“…let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.” II Corinthians 7:1. Sin in the believer’s life retards his progress in grace. Whether inward or outward, it hinders the work of the Holy Spirit as He seeks to conform us to the image of Christ. Some people think that only the gross outward sins, such as adultery, murder, and drunkenness, are the greatest obstacles to holiness. They forget that the more subtle sins, like envy, malice, hatred, and stubbornness, are just as bad.  We must beware of  “all filthiness of the flesh and spirit” that would contaminate us and hinder the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.