Bible Pathways 11/29/2000
November 29
II Corinthians 5 -- 8
No one would deny that we are living in a day of deception, compromise, and worldliness, among many Christians who do not recognize the meaning of do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:14). To clarify this command, Paul asked five questions that deserve our prayerful consideration because they have eternal consequences: What fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has Christ with Belial (the devil)? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? What agreement has (can there be between) the Temple of God with idols? For you are the Temple of the Living God (6:14-16).
True faith not only joins the believer to the Lord, but should also separate the believer in heart and practice from the world which crucified the Lord and still hates Him. Wherefore come out from among them (the unbelievers), and be separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty (6:17-18).
To come out from among them simply means that we should avoid becoming involved with unbelieving friends or activities that keep us from the best that we could do for the Lord. If then you be risen with Christ, seek those things that are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on the things on the earth (Colossians 3:1-2).
Many of us are prone to base our decisions on feelings, peer pressure, or human reasoning. But we should prayerfully consider what the Word of God says about friendships, associations, and fellowship with the unsaved, or about making alliances inconsistent with our faith. This is a serious consideration for Christians today, since the believer and the unbeliever each have a different master. Christ is King over His people and we belong to Him. But Satan, who is the prince of this world, controls the emotions and minds of all who are lost.
James warns that being the world's friend is being the enemy of God. So whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world (takes his stand with the enemies of God) is the enemy of God (James 4:4). And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has He reconciled In the Body of His Flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight (Colossians 1:21-22). Peter has written: But as He who called you is Holy, so be holy in all (your conduct and) manner of living. Because it is written, You shall be holy, for I am Holy (I Peter 1:15-16; compare Leviticus 11:44-45).
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness (everything that defiles) of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Corinthians 7:1).
Cross References:
For II Corinthians 6:2: See Isa. 49:8. II Cor. 6:16: See Lev. 26:11-12. II Cor. 6:17: See Isa. 52:11. II Cor. 8:15: See Ex. 16:18.
BPM Staff: Ken Sharp · Pray for Moody Literature and Radio Ministries· Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast in honor of Jesus Christ and His servant Raejean T. Beattie · Country: Lithuania (4 million) eastern coast of Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe · Major languages: Lithuanian and Russian · Limited religious freedom · 80% Roman Catholic; 5% Russian Orthodox; 1% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others (Deuteronomy 9:26).
Memory Verse for the Week:
James 2:26
