Read 2 Corinthians 5
Highlights:
Absent from the body . . . present with the Lord (II Cor. 5:8). Our life is to represent Christ and our privilege is to bring others to Him (5:18-21). We are the Temple of the Living God and are to be cleansed and separated from sin (chap. 6). Worship, dedication, humility (8:5). A call to generous giving (8:1-15).
No one would deny that we are living in a day of deception and compromise, and, unfortunately, Christians are tempted to search for satisfaction through what the world has to offer. To provide answers for this problem, Paul earnestly asked five questions that deserve our prayerful consideration because they have eternal consequences for us. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord (harmony) hath Christ with Belial (Satan)? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel (unbeliever)? And what agreement hath the Temple of God with idols? for ye are the Temple of the Living God (II Cor. 6:14-16).
Since there is a real danger of being caught up with world views that press upon us daily, James was led to warn us that whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4). This is important to remember, since the believer and the unbeliever each have a different master. Any time a Christian gives way to worldly temptation, he is serving his old master. Paul was led to write: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection (mind and emotion) on things above, not on things on the earth (Col. 3:1-2).
The Christian's call is to come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean (morally impure) thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (II Cor. 6:17-18). To come out from means, among other things, that we should avoid becoming involved with unbelieving friends or joining in activities that keep us from being our best for Christ and His Church, even though we are called to love all people as God does.
Paul went on to say: Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Cor. 7:1).
Thought for Today:
No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Luke 16:13).
Word Studies:
5:5 wrought prepared; 5:13 beside ourselves insane; sober of sound mind; 6:5 In stripes having been beaten; tumults riots; 6:6 unfeigned genuine; 6:12 Ye are not straitened in us our love toward you is not restrained; bowels emotions; 6:13 for a recompence in the same on return for our love; be ye also enlarged open your hearts to us; 7:9 that ye might receive damage by us in nothing that you not be offended in what we did or did not say; 7:10 not to be repented of without regret; 7:11 carefulness diligence, seriousness; 8:1 we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on me want you to know what the grace of God has accomplished in; 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty urging us to allow them the privilege; 8:7 abound excel; 8:8 forwardness earnestness.
Cross References:
For II Cor. 6:2: See Is. 49:8. II Cor. 6:16: See Lev. 26:11-12; Ezek. 37:27. II Cor. 6:17: See Is. 52:11. II Cor. 8:15: See Ex. 16:18.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Government Officials: Sec. Janet Napolitano (Dept. of Homeland Security) and Rep. Jean Schmidt (OH) • Country: Kuwait (2 million) in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula • Major languages: Arabic and English • Some religious freedom • 95% Muslim; 4% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will teach you His ways and transform your life by His Word (Is. 2:3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:28