Growing in Holiness

Date: December 19, 2025

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:1

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

Paul connects holiness directly to God’s promises. Because of what God has already done and promised to do, believers are invited into a life of ongoing transformation. Holiness is not about earning God’s approval; it is a response to the grace we have already received. God’s promises create both confidence and responsibility — confidence in His faithfulness and responsibility to live in a way that honors Him.

Purifying ourselves speaks to intentional growth. It means paying attention to what shapes our hearts, our thoughts, and our actions. Paul reminds us that holiness involves both body and spirit. Faith is not confined to inner belief alone; it shapes how we live, what we pursue, and how we respond to the world around us. Growth in holiness is a process, not an instant change, but it is one God faithfully works in us as we walk with Him.

The motivation Paul gives is reverence for God. A healthy fear of the Lord is not rooted in dread, but in awe and respect. When we recognize who God is — holy, faithful, and gracious — we desire lives that reflect His character. Holiness becomes less about restriction and more about devotion.

Main Takeaways

• Holiness is a response to God’s promises, not a way to earn them.
• God calls believers to grow in purity both inwardly and outwardly.
• Reverence for God motivates a life that seeks to honor Him.

Cross-Referencing Scriptures

• 1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
• James 4:8: “Purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
• Philippians 2:12-13: “Work out your salvation… for it is God who works in you.”

Let God’s promises shape how you live today. Pursue holiness with humility, trusting that the same God who calls you to be set apart is faithfully working to transform you from the inside out.