H. S

2 Corinthians 6:14-18- 7:1-?

Introduction:

Paul accuses the Corinthians of restricting in their affections towards him

Paul loved the Corinthians and apparently the love was not reciprocated

1. (V14) Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers

a) What the scriptures do not say:

Paul was not saying that Christians should break off all association with unbelievers (cf. 1 Cor. 5:9-10; 10:27). He had previously encouraged the saved partner in a mixed marriage to maintain the marriage relationship as long as possible (1Cor. 7:12-16).

He had also urged his fellow Christians, as ambassadors of Christ, to evangelize the lost (5:20). Rather here Paul was commanding that Christians form no binding interpersonal relationships with non-Christians that resulted in their spiritual defilement.

b) Yoked

The idea of do not be unequally yoked together is based on Deuteronomy 22:10, which prohibited yoking together two different animals. It speaks of joining two things that should not be joined.

Deuteronomy 22:10 “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.”

c) Types of relationships

Friendships, relationships , business relationships

Illustration: I have a close family member who was dating a man and I warned them, she didn’t listen.

They are not equally yoked in the marriage. Now there is lots of contention.

King Salomon was another example of someone who was led away by being unequally yoked with his pagan wives

d) Why do you think God tells us not to be unequally yoked?

Mismatched alliances can prevent the Christian from living a consistently obedient Christian life.

Proverbs 13:20 “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

1.1 What does it mean to be a believer or how do I know if someone really believes?

A person can tell you things, but that doesn’t make it true

Example: I can tell you I am a woman or I can have babies, but we know that is not true

The KJV translates Strong's G4100 in the following manner: believe (239x), commit unto (4x), commit to (one's) trust (1x), be committed unto (1x), to put trust in  (1x), be commit to one's trust (1x), believer (1x).

a) If someone says they are a believer, as Christians we should look for the evidence of it, before we get into a relationship with them.

(Got questions.org) Believing the facts about Jesus is only part of the equation. Biblical faith/belief is far more than believing certain things to be true. Biblical saving faith is also trusting/relying on those facts.