2 Corinthians 7:1-7 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is 2 Corinthians 7:1-7. Let’s go!
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
1 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.
On verse 1: What “promises” is Paul referring to? It’s the promises that Paul quotes at the end of chapter 6 in the context of not being yoked with unbelievers: “come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing and I will receive you” and “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord”. Because God promises to receive us and promises a close father-child relationship with us, Paul encourages his “dear friends” the Corinthian Christians, as an act of worship (“reverence for God”) to purify themselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit (including being yoked to unbelievers) so that they can grow in holiness.
Salvation (being forgiven of your sins) takes only a moment. But sanctification (growing more like Christ) takes a lifetime. Though we will never get it perfect on earth, out of reverence for God we want to seek to become more like Jesus every day.
2 Corinthians 7:2-4 (NIV)
2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.
3 I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.
4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
On verses 2-4: Paul felt that the Corinthians had closed their hearts to him, especially after the conflicts they had gone through and the criticisms that some in their congregation had made of him. Paul here is once again reaching out to the Corinthians, assuring them that he has acted properly toward them (v2), and affirming how much they mean to him (v3). In verse 4, Paul reiterates how proud he is of the Corinthian church and how much joy they give him.
Likewise, parents, your children need your encouragement. They need to hear how much you mean to them, that you are proud of them, and much joy you have because of them. Leaders, same thing. Those on your team need to hear your heart for them.
2 Corinthians 7:5-7 (NIV)
5 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn–conflicts on the outside, fears 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 you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
On verses 5-7: In verses 5-7 he recalls how when he was in Macedonia and facing many troubles, God brought him so much joy and comfort to hear from Titus that the Corinthian Christians were still thinking of him, missing him, and feeling sorrow for the ways they had gone astray.
What can we learn from this? One of the big themes of 2 Corinthians is that God is a comforter. Just as God used Titus to comfort Paul, God wants to use you to bring comfort to others. (See 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.)
God, thank You for receiving, for being my Father, for calling me Your own, and for being my Comforter. Like You, may I not be afraid to express my heart for those in my care. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
