His Servants' Ministry, Inc.

The BIBLE has the answer

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

We serve our Lord and Master willingly with faith, love, honor and gratitude. We appreciate and thank Him for all He's done for us.

The BIBLE has the answer

<><><><><><><><>

About Our Ministry

What We Believe

The TRUTH About Salvation

<><><><><><><><>

Bible Commentaries

Bible Study Booklets

Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount

<><><><><><><><>

Is Jesus Really God?

Is Jesus GOD?

YES! He Is!

<><><><><><><><>

Home Page

<><><><><><><><>

We do not copyright anything. All material on this web site is here to provide free Biblical information. Anyone may freely use any or all the information present, to honor and glorify our awesome Triune God. All material here must remain free to "whosoever."

<><><><><><><><><>

 

 

HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

www.godcannotlie.org

Welcome to our website

2 Corinthians
Chapter 6


Theme: God's comfort in all circumstances of the ministry of Christ.

This chapter is closely connected with chapter 5. It is intended as an address, a speech to the Corinthian Christians, urging and warning them to act worthy of their calling, and of their condition under such a ministry as they had enjoyed. In the previous chapters, Paul had spoken at length of the design and of the labors of the ministry. The main point of all this was to show them the nature of reconciliation and the obligation to turn to God, and to live to Him. This idea is followed in this chapter; and in view of the labors and self-denials of the ministry, Paul urges the Corinthians their duty of coming out from the world, and of separating themselves completely from all evil.

Trying Experiences of the Ministry (2 Cor. 6:1-10)
Paul begs Them Not to Accept God’s Grace, Then Waste It.

2 Cor. 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (KJV)
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain . . . workers together . . . with God (Acts 15:4; 1 Cor.3:9). Not only as ambassadors, but willingly working with Him. Beseech . . . entreat, beg (2 Cor.5:20). Paul is describing his ministry, not really pressuring.
There are some who are gifted to teach, some are gifted as missionaries, etc.. God gives a gift to each and every member of the body of Christ (church), but we all should be workers together. There is something that we should remember . . . Shepherds do NOT produce sheep. Sheep produce sheep. There are many people who think it is only the business of the evangelist and the preacher to win people for Christ. They are wrong! My friend, it is YOUR business too. God has given teachers, preachers, evangelists and missionaries to prepare the body of believers so that those who are sitting in the pews might be equipped for their ministry of going out to witness for Christ. The shepherd does NOT produce the sheep. He feeds the sheep and he watches over the sheep. He shepherds the sheep, but he does NOT produce sheep. The sheep produce sheep.
The church today is bogged down because the sheep are not out witnessing. What are you doing today to get the Word of God out to others? There are some people who will listen to you but won't listen to a preacher . . . unless you encourage them to listen.
That ye receive not the grace of God in vain . . . receiving the grace of God in vain, meansmaking the grace of God a ground for continuance in sin (verse 3). A continued life of sin, shows that the word of reconciliation has been in vain, so far as you are concerned (Heb.12:15; Jude 1:4). The grace of God here, is the reconciliation provided by God's love (2 Cor.5:18-19). To receive God’s goodness and love is to rejoice in the salvation of the grace of God . . . but IF you continue to live ungodly, worldly lives, as you did before Christ . . . that is what it means to receive the grace of God in vain. BEWARE!!!

