Daily Devotion in II Corinthians 6

 


Daily Nugget:
One principle that will distinguish a strong Christian from a weak one is taught here. Not adhering to God’s teaching on this doctrine has ruined many Christian lives and testimonies. It is the number one robber of joy, testimony, and growth of a child of God. The principle Paul taught here is the separation of a Christian from those who are not saved (II Corinthians 6:14-17).
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Corinthian 6:14

The double-negatived “not unequally yoked” in II Corinthians 6:14 can be confusing. It simply means “do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” Here, the yoke refers to the heavy, wooden implement that forces two farm animals to work together and go in the same direction. We should not be thinking, have the same goals, or go in the same spiritual direction as the unsaved. Christians should not be joined with non-believers to accomplish ungodly goals.

We should not be yoked to unbelievers in marriage, business relationships, friendships, or other close relationships. When we are joined closely together with the ungodly in such a relationship, we often end up going in the wrong spiritual direction, thinking, and acting as they do.

We are in the world, and we naturally may be in close contact with the unsaved. That happens and is a wonderful opportunity to be a witness and an example to them. However, getting into the position that we live and think like them is what God is warning us to avoid.

A child of God is on the winning side. Why would any want to go in the same direction and live as the losing side? We have a Leader that will guide us in way which is best for us. Christians should not be following those that do not know the way. We should be an example for others to follow and not living the same as the lost with their sinful behaviors, decisions, desires, actions, and priorities.

The Bible says there are two spiritual sides in this life: God’s and the devil’s (also called Belial). What can we possibly have in common with an unbeliever’s thinking, goals, and lifestyle?
“And what concord [agreement, union in opinions, sentiments, views or interests] hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” II Corinthians 6:15-16 

Today’s Thoughts: 
“Oil and water do not mix; neither do the saved and the unsaved.” — Author Unknown
“To keep from marrying an unsaved person, do not date one!”

Words to Understand:
Communion: fellowship; relationship
Infidel: a person rejecting Christianity
Recompence: paying back; an equivalent return or payment
Succoured: helping a person in trouble
Tumults: a violent commotion
Unfeigned: not hid

Today’s Reading:
II Corinthians 6
1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
11 ¶ O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

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