It always catches my attention when I read the same thing in two different places. Here’s the recent reading from 1 John:
Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (1 John 3.2, 3, ESV)
A promise with a “so what?” “Everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” Purifies himself… Didn’t we just see that in 2 Corinthians?
Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 6.17 – 7.1, ESV)
Same setup: a promise of God’s presence in 2 Corinthians; a promise of his appearing in 1 John. Therefore: “let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”
Intentionality:
- Purify myself as he is pure
- Cleanse myself from every defilement of body and spirit
- Bringing holiness to completion
Life requires intention and paying attention, as I wrote recently.
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!
3 They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways. (Psalm 119.1 – 3, NKJV)