Topic: 2 Corinthians 7:1
What promise of God do you find it hard to accept?
"Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Paul is referring to the promises he quoted from the Old Testament (Leviticus 26:12, Jeremiah 32:38, Isaiah 52:11, Ezekiel 37:27 & 20:34, 41) in the previous chapter, promises God had made centuries before that date, promises which still apply today.
God promises:
I will live with them and walk among them. (2 Corinthians 6:16)
I will be their God. (2 Corinthians 6:16)
They will be my people. (2 Corinthians 6:16)
I will receive you. (2 Corinthians 6:17)
I will be a Father to you. (2 Corinthians 6:18)
You will be my sons and daughters. (2 Corinthians 6:18)
Since these promises hold true for us today, how should we respond?
Paul urges us to purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.
What contaminates body and spirit? Envy, junk food, pride, smoking, deceptive philosophies, sensual images, the list could fill pages.
Perhaps the best place to start is by asking God to point out to you the things that have been contaminating your body and spirit. Then, surrender those things to God, asking Him to purify your heart and mind.
We don't go through this process in the hope that it will make us acceptable to God, but rather, because God has already accepted us, we purify ourselves out of a desire to honor Him and show Him our reverence.
~Holy God, I ask you to show me the attitudes that have been contaminating my spirit and the activities that are contaminating my body. I surrender them to you. Thank you for accepting me and giving me the desire to honor you with my life.
How does knowing God's promises spur you to change? Why is purifying yourself from everything that contaminates important? Are you willing to ask God to point out what is contaminating you?
Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation
at 4:30 PM CST
Updated: Friday, 29 February 2008 9:38 AM CST
