Tag: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Holy Separation
Scripture reading for August 5: 2 Corinthians 6
“”Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God has said, “I will make My dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God and they shall be My people. Therefore go out from their midst and be separate from them, says the Lord and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome You, and I will be a Father to you and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Paul explained that as new creations, believers had some choices to make. God did not want them yoked together with unbelievers. Paul used five questions to probe the understanding of those he was writing these instructions to. The answers were obvious to each question, showing the folly of becoming yoked with someone who was an unbeliever and still in the darkness of sin and under the devil’s influence. In considering covenant ties of marriage, the spouse to be must be a believer. In business partnerships, believers will work best together. In recreation, sinful pursuits must be avoided.
Paul explained how believers have now become a ‘temple of the living God.’ They belong fully and completely to God as His dwelling place and family. The result of this new world view was to bring about willing holy separation through joyful submission to God and His Word. Close partnerships with those not following Jesus were to be evaluated and any sinful activities or practices must be repented of and forsaken. Believers must prepare their lives to welcome God’s rule and relationship. They were to be fully dedicated to Him alone. Earlier, Paul had told those already married to unbelievers to live with them if possible, seeking to win them to the Lord and sanctify the children. (1 Corinthians 7:12-16)
As you evaluate your marriage, if applicable, partnerships, and committed relationships, would you consider yourself equally yoked spiritually? How does God’s desire for your holy separation from worldly entanglements and dedication to Him help your decisions to joyfully submit to Him?
Prayer: Holy Father, Your passionate and jealous love for me and each person is amazing and humbling. I am willing to separate from any unequal yoking or sinful behavior so that I can allow You to fully indwell my soul and body. I am your child and You are my Heavenly Father. Have Your way in me! Amen.