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Shield Daily Devotional  

Day 156

Today we will look at cleansing our selves from "filthiness of spirit." This involves cleansing from things we can't see. Whereas yesterday involved "filthiness of flesh," the things the natural eye can observe, now we focus on things that might not be noticeable to others. Our verse is 2 Corinthians 7:1: "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Regarding the "filthiness of spirit," the Barnes NT Commentary said: "By "filthiness of the spirit," the apostle means, probably, all the thoughts or mental associations that defile the man. Thus the Saviour (Mt 15:19) speaks of evil thoughts, etc., that proceed out of the heart, and that pollute the man. And probably Paul here includes all the sins and passions which appertain particularly to mind or to the soul rather than to carnal appetites--such as the desire of revenge, pride, avarice, ambition, etc."

First, I want you to remember that this is a command. Since it is a command God expects us to do it. Second, since it is a command, it must be able to be successfully accomplished. God is very serious about our cleansing ourselves from filthy behavior and attitudes that are both seen and unseen.

You might be thinking, "that is great but how can I do it?" The key to answering this question is to understand the respective roles in the process. It is your responsibility to resist the devil, resist sin, resist the filthiness and to call upon God. It is God's pleasure to answer that call and transform you from within (with God it is generally a cleansing within first) to cleanse you from all unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus Christ (see I John 1:9). Whether you are just beginning your cleansing from filthiness or continuing an established practice, know that it is God's command for you to do so. What He commands you to do, He will cause you to succeed.
 
 
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