God’s call to holiness: "But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’" Our goal is to reflect the holiness of God in everything we do.
Think of an artist who meticulously works on a masterpiece, paying attention to every detail to ensure that it reflects the beauty they envision. In the same way, we are God’s masterpieces, and our goal is to reflect His holiness in every area of our lives.
Do you live with a sense of reverence and awe for God? Let this reverence be the foundation of your pursuit of holiness. Seek to honour God in all that you do, knowing that your life is a reflection of His character.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 7:1 calls us to a life of holiness, motivated by God’s promises, pursued through cleansing ourselves, and aimed at reflecting God’s character in reverence for Him. Holiness is not an optional part of the Christian life; it is the essence of what it means to belong to God.
As A.W. Tozer once said, "We must hide our unholiness in the wounds of Christ, as Moses hid himself in the cleft of the rock while the glory of God passed by. We must take refuge from God in God." Our pursuit of holiness is ultimately about hiding ourselves in Christ, allowing His holiness to be reflected in our lives.
Call to Action:
This week, commit to pursuing holiness in every area of your life. Take time to reflect on God’s promises, cleanse your heart and mind, and live in reverence for Him. Remember, holiness is not about perfection; it is about a heart fully devoted to God. Let your life be a reflection of His holiness, and may you experience the fullness of His presence as you walk in His ways. Amen.
