2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (Part 41) The Unequal Yoke

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. Yoked together is: 1) Intimate Relationship; 2) Common objective.

• General principle (v. 14)—this assumes we will make good personal judgment. The value to this approach: 1) It requires thought; 2) It requires response to the Word; 3) It produces maturity.

• Applying thought to the general command, (v. 14): 1) There are parameters as this is not reference to general association; 2) He is not forbidding social interaction.

• Unequal yoke—in the area of marriage: 1) Command—only in the Lord [I Corinthians 7:39]; 2) Example, a believing wife [I Corinthians 9:5)

Observations concerning “dating”:

• Dating is always a prelude to marriage

• Romantic attraction may be the most powerful emotion

• Romantic attraction enables one to make cosmetic changes in life or belief--if the relationship is threatened if you do not

• The one involved believes they are unique

Why does the unequal yoke relationship need to be terminated?

• It is a command, 6:14

• 5 rhetorical questions [vv. 14b-16]—each revolves about total incompatibility (absolute contrasts)

• What value do you place on the fact that God indwells His children? The implications: 1) 6:17, 7:1.