2 Corinthians 6:11-18

                                                                     2 Corinthians 6:11-18

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.  In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.  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 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.”

 

Relationships are a vital part of our lives.  How we relate with one another, the sinful world around us and, above all, how we relate with God are vital to our well-being on every level.  When relationships between believer become strained it can change the way we relate with unbelievers as well as the Lord.  This passage makes it clear how we should handle these vital relationships.

 

BELIEVERS SHOULD PARTICIPATE WITH ONE ANOTHER: Our relationships with other believers must be open.  Paul said that he and his team had hearts that were wide open to the believers in Corinth.  He loved them deeply and was open to loving and cooperating with them on every level.  The relationship had been strained due to the sin that was tolerated in the church and Paul’s firm discipline of the church.  However, Paul wants to make sure they know that on his end he was completely passed that issue and ready to move forward with them.  Unfortunately, it seems that the church was still somewhat closed down to Paul.  The had restricted affections.  When it comes to relationships with believers, we should be affectionate, loving, and kind.  Forgiveness and restoration but take the place of bitterness and resentment.  It is important for the health and testimony of the church that we love as Christ loved.

 

BELIEVERS SHOULD BE SEPARATE FROM UNBELIEVERS:  Unfortunately, when our relationships with believers are strained, we tend to seek to fulfill our relational needs with unbelievers.  This only complicates our lives further.  As followers of Christ, we also love unbelievers, and we do all we can to reach them with the Gospel.  However, we do not enter into partnerships with unbelievers.  This would apply to marriages as well as other types of partnerships where the actions and attitudes of an unbeliever could compromise the values and integrity of a believing partner.  I don’t think this means that believers cannot hire unbelievers or that believers cannot work for unbelievers.  As long as the believer is free to lead and work according to his or her convictions, other Scriptures make clear that this is not a problem.  This certainly does not mean that believers should not associate with or be friends with unbelievers.  We must build these relationships to advance the kingdom and witness of the grace of God.  This also does not mean that if one spouse comes to Christ after marriage and the other spouse does not that the believing spouse should divorce the unbeliever.  Other Scriptures make this clear as well.  We must love unbelievers and seek to reach them with the Gospel but not enter into covenants and compromising partnerships with them.

 

BELIEVERS SHOULD COHABITATE WITH THE LORD: Unfortunately, when believers are not at peace with one another, they tend to not only gravitate to worldly relationships but will also drift away from the Lord.  We are to be in a familial relationship with God as our Father and as sisters and brothers of one another.  He has promised that if believers will be pure in their relationships and actions, our relationship with Him will close and His presence clear and obvious in our lives.  However, when we are fighting with our brothers and sisters in Christ and walking in the ways of the world, that relationship is strained and distant.  This is a means of drawing us back into fellowship by making it clear that the way we are living is unacceptable.  It impossible for us to be at war with our brothers and sisters in Christ, in allegiance with the world and at the same time walking closely in the presence of God.   

 

APPLICATION: Fix any strained relationship with other believers through forgiveness and repentance.  Don’t enter into marriage or other partnerships with unbelievers that might compromise our effectiveness for Christ. Be intentional about building relationships with unbelievers for the purpose of evangelism.  Enjoy the presence of God in our lives and spend time worshiping Him.

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