Do Not Be Bound Together

I) Context of passage

Book is a follow-up to 1 Corinthians which dealt with factionalism, immorality, divorce & remarriage, and various other problems in the church at Corinth

Most had accepted Paul’s instructions with sorrow – – and repentance

2 Corinthians 7:8–11 ESV

For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

But some had challenged Paul’s credentials – – and apostleship – – and accused him of proclaiming himself –

2 Corinthians 3:1 ESV

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you?

2 Corinthians 11:4–6 ESV

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.

2 Corinthians 4:5 ESV

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Paul challenged the faithful to accept his words and to reject those who opposed his ministry –

2 Corinthians 6:11–13 ESV

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.

II) Definitions

Bound together – heterozugeo (yoked to different sort) yoke is equal, but the participants are not –

Partnership – metoche (sharing, partaking) what can righteousness share with unrighteousness?

Fellowship – koinonia (share in common – broader than above) what does light have in common with darkness?

Harmony – sumphonesis (sounding together) what like sound can Christ and Belial make?

In common – meris (part, portion) what part does the believer have with the unbeliever?

Agreement – sugkatathesis (put down together) what covenant, contract can the temple of God make with idols?

III) Applications

Primary (to the Corinthians) – do not join in the opposition, have no bond with, fellowship, harmony, etc.

Secondary (to all of us) – avoid all associations that cause us to share, commune, or take part in, that which is of the world; these can include:

business – avoid partners who are dishonest and/or ungodly

marriage – marriage certainly involves many, if not all, of these traits

friendships – close associations with worldly-minded can affect our faith –

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Concl: We must be careful to not bind what God has not bound, but we must apply the principles that God has given for us to use in choosing our relationships.