DO NOT BE YOKED TO UNBELIEVERS

PROCLAMATION

“Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers;  For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?  And what communion hath light have with darkness? … 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.’ ”  2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul begins this chapter with a discussion of all the hardships that he has had to endure. (2 Corinthians 6:3-10)  Afterwards, he makes it clear that he has opened his heart to them, but they have not done to same to him. (2 Corinthians 6:11-13)  Then he tells them that they should not be unequally yoked, married to or in a relationship with unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 6:14)  This statement is not addressed to believers who are already married to unbelievers, which he had addressed earlier. (1 Corinthians 7:14)  This message is addressed to those believers who are hanging out with, or in relationships with, or partnering with, or planning to marry unbelievers.  He tells them that The Lord says, “Come out from them and be separate.” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18) 

 

APPLICATION

Believers should not socialize with unbelievers.  If the believer is not trying to tell the unbelievers about The Lord Jesus, The Christ, then what are they conversing about, and why are they fellowshipping?  Any activity with unbelievers is probably sinful.  It is even worse if the believer is worshiping with the unbeliever or being pulled away from Christ.  If we cannot pull them out of sin, we should not let them pull us down into it.  We should separate ourselves from as much sinful activity as is possible.  We may have to work with unbelievers, but we do not have to socialize with them.  We should not be courting them or partnering with them.  How can two people walk together unless they are in agreement? (Amos 3:3)  Being unequally yoked is not about two believers who disagree.  This is about not having a relationship with an unbeliever.  If what we are doing with unbelievers is not giving God glory, then we should not be doing it.