God’s Renewing Word of Unity in Christ Jesus
Introduction
2 Corinthians 6:14—7:1: In today’s reading, Paul warns the Corinthians against pagan influences and encourages them to live in awe of God.
Scripture Reading
Warning against Pagan Influences
14Do not try to work together as equals with unbelievers, for it cannot be done. How can right and wrong be partners? How can light and darkness live together? 15How can Christ and the Devil agree? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 How can God’s temple come to terms with pagan idols? For we are the temple of the living God! As God himself has said,
“I will make my home with my people
and live among them;
I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.”
17 And so the Lord says,
“You must leave them
and separate yourselves from them.
Have nothing to do with what is unclean,
and I will accept you.
18 I will be your father,
and you shall be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”
1All these promises are made to us, my dear friends. So then, let us purify ourselves from everything that makes body or soul unclean, and let us be completely holy by living in awe of God.
Today’s Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 7:1b
Let us purify ourselves from everything that makes body or soul unclean, and let us be completely holy by living in awe of God.
Reflect
In today’s reading, Paul poses a series of questions to emphasize the need for the Corinthian believers to avoid any corrupting influences of the Gentile world. What questions does he pose? To reinforce his argument, Paul again quotes from the Hebrew Scriptures (Leviticus 26:11-12; Ezekiel 37:27; Isaiah 52:11; 2 Samuel 7:14). What are your thoughts about the relevance of Paul’s argument for life today? What does it mean to you when Paul says that “we are the temple of the living God” (verse 16)?
Pray
Holy God, when faced with temptation, empower me with weapons of the Spirit and help me to resist all that is evil. Purify me from everything that would make my body or soul unclean so that I may live a life that is holy and in awe of you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
2 Corinthians 7:2-16: What Paul hears about the church in Corinth cheers him up.