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. Here is taught the second blessing. They already were holy in part. Especially notice the part enjoined upon us in this passage. We must not ask the Lord to do what we can do.
Pride is a filthiness of the spirit.
God treats it as such. We can lay aside all its outward manifestations, and then, with confidence ask God to take the unholy disposition from our hearts. Here again, we have the second blessing. They were already brethren. This implies a consecration of every thing, even our lives, to the service of God.