2 Corinthians 6:11-18
Q.1. What had Paul shared without restraint with the Corinthians? In what way had they withheld their affection for Paul? Why did he have to address them as if they were children? – (2 Cor.6:11-13)
Paul had been sharing with the Corinthians about the cost he had paid to be a servant of God (2 Cor.6:4-10). Though he had shared his affection for them openly and without restraint, he expressed his disappointment that they had not reciprocated (2 Cor.6:11-12). He appealed to them as a father to his children – open wide to us also (2 Cor.6:13). This suggests that they felt that they had outgrown their need for Paul’s instruction. It is always hard to address a lack of love with someone with whom we have been previously close.
Q.2. What arguments did Paul make against the joining of believers to unbelievers? In what way should we remain separate? Where should our focus be? – 2 Cor.6:14-18 c.f. 1 Cor.5:9-11)
The Corinthians had shown that they were confused about how to relate to the unsaved, and also Christians who lived like the unsaved. Paul referred to a previous letter in which he had advised them – 9 … not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves (1 Cor.5:9-11). It seems that some of them had become deeply entangled with ungodly people. Paul now had to tell them – Do not be bound together with unbelievers (2 Cor.6:14). He supported this precept by arguing – 14 … for what partnership has righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? (2 Cor.6:14-16). The reason such a bind with the unsaved is disallowed, is that – we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people (2 Cor.6:16). The implication and choice were clear – 17 “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. 18 “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty (2 Cor.6:14). Though we must relate to the world for Christ’s sake, we must not be bound with the unsaved, lest their values undermine ours.