2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (Part 40) The Intense Emotional Appeal

• The existing attitude, vv. 11-12

• The desired attitude, v. 13

The unequal yoke, v. 14

• The figure is of a double yoke around two oxen

• The principle—certain things do not mix; should never be linked together

• This does not forbid social interaction

• Two things from Paul’s writings: Marriage to an unbeliever: 1) Maintaining a marriage to an unbeliever, I Corinthians 7; 2) Do not enter into a marriage to an unbeliever, I Corinthians 7:39; 9:5

5 Reasons to not be unequally yoked (all rhetorical)

1. Righteousness and unrighteousness

2. Light and darkness

3. Christ with Belial

4. Believer and infidel

5. Temple of God with idols

6:14-18

• Believers are the temple of God, vv. 14-16a

• This sets the stage for vv. 16b-18

• God dwells in His children. There are implications to that: 1) “Therefore,” 6:17; 2) “Therefore,” 7:1.

The end of the “true ministry for the Lord” section, 6:14-7:4

• The setting—the Corinthians could not identify with Paul because of their association with unbelievers: 1) Association with one person can exclude association with another; 2) The believer should never initiate or maintain a relationship that prevents or discourages dedication to the Lord.

• The command (v. 14), do not initiate a relationship that yokes you to an unbeliever (not dealing with casual relationship)