2 corinthians 7:1 - Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 corinthians 7:1" mean?
Let's break down 2 Corinthians 7:1 phrase by phrase:
"Having therefore these promises..." This refers back to the promises Paul outlines in the latter part of 2 Corinthians 6. These promises include God dwelling in them, being their God and Father, and their being His sons and daughters. Basically, God is offering them a close, intimate, and transformative relationship.
"...beloved..." This is a term of endearment and shows Paul's care and affection for the Corinthian believers. It emphasizes that he's not speaking from a place of judgment but of love and concern for their well-being.
"...let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit..." This is the core instruction.
"Cleanse ourselves": This is an active call to action. It's not something God does for them without their participation. They must actively choose to purify themselves.
"All defilement of flesh and spirit": This covers all areas of life, both outward actions and inward thoughts and desires.
"Flesh" often refers to the sinful nature or the actions and desires that originate from a worldly perspective. It encompasses outward sins like immorality, greed, and anger.
"Spirit" refers to the inner being, including the mind, emotions, and will. Defilement of the spirit includes things like pride, envy, bitterness, doubt, and a lack of spiritual focus. The idea is to cleanse both outward actions and inward attitudes.
"...perfecting holiness in the fear of God." This explains the goal and the motivation for cleansing:
"Perfecting holiness": This isn't about achieving absolute, flawless perfection in this life (which is impossible). Rather, it's about striving to become more and more like Christ, growing in righteousness and obedience to God. It's a continuous process of becoming more sanctified.
"In the fear of God": This doesn't mean being terrified of God. It means having a deep reverence, respect, and awe for God. It acknowledges His holiness, power, and authority. This "fear" motivates them to live in a way that pleases Him and avoids dishonoring Him. It acts as a guardrail against sin and a driving force towards holiness.
In essence, the verse is a call to action based on God's incredible promises:
Because God has offered you such a close and personal relationship, dear believers, make a conscious effort to purify yourselves from everything that contaminates your life, both outwardly and inwardly. Strive to grow in holiness, and let your reverence for God be the driving force behind your desire to live a life that pleases Him.
In simpler terms:
Because God loves you and wants to be close to you, clean up your act, both inside and out. Keep trying to live a holy life, and let your respect for God motivate you to do it.
2 corinthians 7:1 - Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
What does "2 corinthians 7:1" mean?
Let's break down 2 Corinthians 7:1 phrase by phrase:
"Having therefore these promises..." This refers back to the promises Paul outlines in the latter part of 2 Corinthians 6. These promises include God dwelling in them, being their God and Father, and their being His sons and daughters. Basically, God is offering them a close, intimate, and transformative relationship.
"...beloved..." This is a term of endearment and shows Paul's care and affection for the Corinthian believers. It emphasizes that he's not speaking from a place of judgment but of love and concern for their well-being.
"...let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit..." This is the core instruction.
"Cleanse ourselves": This is an active call to action. It's not something God does for them without their participation. They must actively choose to purify themselves.
"All defilement of flesh and spirit": This covers all areas of life, both outward actions and inward thoughts and desires.
"Flesh" often refers to the sinful nature or the actions and desires that originate from a worldly perspective. It encompasses outward sins like immorality, greed, and anger.
"Spirit" refers to the inner being, including the mind, emotions, and will. Defilement of the spirit includes things like pride, envy, bitterness, doubt, and a lack of spiritual focus. The idea is to cleanse both outward actions and inward attitudes.
"...perfecting holiness in the fear of God." This explains the goal and the motivation for cleansing:
"Perfecting holiness": This isn't about achieving absolute, flawless perfection in this life (which is impossible). Rather, it's about striving to become more and more like Christ, growing in righteousness and obedience to God. It's a continuous process of becoming more sanctified.
"In the fear of God": This doesn't mean being terrified of God. It means having a deep reverence, respect, and awe for God. It acknowledges His holiness, power, and authority. This "fear" motivates them to live in a way that pleases Him and avoids dishonoring Him. It acts as a guardrail against sin and a driving force towards holiness.
In essence, the verse is a call to action based on God's incredible promises:
Because God has offered you such a close and personal relationship, dear believers, make a conscious effort to purify yourselves from everything that contaminates your life, both outwardly and inwardly. Strive to grow in holiness, and let your reverence for God be the driving force behind your desire to live a life that pleases Him.
In simpler terms:
Because God loves you and wants to be close to you, clean up your act, both inside and out. Keep trying to live a holy life, and let your respect for God motivate you to do it.