2 Corinthians 6:14 – 7:1
This passage was an appeal written to the Corinthian Church by Paul the Apostle, he exhorted them to watch out for the company they keep. “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits. Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33-34. In the exhortation in the main passage, Paul was not negating the great commission where we are called to reach out to unbelievers but that the believer is not to team up with those who are unbelievers. The spirit of this study is how we can influence the world for Jesus Christ without losing our Christian values. It is about keeping the cutting edge as a believer and not to compromise our faith.
In another writing to the Philippian Church, Paul admonished the Church he found in Philippi to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling – Philippians 2:12. The root word for ‘fear’ in the Greek word is ‘fobos.’- which is to be exceedingly afraid or in terror. In understanding the fear of God properly; we must see God as Holy (Leviticus 19:2 | 1 Peter 1:15-16); and it is our conduct in question here – ‘to be holy in our conduct.’ It is evident that the wrong company can alter our conduct and make this unacceptable to God.
The question to ask is what is the best way to produce or mold Holy or Godly Conduct? The answer seems to be easy – by taking heed to the word of God? It seems impossible to understand or walk in the fear of God without a fair and increasing knowledge of God’s word – Psalm 119:1-10.
Can one then deduce from 2 Corinthians 7:1 that the fear of God is about cleansing oneself of everything that can defile? In his exhortation, Paul admonished them to make a clean break from their past and surrender to God alone – allowing the word of God to cleanse them towards complete purity.
Discussion:
- 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. What are the ways we can cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit? Explain
- Evaluate the following verses 2 Corinthians 6:14 | 1 Corinthians 7:13-14. What do you think the Apostle is saying in the two verses?
- What are the dangers of teaming up with unbelievers?
- As the temple of the living God, describe the relationship of a believer with the Almighty God?
- The fear of God prolongs life – Proverbs 10:27 | Proverbs 19:23. Discuss
Prayer