February 28
Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of the Lord
“Therefore having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
We have been elaborating since February 22 on the first point of the 24 principles outlined in the booklet Overcoming Temptation, and that is “Revere God and Fear Him.” This is such an important point, and as we have discussed, when we sin we demonstrate pride and a lack of humility, we presume upon God’s grace and love, and we put God to the test. The apostle Paul in this verse reminds us not only about the fear of the Lord but also reminds us about the promises of God.
Note that Paul doesn’t say, “Therefore having these reminders of God’s wrath and punishment against sin, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves….” No, he is reminding us of God’s goodness and His promises of eternal blessings. Specifically, he just quoted Old Testament promises about God dwelling in and among His people. These verses quote God saying to Israel to come out from the midst of the sinful influences surrounding them and be separate. He commands them to not touch that which is unclean, and God promises that we will be sons and daughters to Him.
What amazing promises indeed! What more could we ask for? But what does God ask of us? That we come out and be separate and not touch what is unclean. The only way to experience God’s indwelling power is to respect Him enough, to honor Him enough, to fear Him enough, and to love Him enough to keep from the things that cause us to sin. What a powerful motivation to walk in purity and holiness, to have the fullness of God indwelling us as a reward!
The consequences of sin, therefore, are not just the punishments and loss of what is dear to us, but also the lack of the intimate fellowship of our amazing and wonderful, loving and powerful God! Quenching His Spirit is a great sin indeed, more that I think most of us realize. What is more, life is so much harder without Him and so much easier when I continually take things to Him throughout the day! He is our “Easy Button,” and yet we strongly gravitate to the “Hard and Disappointing Button.” By sinning, especially willfully and knowingly, we are snubbing Him to His face, and telling Him, “I don’t value Your promise to be with me and indwell me. I’d rather do things my way and indulge my lusts. You can come along and bless me later, and I’d appreciate that of course. But right now, I’d rather indulge my sinful lusts than enjoy your fellowship. I’d rather do it the very hard way and have it be my way than do it Your way and have it easy.”
Remembering God’s wonderful promises and all He gave to enable us to have them, His Son Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, is one more thing that when fully appreciated can help us appreciate, love, respect, and honor our awesome God and choose Him rather than sin. Revere God and fear Him, remember the incredible promises and blessings He has lavished upon us in Christ. Don’t put Him to the test and presume upon His grace. Remember Him. Love Him. Fear Him. Obey Him. Submit to Him. Humble yourself before Him. There is nothing better in this life than to walk blamelessly before Him. Ask Him daily for this and keep asking, until this habitual in your life.