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Michael Price

What does Paul mean when he says "be not unequally yoked" in 2

Corthians 6:14?

It is my purpose to show that we as Christians are to influence theworld and not allow the world to influence us. When we think aboutbeing yoked together we sometimes think of a farmer and a team ofoxen or mules bound together with a yoke, plowing a field. Today wemost often think about it in the realm of marriage. In this passagePaul is talking about relationships in general. if we look at it from themarriage perspective we can get a clearer view.

2 Cor 6:14Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For whatfellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? NKJV

Marriage is a sacred relationship which was initiated by GOD forman. (Genesis 2:18). Any two eligible people, male and female, mayenter into this divine relationship with the assurance that the union isrecognized by God. This has been since the beginning of time.

Every knowledgeable Bible student is aware that the general tone ofScripture has been to discourage believers from entering into

marriage bonds with those who do not share the true faith. Thepurpose behind such divine instruction clearly had a spiritual point.

It is clear that a marriage between a Christian and a non-Christian isa union that is not to be severed strictly on that basis. If one findshimself in a relationship of that nature, he or she should work toconvert that unbelieving companion to the Lord. (1 Corinthians 7:12.)

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus admonished his disciples to putthe kingdom of Christ first in their lives. The adverb suggests that

the interests of the Lord should be above all else. Can anyonehonestly contend that a child of God who unites himself with aunbeliever in the most intimate of all human relationships is grantingthe reign of Christ the most exalted place in his or her life?

Numerous Christians can testify that their spiritual lives have beenmade more difficult since yoking themselves with those who do not

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share a commitment to God. Not to mention the raising of children inan environment where there are different spiritual influences. SomeChristians have converted their unbelieving mates. However,thatnumber hardly stacks up against the many more instances ofdisciples who have weakened under such a strain, ultimatelyabandoning their faith.

In 1 Corinthians 7:39, Paul says that the Christian widow shouldmarry in the Lord. The meaning of the phrase, then, is supposed tobe that she is to marry in harmony with the Lords will, in such a wayas to not surrender her faith.

Is it the Lords will that his people form intimate unions with thosewho have little, if any, sympathy to serving Him? Is the Saviorpleased when his follower lowers his spiritual interests to those that

primarily are physical and emotional?

Every ordinance given to man by GOD was intended for his salvation.This is certainly true with reference to the home. If such was the caseregarding marriage as an institution, is the principle any less valid forthe spiritual welfare of the individual or single Christian?

In conclusion we should be able to see how the Devil gets those whoare faithful to becme unfaithful. He does this by getting to us throughrelationships. It is a shame when so many of the Lord's children

choose to persue relationships with people who do not have anydesire to have a relationship with GOD. The odds are against themthat that unbeliever will convert. If they do, it's not always sincere andmost of the time the one who is a christian is usually weak and theyare the ones who turn their back on their faith. You see it throughtheir unfaithfulness, their conversations on Facebook, the people theyspend most of their time with, their dress and behavior,and socialactivities they are involved in.

2 Cor 6:14-18

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For whatfellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And whatcommunion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christwith Satan? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 Andwhat agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are thetemple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And

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walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people."17 Therefore, "Come out from among them And be separate, saysthe Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." 18 'Iwill be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters.NKJV

Sources:

Wayne Jackson, The Christian Courier; article

Should a Christian Marry Outside the Faith?

Scripture References;

Gen 2: 18, 1 Corth 7: 12, 39, 2 Corth 6: 14-18

https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/313-should-a-christian-marry-outside-the-faithhttps://www.christiancourier.com/articles/313-should-a-christian-marry-outside-the-faith