What is meant by 'filthiness of the flesh and spirit'?

[reddogs]

We find the following in 2 Corinthians 7...
2 Corinthians 7:1
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.

The filthiness of the flesh is not too hard to figure out as our carnal nature is evident all around, but what about the 'filthiness' of the 'spirit'. How does that differ from the 'flesh', how would one explain or define exactly what that is.

 

[journeyman]

Filthiness of the flesh is described im Gal.5:20-21.

Filthiness of out spirit is thinking them, wanting them.

He turned and rebuked them,[fn] and said, “Youdo not know what manner of spirit you are of. Lk.9:55 NKJV

 

[Who Me]

We find the following in 2 Corinthians 7...
2 Corinthians 7:1
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.

The filthiness of the flesh is not too hard to figure out as our carnal nature is evident all around, but what about the 'filthiness' of the 'spirit'. How does that differ from the 'flesh', how would one explain or define exactly what that is.

Clearly laid out by Paul in gal 5:
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

 

[Hidden In Him]

We find the following in 2 Corinthians 7...
2 Corinthians 7:1
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.

The filthiness of the flesh is not too hard to figure out as our carnal nature is evident all around, but what about the 'filthiness' of the 'spirit'. How does that differ from the 'flesh', how would one explain or define exactly what that is.

Hello Reddogs.

Filthiness of the flesh is engaging in sexual uncleanness without, i.e. in the flesh. Filthiness of the spirit is welcoming unclean spirits within. Both constitute a departure from holiness.

 

[Josef]

Hey All,
Perhaps you are looking for this reddogs.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Paul adds this.
Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

I have to end this on a positive note.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Keep walking everybody.
May God bless,
Taz

 

[miamited]

Hi reddogs

I've always understood it as our flesh and will or desires, those things which I believe come from our spirit, are all wicked and unclean. Man's 'heart' is wicked the Scriptures tell us. I believe that's an inference to our naturally born spirit.

God bless,
Ted

 

[reddogs]

Hello Reddogs.

Filthiness of the flesh is engaging in sexual uncleanness without, i.e. in the flesh. Filthiness of the spirit is welcoming unclean spirits within. Both constitute a departure from holiness.

So would the false speaking in tongues be considered 'welcoming unclean spirits within'?

 

[Tenchi]

We find the following in 2 Corinthians 7...
2 Corinthians 7:1
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.

The filthiness of the flesh is not too hard to figure out as our carnal nature is evident all around, but what about the 'filthiness' of the 'spirit'. How does that differ from the 'flesh', how would one explain or define exactly what that is.

The more a Christian understands God's holiness, the clearer their own filthiness becomes. There is much danger in looking at sin: We all become conformed to that upon which we focus. No one ever becomes more like Christ by carefully considering sin; and so, we are told in Scripture:

Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

2 Corinthians 3:18
18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Lord, the Spirit.

If you want to be sure to be a sin-bound person, keep your attention fixed on sin. Instead,

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in his wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of his glory and grace."

 

[Hidden In Him]

So would the false speaking in tongues be considered 'welcoming unclean spirits within'?

Not unless it is tongues genuinely spoken by a demonic spirit. Non-charismatics generally know little about this subject, and refer to any manifestation of tongues as "false," not realizing that tongues can be faked and false, demonic and real, or spoken by the Holy Spirit and real.

 

[reddogs]

The more a Christian understands God's holiness, the clearer their own filthiness becomes. There is much danger in looking at sin: We all become conformed to that upon which we focus. No one ever becomes more like Christ by carefully considering sin; and so, we are told in Scripture:

Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

2 Corinthians 3:18
18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Lord, the Spirit.

If you want to be sure to be a sin-bound person, keep your attention fixed on sin. Instead,

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in his wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of his glory and grace."

Very true...

 

[reddogs]

Not unless it is tongues genuinely spoken by a demonic spirit. Non-charismatics generally know little about this subject, and refer to any manifestation of tongues as "false," not realizing that tongues can be faked and false, demonic and real, or spoken by the Holy Spirit and real.

And charismatics do the same, referring to any spirit that manifests speaking in tongues as 'true' when they know not. So need to test the spirits my brother and discern whether they are from God or from the deceiver.

 

[Hidden In Him]

And charismatics do the same.

Some. Not all charismatics are alike.

 

[Hopeful 2]

We find the following in 2 Corinthians 7...
2 Corinthians 7:1
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.

The filthiness of the flesh is not too hard to figure out as our carnal nature is evident all around, but what about the 'filthiness' of the 'spirit'. How does that differ from the 'flesh', how would one explain or define exactly what that is.

Given that the context of that verse includes the end of chapter 6, Paul is again exhorting the church's departure from all that is unclean.
The "flesh" pertains to the ungodly in the midst of those walking in the Spirit.
Kick 'em all out !
The "spirit" is the church.
1 Cor 5:7 corroborates my view..."Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened."

 

[reddogs]

Some. Not all charismatics are alike.

Yes, its like not all Baptist are alike, but they are all similar so you know what they believe and follow.

 

[JLB]

We find the following in 2 Corinthians 7...
2 Corinthians 7:1
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.

The filthiness of the flesh is not too hard to figure out as our carnal nature is evident all around, but what about the 'filthiness' of the 'spirit'. How does that differ from the 'flesh', how would one explain or define exactly what that is.

Just as we cleanse our body by washing ourselves so also we should cleanse ourselves from spiritual filth, such as iniquities, ungodly soul ties, unforgiveness so that we become vessels of honor fit for the Master to use. This is part of the work of “keeping ourselves” so that the devil, “unclean spirits” do not touch us; do not have access to us to influence us in an ungodly way.

• Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:19-22



JLB

 

[reddogs]

Just as we cleanse our body by washing ourselves so also we should cleanse ourselves from spiritual filth, such as iniquities, ungodly soul ties, unforgiveness so that we become vessels of honor fit for the Master to use. This is part of the work of “keeping ourselves” so that the devil, “unclean spirits” do not touch us; do not have access to us to influence us in an ungodly way.

• Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:19-22



JLB

Amen.. let us allow the sanctification into perfect love and righteousness to begin...