2 Corinthians 7
KJV
1+ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
This appeal by Paul continues to be valid and of great relevance today. He made mention of two types of “ filth “ the filthiness of the flesh “ and that of the “ spirit “ !
Indeed as our cities and surroundings are engulfed by material ( physical ) filth even so are some fellowships engulfed with spiritual filth.
What is worrying is just like how we can live the filth in our community without raising a voice; even so, we can live with the spiritual filth that surrounds us in the fellowship without raising a voice.
Like society, dare to raise a voice and you’ll be shot down even so it is in some fellowships.
But what is “filthiness of the flesh ?” Simply put anything that contaminates and works against the natural purpose and use of the flesh. This definition is broad so you can fill in the specifics.
Any moral conduct, behavior etc that contradicts the normal, acceptable standard is a filthiness Of the flesh.
Paul gives a clue, read it
Romans 1
KJV
26+ For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Any abuse ( two words put together; abnormal and use =abuse, abnormal usage ) of nature results in “filthiness of the flesh” such as “gratifications”
Paul is saying, dear believer now that you have switched sides by your conversion do away with any form of abuse that will make you fleshly filthy.
Filthiness of the flesh therefore has to do with moral and ethical failure.
Do not forget, He has said ;
2 Corinthians 5
KJV
17+ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.
What about “ filthiness of spirit?” This has to do with spiritual contamination, some things contaminate the spirit, negative things that take place inside us.
Our evil thoughts and minds about someone or something etc. A contaminated spirit can not pray to God and expect to be heard. A contaminated spirit (heart) can not offer an acceptable sacrifice ( worship ) to God
Read what Jesus said about the filthiness of the spirit and what it can not do.
Matthew 6
KJV
14+ For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Ever wondered why your prayers are not answered? Well, among other reasons it is the spiritual filth ( hatred, envy, jealousy, evil speaking etc) that is in your heart against someone which is the reason. Your spirit is contaminated, it is filthy
Another example of spiritual filth;
Matthew 5
KJV
23+ Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
With a spiritually filthy heart, how can one’s sacrifice be accepted?
Finally, spiritual filth includes dabbling in spiritism and consulting with spiritualists, to invoke curses on perceived enemies.
Beloved, this is what Paul meant by his appeal ;
2 Corinthians 7:1
NIV
[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
Let us rid ourselves of any filth be it fleshly or spiritual.
Thoughts to share.
John Franklin Tamakloe.