2 Corinthians 7:1-3

Perfect holiness in the fear of God 2 Corinthians 7:1-3: Since God has given us His great promises we should stay away from everything that contaminates and defiles either our body or our spirit. Peter wrote, "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (2 Peter 1:4) We should honor God in reverential fear. Our goal should be to be completely like Him. The possibility of God's blessings in our life should motivate us to purity of life in Christ. Our bodies are made in the image of God and we must likewise be in His image form the standpoint of godliness. Any "defilement" must be left behind because it is unChrist-like! Paul said, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)

Paul asked the Corinthians to open their hearts again to him and his fellow workers. He had given these brethren severe rebukes. He did not do this in any way to mistreat them, wrong them or cheat them. He rebuked their sins because he cared about them. He said nothing to condemn these brethren. Whether he lived or died he wanted them to know that they were in his heart and that he cared about their eternal welfare. He trusted them completely and was very proud of them. In all his trouble he was still very happy.