2Corinthians 7:1-7 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. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforted those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
‘These promises’ – the promises of 2Corinthians 6:16-18.
‘Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.’ Six conditions of the promises (6:14 – 7:1): Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers (6:14-16). Come out from among them (6:17). Be separate from them (6:17). Touch not the unclean thing (6:17). Cleanse self of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (7:1; Mark 7:19-21; Rom. 1:18-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-10). Perfect holiness in the fear of God (7:1; Eph. 1:4; 4:24; Gal. 5:24; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13; Heb. 12:12-15).
‘Receive’ [Greek: choreo] make room. Open your hearts to us (6:11-12). Three reasons: We have wronged no man in judgment. We have corrupted no man in doctrine. We have defrauded no man of property.
Your false teachers have beguiled you from the simple truth and corrupted your minds (11:3). They have brought you into bondage and exalted themselves and you suffer it (11:12-15, 20). I say this to open your eyes (7:2-3). So many people are guilty of the same things today, putting their trust in one person and following them instead of studying God’s Word for themself and are thus deceived. Trust no one with your eternal life.
‘Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.’ Paul has bragged about them in many places. His remembrance of them filled him with comfort and made his trouble light.
‘Were come into Macedonia’ – this was after leaving Troas (2:12-13). It was here that the second epistle was written.
‘Without were fightings’ – they had opposition of the pagans, Jews, and false brethren (11:26).
‘Within were fears’ – Paul was anxious to know the effects of his first epistle and their obedience to it. God settled his fears by the coming of Titus who brought the good news of their love for him and their obedience to him (7:5-7).
Living the Word 