Corinthians 7

Last week we finished with the thought:

Paul wrote about the need to separate from worldly influences so that we can live a close life with God.

1. (V1) Having these promises

a) Refers to verses 16 & 17

I will receive you

I will be a Father to you

You shall be My sons and daughters

1.1 Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit

"Paul is probably implying that the Corinthians had become defiled, perhaps by occasionally sharing meals at idol-shrines or by continuing to attend festivals or ceremonies in pagan temples (cf. 1 Cor. 8:10; 10:14-22), or even by maintaining their membership in some local pagan cult

***Conditional promises

Yes we have recieved forgiveness and have been cleansed from our sin but we must actively cleanse ourselves from filthiness of the flesh and the spirit

a) Outward actions is the flesh

Filthy language, fornication, stealing, gossip, slander, etc

b) Inward actions is the spirit

We can outwardly be doing the right things, but our heart is filled with anger, bitterness, we have a complaining heart

Maybe a self-righteousness attitude, legalism

2. (V2) Open your heart, we wronged or cheated no one

a) Open your heart

I can feel Paul’s pain as he pleads his innocent in his dealings with the Corinthians

2.1 (V3) I do not say this to condemn you

a) Paul is assuring them of his affection for them

Neither death, nor the trials of life, including charges against him, would alter his love for this church

Paul’s love doesn’t change based on their response to him

3. (V4) I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulations

a) Anyone used mightily by God faces great suffering

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers

David ran for his life as Saul tried to kill him

Jesus suffered

The disciples

Paul

b) Paul gives us instruction on how we should suffer, with joy

3.1 (V5) Outside were conflicts, inside were fears

a) Paul was constantly in conflict with enemies of the gospel and worldly minded Christians. On the inside, Paul daily battled with the stress and anxiety of ministry.

Why is ministry so difficult?

Spiritual Battle

Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”