SEEK HOLINESS NOT HAPPINESS

Proclamation:

"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."  2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

Explanations:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in Corinth.  Paul was encouraging the believers not to adopt the sinful practices of the non-believers in the city around them. (2 Corinthians 6:17)  He wanted them to rid themselves of everything that contaminated their mind and body so that they could receive the promises of God. (2 Corinthians 6:16 and 18)  He also said that they should seek and do only that which is righteous and holy, out of reverence and respect for God.

Application:

As believers, we have the same promises of God, that if we separate ourselves from the non-believers, and obey His Word, then He will live with us, and walk with us, and be a Father to us, and we will be His sons and daughters. (2 Corinthians 6:16-18)  These promises of God are conditional.  In order to receive them we must cleanse ourselves of all sinful filthiness.  We are to be set apart from the world and we are to behave differently than non-believers. (Psalms 4:3)  We must separate ourselves from things which defile our mind and our bodies.  That includes not following false teaching, in addition to not pandering to greed, the lusts of the flesh, and the selfish pursuit of happiness.  When we accept Christ we are to die to all selfish wants. (Romans 6:1-2 and 6:11)  We are to seek Christ and do that which gives God glory. (Philippians 2:21 and Colossians 3:1)  Our goal should be to seek Godly holiness, as opposed to worldly happiness.  We are to be holy because we are His, and He is holy. (1 Peter 1:16)  If we seek Him above all else, He will give us other things that we need. (Matthew 6:33)   When we seek Christ and His holiness, He will grant us His unspeakable joy. (1 Peter 1:8)