2 Corinthians 7 - Maturing

LINK: 2 Corinthians 7

BACKGROUND

In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul reminded the Corinthians of God's presence (6:16) and fellowship (6:17b-18) if they obeyed him.  As a result, Paul exhorted them to walk in complete purity by separating themselves from any person who polluted the truth (2:17; 4:2). 

"Perfecting" holiness means completed or matured holiness. It means a "maturing, growing, holiness, and increased Christ-likeness (3:18), a progressive sanctification (not sinless perfection)" (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Volume 2, p. 552).

The rest of the chapter concerns Paul's continued defense of his apostleship (against the false teachers) and affirmation of his love, care, and concern for the Corinthians. The letter Paul refers to is one he sent (now lost) that was delivered by Titus. It was a harsh rebuke to the Corinthians, possibly for the immorality among them that was not addressed (5:1). He anxiously waited for Titus to meet him in Macedonia in A.D. 56 to tell him news about the Corinthians. Titus reported that the Corinthian church was doing well and had repented of their erring ways, but there were still people who opposed Paul. Paul concluded the chapter by affirming that, based on their positive response to his rebuke, he had confidence in the Corinthians.

REFLECTION

After meditating on 2 Corinthians 7:1, I went to finish a movie I had started yesterday. It was a biopic about a celebrity that I had grown up watching. The celebrity's life was starting to slide into total depravity, and after reading about holiness in this chapter, I decided it was time to stop the movie in mid-stream. 

I think I made the right choice. 

APPLICATION 

How are you maturing and growing in holiness and Christ-likeness today?

PRAYER

Lord, lead us and guide us in our journey toward becoming more and more like Christ. Lead us into maturity in You. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.