2 Corinthians 7:1: Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Now Paul mentions the filthiness of the spirit. What are some of those sins? Well, how about gossip, my friend? How about vicious slander against some Christian brother? There are a great many people who would never take a gun and pull the trigger to shoot a man down, but they will take the dagger of gossip and put it in his back when he is not listening. Some of the dear saints in the church engage in that kind of practice. There are the secret sins of the spirit such as vanity and pride. Conceit, haughtiness, unbelief, and covetousness are the dirty sins of the spirit. There are a lot of saints in the church who live by a series of “don’ts”—don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t play cards. Not one of them would have a cigarette on the end of his tongue, but the words on the end of his tongue burn more deeply than a cigarette could burn. These are some of the sins of the spirit. 1
Personal Application
- Read Hebrews 12:14. What should we pursue with all people, at all times?
Godly Encouragement
- Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. –John 17:17
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
Unfortunately, the pursuit of holiness is pursued by very few. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, thank You that you will cleanse our heart, mind, attitude, and actions, and fill our lives with holy fear for You.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (2 Corinthians) (electronic ed., Vol. 45). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
