The Christian in Various Aspects

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2 Corinthians 7:1

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit…

I. AS POSSESSED OF MOST GLORIOUS PRIVILEGES — "Having these promises." Not promises in reversion merely, but in actual possession.

1. The promises referred to are —

(1)  Divine indwelling.

(2)  Divine manifestation:

(3)  Divine covenanting.

(4)  Divine acceptance.

(5)  Divine adoption.

2. These promises are already fulfilled in our experience.

II. AS LABOURING TO BE RID OF OBNOXIOUS EVILS.

1. The matter has in it —

(1)  Personality: "Let us cleanse ourselves."

(2)  Activity; we must continue vigorously to cleanse both body and mind.

(3)  Universality: "From all filthiness."

(4)  Thoroughness: "Of the flesh and spirit."

2. If God dwells in us, let us make the house clean for so pure a God.

3. Has the Lord entered into covenant with us that we should be His people? Does not this involve a call upon us to live as becometh godliness?

4. Are we His children? Let us not grieve our Father, but imitate Him as dear children.

III. AS AIMING AT A MOST EXALTED POSITION — "Perfecting holiness."

1. We must set before us perfect holiness as a thing to be reached.

2. We must blame ourselves if we fall short of it.

3. We must continue in any degree of holiness which we have reached.

4. We must agonise after the perfecting of our character.

IV. AS PROMPTED BY THE MOST SACRED OF MOTIVES — "In the fear of God." The fear of God —

1. Casts out the fear of man, and thus saves us from one prolific cause of sin.

2. Casts out the love of sin, and with the root the fruit is sure to go.

3. Works in and through love, and this is a great factor of holiness.

4. Is the root of faith, worship, obedience, and so it produces all manner of holy service.Conclusion: See how —

1. Promises supply arguments for precepts.

2. Precepts naturally grow out of promises.

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