Embracing God's Promises: A Call to Holiness

In our journey through 2 Corinthians, we find ourselves in chapter 7, where we are reminded of the profound promises God has made to us. These promises are not just words but assurances from the Creator of the universe, who is faithful and true. God promises to receive us, to be a Father to us, and to make us His sons and daughters. These promises are certain because they come from God, who cannot lie. The faithfulness of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as seen in the testimonies of Moses, Joshua, and Solomon, who all affirmed that not one word of God's promises has ever failed.

The promise of God receiving us is a glorious assurance, especially when we consider the terror of being rejected by Him. The psalmist in Psalm 73 realized the folly of envying the wicked when he understood their end—rejection by God. In contrast, God's promise to receive us brings a sigh of relief and joy, knowing we are accepted because of Jesus Christ.

God also promises to be a Father to us, a concept that can be challenging for those who have had negative experiences with their earthly fathers. However, God is the perfect Father, who loves us, provides for us, and thinks of us continually. His thoughts toward us are of peace and a glorious future. As His children, we are called to live differently from the world, adhering to the protocols of being part of the royal family of God.

These promises, however, come with conditions. We are called to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. This involves removing the defilement of the world from our lives and replacing it with the Word of God, which cleanses and purifies our minds. We must be vigilant about what we allow into our minds, as the world constantly seeks to draw us into lust and corruption. By sowing to the Spirit, we reap life everlasting, living a life of holiness and purity before our holy God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God's promises are sure and certain because they come from the Creator who cannot lie. His faithfulness is affirmed throughout Scripture, reminding us that we can trust in His word and rely on His promises. [03:00]
• 2. The promise of being received by God is a profound assurance, contrasting the terror of rejection. In Christ, we are accepted and welcomed into His kingdom, a truth that brings peace and joy to our hearts. [08:24]
• 3. God as our Father is a perfect example of love, provision, and care. Despite earthly experiences, we can trust in His goodness and His desire for our well-being, knowing that His thoughts toward us are of peace and a glorious future. [11:48]
• 4. As children of God, we are called to live differently from the world, adhering to the protocols of being part of His royal family. This involves cleansing ourselves from the filth of the world and living in holiness. [17:20]
• 5. The condition for receiving God's promises is to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness and perfect holiness in the fear of God. This involves replacing worldly defilement with the Word of God, which purifies and renews our minds. [22:32]
  ** [22:32]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:14] - Opening Prayer
• [01:04] - Introduction to 2 Corinthians 7
• [01:34] - The Promises of God
• [03:00] - The Certainty of God's Promises
• [05:36] - The Promise of Being Received
• [09:51] - God as Our Father
• [13:30] - The Role of a Father
• [17:20] - Living as Children of God
• [18:23] - Conditions of God's Promises
• [20:03] - Cleansing from Worldly Filth
• [22:32] - The Power of God's Word
• [24:18] - Perfecting Holiness
• [29:06] - The Impact of Words
• [35:19] - Conclusion and Call to Holiness

1. 2 Corinthians 7:1
2. Numbers 23:19
3. Psalm 73

1. What are the specific promises mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:1 that Paul refers to, and how do they relate to the previous chapter? [01:34]
2. How does the sermon describe the terror of being rejected by God, and what biblical example is used to illustrate this? [05:57]
3. According to the sermon, what are some characteristics of God as a Father, and how do they contrast with earthly fathers? [09:51]
4. What conditions are mentioned in the sermon for receiving God's promises, and how are they related to cleansing oneself? [18:23]

1. How does the sermon explain the certainty of God's promises, and what biblical figures are used to affirm this certainty? [03:00]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's promise to receive us brings peace and joy, especially in contrast to the terror of rejection? [08:24]
3. How does the sermon address the challenge of viewing God as a Father for those with negative experiences with their earthly fathers? [10:45]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the Word of God in cleansing and renewing our minds, and how is this related to living a holy life? [22:32]

1. Reflect on a time when you doubted the certainty of God's promises. How can the examples of Moses, Joshua, and Solomon help strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness? [03:00]
2. Have you ever experienced a sense of rejection, either from people or in your spiritual life? How does the promise of being received by God change your perspective on acceptance and belonging? [08:24]
3. If you have had negative experiences with your earthly father, how can you begin to see God as the perfect Father who loves and provides for you? What steps can you take to deepen this understanding? [10:45]
4. What are some practical ways you can cleanse your mind from worldly influences and replace them with the Word of God? Consider specific actions you can take this week to focus on spiritual growth. [22:32]
5. The sermon emphasizes living differently from the world as children of God. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to reflect your identity as part of God's royal family? [17:20]
6. How can you be more vigilant about what you allow into your mind, especially in a world that constantly seeks to draw you into lust and corruption? Identify one area where you can be more discerning. [20:55]
7. Consider the role of holiness in your life. What does it mean to perfect holiness in the fear of God, and how can you pursue this in your personal and spiritual journey? [24:18]