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"Perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

Text: 2 Corinthians 7:1

THE DOCTRINE OF HOLINESS

The doctrine of holiness deserves lots more attention. Paul certainly practised this doctrine besides teaching it.

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved,
let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1

1. “Therefore, having these promises, beloved”

a) “These promises”

i) That God would receive us as His children. 2 Corinthians 6:18

ii) That He would be our Heavenly Father. 2 Corinthians 6:18

iii) That we are the temple of the living God. 2 Corinthians 6:16

iv) That we are His people. 2 Corinthians 6:16

b) These promises should be treasured.

i) They must motivate the believer to draw nearer to God.

ii) They must cause the believer to desire to be separate from the world.

2. “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit”

a) This does not mean we can actually clean ourselves up.

b) What it means:

i) We must repent.

ii) We must seek God for His cleansing.

iii) As we live in a world of sin, we would need to seek the Lord’s cleansing many times.

c) Two areas highlighted:

i) The cleansing of the flesh is more obvious.

ii) The cleansing of the spirit is more challenging. (It would require great candidness for the individual to note where the spirit needs cleansing.)

iii) One area of sin will ultimately affect other areas.

3. “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God”

a) Imputed righteousness has already been given to us when we first come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

b) Personal righteousness is the focus in this text.

c) The true believer must desire to cultivate a life of holiness simply.

d) He fears the Lord God and with this holy fear he seeks to “perfect holiness”.