“Strengthening our Relationships Under the Lordship of Jesus Christ”*

2 Cor. 6:14—7:1

 Big Picture: Paul reminds the Corinthians of the promises that are theirs as they partake of his new covenant ministry, promises the old covenant itself had prophesied. Because Christians are the inheritors of these promises, and because we fear God, we must cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit, working toward complete holiness. This is a passage where spiritual truths and principles can be applied to our own relationships in the church, relationships we want to keep as holy as possible, placing them under the Lordship of our saviour, Jesus Christ.

Point # 1 The source of our relational problems: the worldly values that divide and polarize us (6:14-16a)

Point # 2 The basis of our union with one another: the gospel promises which unite us (6:16b, 18)

Point # 3 The work that awaits us (6:7a; 7:1)

* This sermon owes much to a 2008 lecture given by Pierre Constant of Toronto Baptist Seminary. His notes are incorporated throughout.