September 7 / II Cor. 6:14-7:1

II Corinthians 6:14-7:1

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. (v. 14a) I’ve often heard this verse quoted with respect to Christians dating and marrying Christians, often as advice from older believers to younger believers. However, in context with the rest of this section and the Corinthian culture’s idol worship it’s clear that Paul is speaking more of Christian relationships in general rather than marriage specifically. These relationships could include business partnerships, temple prostitution, or simple friendship. But clearly Paul does not want these Corinthian believers to be drawn into the idol culture that pervaded Corinth.

Still, the application for today often has to do with Christian dating and marriage relationships. We hear stories of young men and women dating unbelievers with a professed hope of bringing their girlfriend/boyfriend to the Lord. I’ve heard the analogy more than once that it’s easier to pull someone down from a ledge (or chair or table) than it is to pull that person up to join you. So just back away! Carol and I watched from afar (sadly) as the young people to whom we had ministered in Mark Bruner’s (Czech) English Camps so often became more interested in the local non-Christian boys and girls – their party life was much more exciting than youth group activities! Unfortunately, the Christian life was just not attractive to these young people. Paul closes this section with …let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit… (v. 7:1b). That “every defilement” begins at the beginning, that first step down a wrong path. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (I Peter 5:8)