Edbp45

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Introduction

1. A very difficult Bible passage is 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

2. This passage seems to forbid us from having associations with unbelievers.

Is This Avoidance Of Unbelievers Absolute?

1. Christians are commanded to preach the gospel to all. (Matt. 28:19,20; Mk. 16:15,16).

2. Jesus had contact with unbelievers. (Matt. 9:9-11).

3. Christians are required to do good to all men. (Gal. 6:10).

4. Paul affirmed we would have to leave world to avoid all contact with unbelievers. (1 Cor 5:9).

Christians married to unbelievers were instructed to remain with unbelieving mates. (1 Cor. 7:11-14).

Some Hard Questions

1. Can we work for an unbeliever?

2. What if a Christian has an unbelieving master? (Eph. 6:5-9).

3. Are we to honor parents if they are unbelievers? (Rom. 1:30; Eph. 6:1,2).

4. What if one's children are unbelievers?

5. Can a Christian doctor minister to unbelievers?

6.. What if ones grandparents are unbelievers?

7. Can a Christian who completely isolates himself be "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world"?

The Passage Is A Warning

1. This passage is not an absolute prohibition against all associations with unbelievers.

2. It originally referred to a man mismating or yoking a larger animal to a smaller animal. (Deut. 22:10). This was injurious or deadly to the smaller animal.

3. He was cautioning the Christian about his relationships with unbelievers in business, friendships, marriage, and in every other relationship.

4. It is a warning that should not go unheeded.

5. It is very dangerous to have close associations with unbelievers (1 Cor. 15:33; Psa. 1:1).

Applications

1. Marriage

Marriage to an unbeliever is dangerous and one can find himself/herself mismated and injured or destroyed by the relationship.
It is dangerous, but not an absolute prohibition. (1 Cor. 7:12-15; 1 Pet. 3:1,2).
The conversion rate of unbelieving mates is not very high.
The majority of Christian who marry unbelievers are weakened or destroyed.

2. Business

Partnerships with unbelievers often lead to compromise and other evils.
It can lead to lying, distortion, and a host of other sins.

3. Associations

Our peers have a powerful influence over us.
We often conform to the standards of our associates.
We must transform, but not conform. (Rom. 12:2).