Introduction
This letter was written (in part) to resolve relational alienation between Paul and
some of the Corinthian Christians. Remind of definition of "reconciliation."
Paul addresses the root issue here (read 6:11-13). He says the reason for alienation is
not him, but rather that they are restrained by their affections for something/someone
else (COOLNESS FROM GIRLFRIEND WHO LIKES SOMEONE ELSE). We find out who that "someone
else" is in the next verse . . . read 6:14.
What Paul is not forbidding
What It Does Not Mean
Many Christians have misinterpreted 6:14a,17 to call for a level of separation from
non-Christians that is unbiblical. The New Testament makes it clear that Christians are to
be very involved with non-Christians. Paul has just said that our great privilege is to be
Christ's ambassadors to non-Christians (5:18-20a). We therefore must reject all forms of
separation that hinder this purpose.
Functional involvement (Lk. 3:12-14) vs. AMISH ISOLATIONISM: How can we
reach people for Christ if we never associate with them (1 Cor. 5:9,10)?
Cultural identification (1 Cor. 9:19-23) vs. FUNDAMENTALIST LEGALISM: Why
should we needlessly erect barriers that God says do not exist?
Relational involvement (Matt. 9:10-13) vs. ENEMY COMPLEX: How will people
know that Christ loves them unless we show them his love for them by accepting them and
relating to them on a personal level?
Many of us need to be more involved with non-Christians on this level!!
What It Does Mean
But obviously there is such a thing as unbiblical involvement with non-Christians, or
Paul would not be writing this passage. Having emphasized our need to be "in the
world" as ambassadors, Paul now warns against being "of the world." Paul
is speaking of any kind of relationship with non-Christians which involves compromise of
our commitment to and witness for Christ. This is made clear by two things:
- The verb "bound together" means literally "unequally yoked." Paul is
alluding to the Old Testament command in Deut. 22:10, where God forbade the Israelites
from yoking different species together to plow. The point is that the 2 animals were not
designed to do that together, so it is injurious to both. In the same way, there
are certain things that Christians cannot do with non-Christians without compromising the
Christian's commitment to Christ and therefore injuring his witness to the non-Christian.
- The following 5 questions (6:14b-16a) make it clear that Paul is talking about spiritual
compromise in our relationships with non-Christians. A relationship in which we
compromise ethically (righteousness vs. lawlessness), doctrinally (light vs.
darkness), or spiritually (Christ vs. Belial; temple vs. idols) is a relationship
that is wrong, because:
- It betrays your allegiance to Christ as the Lord of your life (SPIRITUAL ADULTERY).
- It is unloving to the non-Christian because it communicates an inaccurate message about
Jesus Christ--that he is not the One they need because he is not the One you really
follow.
- It is hurtful to your own spiritual life because compromise erects a barrier to your
personal relationship with Christ (see below).
Common forms of compromise
The application to his audience is evidently religious syncretism.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul had told them that they didn't need to worry about eating meat
sacrificed to idols because that couldn't contaminate them spiritually. They seem to have
taken this beyond what his intended meaning. There was heavy social pressure for them to
dine in the idol temples, which involved praying to and worshiping the idols, and (in some
cases) having sex with temple priestesses (see 1 Cor. 10:19-21).
We don't face anything that overt in our own culture, but there is still tremendous
pressure to give in to religious syncretism. In a culture as relativistic as ours, it is
very unpopular to take a stand that Christ is the only way to God. Are you clear in
your stand on this, or do you give the impression that Christ is just the way to God for you?
This principle also applies to romantic relationships. Although he taught
that Christians were not to divorce their non-Christian spouses, Paul clearly taught that
Christians were to marry only other Christians (1 Cor. 7:39). God forbade the Israelites
from inter-marrying with idolaters because it would lead to spiritual compromise.
I think this is the area where Christians are most tempted to compromise, because
romantic attraction is such a powerful emotion that it easily clouds our judgment. But the
choice to get seriously involved romantically with a non-Christian is wrong.
"I'm helping them to come to Christ." But is that the real reason that
you are involved with him/her? The best way to help him/her come to Christ is to put him
first in this relationship by taking a stand.
