Day 154
We have seen the reason to separate, the duty to separate and the blessings of separation. Today, we begin the examination of the process of sanctification. The key verse is found in 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." Notice that the verse starts with a "therefore." Someone once said, that when you find a "therefore," find out what it is there fore. This "therefore" reminds us of the promises of God to be our Father and to receive us as children. That is a rather large promise and an incentive to obey. What are we to obey? We are to "cleanse ourselves" and "perfect holiness."
Is this the work of God or of man or some collective effort. The Barnes NT Commentary explained the work as follows: "While it is true that all purifying influence and all holiness proceed from God, it is also true that the effect of all the influences of the Holy Spirit is to excite us to diligence, to purify our own hearts, and to urge us to make strenuous efforts to overcome our own sins. He who expects to be made pure without any effort of his own, will never become pure; and he who ever becomes holy, will become so in consequence of strenuous efforts to resist the evil of his own heart, and to become like God. The argument here is, that we have the promises of God to aid us. We do not go about the work in our own strength. It is not a work in which we are to have no aid. But it is a work which God desires, and where he will give us all the aid which we need."
Over the next several days we will examine the specific process of separation. For today, pray to God to give you His grace to cleanse you from anything and everything that needs cleaning in your life. This will be a cooperative effort. We know God will be faithful to do His part. The only real issue is whether you will be faithful to do your part? So, what is the answer? Tell God your decision today and begin the process of separation.
Is this the work of God or of man or some collective effort. The Barnes NT Commentary explained the work as follows: "While it is true that all purifying influence and all holiness proceed from God, it is also true that the effect of all the influences of the Holy Spirit is to excite us to diligence, to purify our own hearts, and to urge us to make strenuous efforts to overcome our own sins. He who expects to be made pure without any effort of his own, will never become pure; and he who ever becomes holy, will become so in consequence of strenuous efforts to resist the evil of his own heart, and to become like God. The argument here is, that we have the promises of God to aid us. We do not go about the work in our own strength. It is not a work in which we are to have no aid. But it is a work which God desires, and where he will give us all the aid which we need."
Over the next several days we will examine the specific process of separation. For today, pray to God to give you His grace to cleanse you from anything and everything that needs cleaning in your life. This will be a cooperative effort. We know God will be faithful to do His part. The only real issue is whether you will be faithful to do your part? So, what is the answer? Tell God your decision today and begin the process of separation.
