November 13, 2021 — 2 Corinthians 6:14 – 7:7

“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 Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. ³ I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. ⁴ I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. ⁵ For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. ⁶ But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, ⁷ and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.” 2 Cor. 7:1-7

There is a cleansing that only G-d can do in our lives, and that comes through the forgiveness of sins – the absolution as we call it. There is also a cleansing that G-d wants to do in cooperation with us – a cleansing that can only come from looking within. Here, Paul writes about a cleansing that isn’t just something G-d does for us as we sit passively; this is a self-cleansing for intimacy with G-d that goes beyond a general cleansing for sin. We can talk about this cleansing in three parts:

First, there is the cleansing that comes to us as we trust in Jesus and His work on our behalf. This work of cleansing is really God’s work in us and not our work – but comes in a relationship of trust. Let us seek to be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Second, in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, we allow our will to be bent to the will of G-d – this is not our work apart from G-d, but it is a work that awaits our will and effort. Let us seek to be cleansed through our service for G-d.

Third, again in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, we cleanse our hearts by living lives not indulging in all kinds of impurities and evil. Let us seek to value and do what is holy and right – which brings glory to G-d. 

Let us Pray,

Lord Christ, we can only look to you to be cleansed – cleansed through your word, your renewing spirit, and your love. Cleanse my life of my sin and bend my will towards yours. Amen

Pastor Dave