"I'm sure he/she will come to Christ after we're married." This is a
disastrous presumption. If he/she does come to Christ, it will be in spite of your
compromise, not because of it. And for every case where the non-Christian spouse comes to
Christ, there are many more where the Christian compromises his/her walk with Christ even
more after marriage.
Make the commitment before Christ that you will seriously date and marry only someone
who is a committed Christian!! You may lose romantic opportunities because of this, but
you will never regret it. This is where the rubber meets the road in trusting God!
It also has application to business relationships. Consider also the
ethical issues in the work-place. How do you respond to corrupt or unethical practices at
work? Do you take a stand and refuse to participate in them, or by your participation do
you communicate that your relationship with Christ is severed from the "real
world?"
It is often unwise to enter into a partnership with a non-Christian. If you are a vital
Christian, you will view your job in a very different way than he does. How can he be
expected to understand that you want to draw the line on how many hours you work because
you value involvement in Christian fellowship and ministry? How can he be expected to
understand that you want to use some of the profits of the company to give to Christian
work instead of plow it all back into the business or personal use? Yet these kinds of
conflicts will arise - unless you conform to standards of this world.
It also applies more broadly to family and friends. Family members
sometimes forbid involvement in Christian fellowship, etc. How do you respond? Are you
compromising to keep peace? This is not God's way.
As a new Christian, my non-Christian friends didn't care if I had received Christ, as
long as it didn't make any difference in what I did with them. But as soon as I quit
getting high with them, and wanted to talk about Christ, and made Bible studies and
fellowship a priority, they put a lot of pressure on me to "keep it in its
place." The truth is, most of them didn't want to be around me unless it involved
getting high.
NOTE: This principle applies to relationships with carnal Christians as well . . .
Consider these questions: Are you taking a clear stand for Christ verbally and
in your actions? Who is influencing whom? These questions usually get to the heart
of the issue . . .
The Remedy (6:16b-7:2)
What if you are compromised? Read 6:16b-7:2. Paul speaks of four practical steps we can
take . . .
1. Realize who you are and what kind of life will fulfill you (6:16b,18).
Since you are indwelt by God and Christ is the Lord of your life, the only kind of life
that will fulfill you is one that is centered around relating to and following him.
No one is more miserable than the compromised Christian. You can't really enjoy the
world because you are a new creature; but you can't enjoy the Christian life because
you're not actively following Christ (ME IN LATE '70 & EARLY '71).
2. Put an end to spiritual compromise & make following Christ your #1 priority
(6:17; 7:1).
What does this mean exactly? It will mean different things in different situations. In
some cases, it will mean ending the relationship; in others, it will mean taking a clear
stand. The Holy Spirit will apply this to you if you ask him with the attitude that you
will do whatever is necessary. Wise counsel also helps.
NOTE: If you're chronically confused, it is usually because you haven't decided
that you want to break free. When you have decided to do this, God usually makes it
clear what needs to be done. It's better to be honest here than to deceive yourself into
thinking that you have the right attitude but that God is keeping you in the dark. This
may be very painful, but God will restore the vitality of your relationship with him
immediately ("I will welcome you" versus "You make me sick")--which
more than compensates!
"Perfecting holiness" simply means "growing spiritually."
"Fear of God" means respect for him, meaning business with him--not playing
games, but giving him his rightful place in your life. It is the attitude that says,
"I am willing to sacrifice other things for my spiritual growth. I am unwilling to
sacrifice my spiritual growth for anything."
3. Form and/or reestablish close relationships with vital Christians (6:11-13;
7:2).
The alternative to being "unequally yoked" with non-Christians is to have
vital Christians as your "true yoke-fellows" (Phil. 4:3). Remember, this passage
is book-ended with an appeal by Paul to resume a close relationship with him, one
characterized by love and openness.
Who are your best friends? You cannot live an effective Christian life without
forging your closest relationships with other vital Christians that are centered around
spiritual growth and serving together. This provides replacement for the
stimulation of spiritual compromise, and accountability to nip it in the bud.
Home groups provide a great context for this to happen.
Some of you have alienated yourself from Christian friends like the Corinthians did
with Paul. Return, acknowledge your fault, and seek reconciliation.