Be Holy
November 27, 2020
Commentary
Separation from the ungodly is a basic Bible doctrine. Verses 14 and 15 of this chapter are often applied to various sorts of alliances such as mixed marriages, improper business associations and religious fellowship. The idea of the unequal yoke comes from Deuteronomy 22:100 where it says “Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.” To the Jew an ox was a clean animal, and the ass wasn’t. It was wrong to yoke them together (Deuteronomy 14:1-8). Paul is saying that in the same way, it is wrong for believers to be yoked together with unbelievers. Believers in the Corinthian church were compromising with the world, not walking a separated way (vv. 14-18).
It is unfortunate that this important doctrine of separation has been so misunderstood and abused in recent years. On the one hand some sincerely zealous Christians have turned separation into isolation. They have restricted their association and fellowship to the point where they are fellowshipping in a phone booth, and they cannot even get along with themselves. On the other hand, in reaction to this extreme position, other believers have torn down all the walls and will fellowship with anybody, regardless of what he believes or how he lives. We must remember that separation is not just a negative act, but it is also a positive act of dedication to God. In our desire for doctrinal and personal purity, we must not isolate ourselves from those who need our ministry of the Word.
Application
Considering Paul’s counsel, what relationships with others, if any, do I need to change? I must be sure that I am always turning away from sin, not people, and turning to God in everything I do.
2 Corinthians 6:11– 18 (NET)
11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide to you. 12 Our affection for you is not restricted, but you are restricted in your affections for us. 13 Now as a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts to us also.
14 Do not become partners with those who do not believe, for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 And what agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? 16 And what mutual agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, just as God said, “I will live in them and will walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 Therefore “come out from their midst, and be separate,” says the Lord, “and touch no unclean thing, and I will welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,” says the All-Powerful Lord.