THE KING’S BUSINESS
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8 :13; 16:6). In this way, by cleansing our selves from all defilement of flesh and spirit and in this way alone, can we perfect holiness, i. e., bring our personal holiness to a complete and perfect state. Monday, February 25 . . 2 Cor. 7 : 2 , 3 . . Paul here returns to his appeal in chapter 6:11-13. He again asks for room in their hearts. The words translated “receive us” in the Authorized Version, and “open your hearts to us” in the Revised Version, liter ally translated would read, “make room for - us.” Paul knew that he' was entitled to room in their hearts because: (1) He had “wronged no man,” (2) he had “corrupted no man” (by flattery or false doctrine), (3) he had taken “advantage of no man” (cf. ch. 12:17; 1 Sam. 12:3). In saying all this Paul, with great consideration for their feelings, avoided giving the impression that he thought that they were accusing him of these thiiigs. ' The Corinthians were in his heart. He would gladly live with them or die with them (cf. Ruth 1:16, 17). How few ministers today form such a devoted attachment to their people that they could say to them what Paul here says to the saints in Corinth? Tuesday, February 26 . ‘ 2 Cor. 7:4-7. Paul felt free to use the greatest frank ness of utterance in speaking to them. He also gloried ov]er the gifts and graces which were manifested among them. He was filled with comfort and overflowing with joy in the midst of all his affliction. When Paul had left Ephesus and its plots and riots he did not escape trouble, even in, Macedonia (cf. ch. 2 :12, 13) his flesh found no relief (though his spirit did, cf. John 16:83). He had affliction “on every side.” There were “fightings” with adver saries “without” (cf. 1 Cor. 5:12) and there were “fears” from those within (especially for the Corinthians lest they had been led away by false teachers). Just at this time of overwhelming afflictions, , fightings, and fears, came the consolation and it was God who sent it. It was Titus
thought of it: we will have His intimate fellowship instead of that of the world upon which we have turned our backs (cf. 1 John 1 r3). Certainly that is far more than compensation for whit we have lost._ And He will be to us for a Father, and we will be to Him for sons and daughters. And who is it says this? “The -Lord Almighty.” À glorious name found no where else but in Revelation, and used here in connection with His intimate relation with us. Sunday, February 24 . , 2 Cor. 7 : 1 . All the promises of God are intended as an incentive to holy living, but especially is this true of such promises as those with which chapter 6 close's and which are con ditioned upon our separation from sin and sinners. The chapter division at this point (which, of course, is not a part of the original Word of God) is very unfortu nate, as this first verse of chapter 7 follows immediately upon the closing words^ of chapter 6. We ,certainly wish to make our own these glorious j promises contained in thé closing verse of chapter 6. This being so, We should cleanse' ourselves “from all defilement of flesh and of the spirit,” i. e., from everything that defiles our body, and everything that 'defiles our spirit that inhabits the body. This is a rule of con duct that, honestly applied, will settle many perplexing questions. There are many practises indulged in by many professed Christians which certainly defile the flesh. There are other practices indplged in by 1 not a few professed Christians which defile the spirit. All improper imaginations, all questionable stories, all deceit, all greed, for money and for the- applause of men, and many other things defile the spirit. It would be well if in our Bibles we should underscore the word “all” in this verse. There are those who have cleansed them selves from many defilements of the spirit, but not “all.” This cleansing of self from all defilement, of flesh and spirit should be 'r done “in the fear of God,” i. e., from an earnest regard for what pleases Him (Prov.
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