Text: 2 Corinthians 7:1
Christians are called to be perfect (Matthew 5:48). This is what we continually strive for. One of the ways in which we are to be perfect is in regard to holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1). How do we perfect holiness? That is what we will consider in this lesson.
What is Holiness?
- To be holy is to be consecrated or set apart for God’s purpose – holiness is the reason why we are not to be “bound together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14)
- Holiness is about being righteous (2 Corinthians 6:14) – contrast with lawlessness (1 John 3:4, 7)
- Holiness is about being in the light (2 Corinthians 6:14) – walk in the light; fellowship with God (1 John 1:7)
- Holiness is about being of Christ (2 Corinthians 6:15) – we belong to Him (Titus 2:14)
- Holiness is about being a believer (2 Corinthians 6:15) – must have faith in God (Hebrews 11:6)
- Holiness is about being the temple of God (2 Corinthians 6:16) – glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:20)
- We are to perfect holiness – not that we will be removed from the world (1 Corinthians 5:10), but that we will not allow the world to influence us (2 Corinthians 6:14)
Why Should We Strive to Perfect Holiness?
- “Therefore, having these promises…” – God’s promises should motivate us
- “I will dwell in them and walk among them” (2 Corinthians 6:16) – fellowship restored (Genesis 3:8, 24; Amos 3:3; 1 John 1:7)
- “I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2 Corinthians 6:16) – we belong to Him; implies protection (John 10:27-29); we have nothing to fear (Romans 8:31, 37)
- “I will welcome you” (2 Corinthians 6:17) – welcome for all (Acts 10:34-35)
- “I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me” (2 Corinthians 6:18) – great privilege (1 John 3:1); inheritance (Colossians 1:12)
What Must We Do to Perfect Holiness?
- We must “cleanse ourselves” – we must be pure (Titus 2:14); we must be clean to stand in His holy place (Psalm 24:3-4)
- Cleansed from defilements of the flesh – keep ourselves free from sin (Romans 6:12-14; Jude 7-8)
- Cleansed from defilements of the spirit – guard against lust (James 1:14-15; 1 Corinthians 10:6) and false teaching that corrupts our minds (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)
How Do We Perfect Holiness?
- We must do this “in the fear of God” – God expects His people to fear Him (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Acts 10:34-35)
- If we do not fear God, we cannot serve Him acceptably (Hebrews 12:28)
- We serve God acceptably as we approach Him at Mount Zion (Hebrews 12:22)
- We cannot approach Him (cannot see Him) without being sanctified/holy (Hebrews 12:14)
