2 Corinthians 7:1

Introduction:

1. It is that time of year when people everywhere catch up on the extra cleaning we have been putting off for months.

2. Though it is a challenging process, it is also quite rewarding.

3. For the next few weeks, we will consider the need to do some “spring cleaning” to put our spiritual houses in better order.

Discussion:

I. The House of the Lord

A. This effort is essential as the church collectively (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) and Christians individually (1 Corinthians 6:17-20) are God’s temple/house.

B. The gravity and depth of responsibility this implies must drive us.

II. Cleaning As We Go

A. As with housekeeping, we must clean as we go (Romans 12:1-2).

B. As with housekeeping, we often neglect the finer details (Hebrews 5:11-6:2).

III. Rolling Up Our Sleeves When We Fall Behind

A. The first step is honest assessment (Romans 12:3; 2 Corinthians 13:5).

B. Seeing the true condition of our spiritual houses can be painful, but we must use that discomfort as motivation (Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:6-12).

IV. Don’t Try to Hide It Under the Bed or in the Closet

A. Who hasn’t tried to hide their mess under the bed or in the closet?

B. Though this may buy us some time and make us feel better temporarily, it only compounds our problems later.

C. As our spiritual houses go, we cannot hide our mess from the one to whom we must answer (Romans 2:4-10, 16; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 4:11-13).

Conclusion:

1. Ideally, we will strive to keep our spiritual house in order as we go.

2. Over the next few weeks, Lord willing, we will consider some specific areas of our spiritual houses we may need to tidy up a bit.

3. Then all there is to do is roll up our sleeves and get on with the purge.