Wednesday | 30 April 2025
It is important to recognise that the apostle Paul was writing to the church in Corinth when he directed those with an ear to hear, to ‘come out from among them and be separate’. 2Co 6:17. The ‘them’, to whom Paul was referring, were those in the Corinthian congregation who were unsanctified. They were not obedient from the heart to the form of doctrine to which they were being delivered. Rather, they were continuing to live according to their own understanding and the sight of their own eyes.
Speaking to these people, Paul said, ‘Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification. For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits [self-promotion], tumults [instability, complexity, agitation]; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practised.’ 2Co 12:19-21.
Paul was detailing the fruit that is brought forth by those who are unsanctified. They are unclean on account of their disobedience and mixture. 1Th 4:7. Significantly, he said that they had not come to repentance. Without repentance, we are unable to receive or exercise faith to live by the Spirit, who is the Spirit of adoption. Heb 6:1. Gal 3:14. Rom 8:15. In this state, our Christian life is ‘a form of godliness’ without the power of new-creation life. Again, Paul said, ‘From such people turn away!’ 2Ti 3:5.
Notably, such people often demand attention from the messengers of Christ, and from others in the body, to ratify their own gospels; to excuse their mixture and uncleanness; and to verify their idolatrous projections. Their motive is the fear of death associated with condemnation and shame.
Further Study:
2 Corinthians 12
References:
2Co 6:17
Therefore, ‘Come out from among them and be separate’, says the Lord. ‘Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’
2Co 12:19-21
Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification. For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practised.
1Th 4:7
For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.
Heb 6:1
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.
Gal 3:14
That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Rom 8:15
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’
2Ti 3:5
Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!