NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED 2 Corinthians 6 14 The

NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED 2 Corinthians 6: 14

The text – 2 Corinthians 6: 11 -7: 1 Ø Paul’s desire – that these brethren be holy – 2 Corinthians 7: 1 Ø His desire was that they not be caught up in idolatrous practices nor to imply approval Ø He is encouraging them to take steps to ensure they are not caught up in this conduct

The text – 2 Corinthians 6: 11 -7: 1 Ø Not unequally yoked – 6: 14 Ø Yoke – a device that joins together two animals as a team. Ø Unequally yoked – different or contrasting things Leviticus 19: 19 Deuteronomy 22: 10 Ø Possible point – separation and distinction

The text – 2 Corinthians 6: 11 -7: 1 Ø Unequally yoked with unbelievers Ø Is this Jews that rejected Jesus? (2 Cor. 3: 7 -18, Acts 18: 12 -13) Ø Is this brethren causing problems with Christians? 1 Corinthians 5: 9 -11, 2 Cor. 2: 17, 4: 2 Ø Is it one who has never submitted to God? 1 Cor. 6: 6, 7: 12 -14, 2 Cor. 4: 4 Ø All of these? Probably the third!

The text – 2 Corinthians 6: 11 -7: 1 Ø The point – a warning against yoking yourself with someone committing sins Ø Participating in these sins - fellowship (consider vs. 14 -16) Ø Also implied, do not put ourselves in a situation where an unbeliever has an advantage! Ø Come out and be separate (vs. 17) Ø We are different and should stay that way

The text – 2 Corinthians 6: 11 -7: 1 Ø Is Paul saying to have no dealings with the world? Ø 1 Corinthians 5: 9 -10 1 Corinthians 9: 19 -23 1 Corinthians 10: 25 -27 Ø Jesus noted we are in the world – John 17: 14 -16 Ø Who do you prefer to be around?

How can we be unequally yoked? Ø Corinthian idolatry – participating in ceremonies (Possibly guilds), eating foods known to be sacrificed to idols, even temple prostitution

How can we be unequally yoked? Ø Are we guilty of being unequally yoked with idolatry? Colossians 3: 5, Ephesians 5: 5 Ø Do we find ourselves practicing idolatrous behaviors? Sports, television, social media, games, etc. Ø Matthew 6: 24

How can we be unequally yoked? Ø Is this talking about marriage to an unbeliever? Ø NOT the union! NOTHING in the context dealing with this Ø IF this applies to marrying an unbeliever than 1) God does not recognize the marriage, OR 2) God accepts a sinful marriage

How can we be unequally yoked? Ø Is this talking about marriage to an unbeliever? Ø 1 Corinthians 7: 12 -14 – instructions to one married to an unbeliever Ø HOWEVER, while the union may not be sinful, to marry an unbeliever IS unwise and CAN result in a circumstance where one is unequally yoked to an unbeliever

How can we be unequally yoked? Ø By failing to prepare to defend your faith Ø 1 Peter 3: 15 – be ready to give an answer Ø In our secular society, we need to prepare ourselves and our youth to face ungodly and anti-God rhetoric. Ø To bury our heads in the sand could cause us to be unequally yoked

How can we be unequally yoked? Ø By going places where you are tempted to sin or outnumbered spiritually Ø 1 Corinthians 15: 33, 2 Timothy 2: 22 Psalm 1: 1 Proverbs 1: 10 ff Ø When we deliberately enter the devil’s domain, we may be unequally yoked

How can we be unequally yoked? Ø By failing to grow as you ought to Ø If we’re not growing spiritually, we are likely drifting back into the world Ø Hebrews 2: 1 Ø Will we give up worldly pursuits? Ø 2 Peter 1: 5 -11 – are we making our calling and election sure? Ø Failure to grow can make you unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 2: 11, 1 Peter 5: 8 -9)

With whom are you yoked?