2 Cor. 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (KJV)

For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted . . . Isaiah 49:8 Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; (KJV) . . . This Passage refers to the Messiah, and the intention is there to show that God would be favorable to Him; that He would hear Him when He prayed, and would make Him the Intercessor of establishing a covenant with His own people, and of spreading the Truth around the Earth. Paul quotes the Passage here, as expressing the idea which he wished to convey, that being that under the Messiah, God would be willing to show mercy to the Jew and to the Gentile. This is the main idea of the Passage as used by Paul. Under the Messiah, it is said by Isaiah, God would be willing to show mercy. That would be an acceptable time. That time, says Paul, has arrived. The Messiah has come, and now God is willing to pardon and save. And the doctrine in this verse is, that under the Messiah, or in the time of Christ, God is willing to show mercy unto men. In Jesus (Messiah) alone is the throne of grace accessible (Heb.4:16; Rom.5:1-2; Eph2:18; 3:12); and now that He has come, God is willing to pardon, and men should be wise enough to profit themselves of the offers of His mercy.  In a time accepted . . . in Isaiah it is: in an acceptable time.
In the day of salvation have I succoured thee . . . succoured means aided, comforted, helped, rescued. God here speaks of there being an accepted time, a limited time period, in which petitions in favor of the world would be acceptable by God. Paul says that that time had come; and the idea which he urgently warns is, that men should NOT put that time off, but grab up the offer of God’s mercy.
Behold now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation . . . the meaning of this phrase is, The Messiah has come. The time referred to by Isaiah has arrived. NOW is the time when God is ready to show compassion, to hear your prayer, and to have mercy on mankind. My friend, it is ONLY through the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, does God the Father show mercy on sinners, and men should embrace the offers of pardon NOW!
The doctrine taught here is, that through the Lord Jesus, where He is preached, God is willing to pardon and save men; and this is true WHEREVER and to WHOMEVER He is preached! The world today is under a dispensation of merciful grace (Rom.6:14). God is willing to show compassion, in YOUR accepted time, YOUR day of salvation! Do you see what I am trying to tell you? If you have NOT accepted Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, please do so now, because the time will come when it will NOT be an acceptable time with God. The day of mercy will be closed! Your period of trial will be ended!
Many people think that they will wait to accept Christ. You are playing with dynamite! How long will you wait? You may not be here tomorrow! Please do NOT postpone it. You have NO promise of a tomorrow. God says NOW is the accepted time! NOW is the day of salvation. Listen to Him!

2 Cor. 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: (KJV)

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed . . . no offense (1 Cor.10:32).  
Offence properly means stumbling, or cause of offence, falling into sin. Paul tells the Corinthians (and us), never treat with contempt or scorn the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is the only thing that can save your soul. Never reject Jesus or His Gospel. The strongest argument should be seen for embracing it. How they (and us) conduct themselves, so as to give no offence Paul tells us in the following verses.

2 Cor. 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, (KJV)

But in all things . . . in every way, in all that we do, by words and deeds. How this was done, Paul proceeds to state in the following verses.
Approving ourselves as the ministers of God . . . Paul says in all things let us behave ourselves as the ministers of God. Paul and his fellow-workers tried to live as the ministers of God should live, and so as to mention the ministry to the confidence and affection of men. 
In much patience . . . patiently enduring afflictions of all kinds. Some of Paul’ trials he proceeds to number. The minister of God, in order to do good and to commend his ministry, should be patient. He says this as a duty, and if when he is poor, persecuted, oppressed, cursed, lied about or imprisoned, he should murmur, or not be submissive, the result would be that he would do little or no good by his preaching. No one can doubt that God often places His people in circumstances of strange trials, so that they may illustrate their character by their example and show to their people with what temper and spirit they may and ought to suffer. Ministers often do a much more good by their example in suffering than they do in their preaching. It is easy to preach to others; it is NOT so easy to reveal just the right spirit in time of persecution and trial. People can resist preaching, but they cannot resist the effect and power of a good example in times of suffering. In this and the next verse Paul refers to many kinds of afflictions. 
In afflictions . . . in all our afflictions; referring to all the afflictions and trials which they were called to bear, which specify above all, the kinds of trials which they were called to endure.
In necessities . . . this is a stronger term than afflictions, and means the distress which arises from want. Everywhere, Paul endured adversity. It means unavoidable distress and calamity.
In distresses . . . distresses here means straitness of place, want of room, distress, anguish. It is a stronger word than either of those which he had before used. Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; (KJV)  
Paul means that in all these circumstances he had exhibited patience, and had tried to act as a minister of God should. This goes for ALL God’s children!  

2 Cor. 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; (KJV)

In stripes . . . Paul proceeds to specify what he had been called to endure. In the previous verse, he had spoken of his afflictions in general terms. Here, he refers to the fact that he and his fellow-workers were scourged in the synagogues and cities as if they had been the worst of men. In 2 Cor.11:23-25, Paul says that he had been scourged five times by the Jews, and had been thrice beaten with rods (2 Cor.11:23).
In imprisonments . . . as at Philippi (Acts 16:24). It was not uncommon for the early preachers of the Gospel to be imprisoned.
In tumults . . . tumults means tossing to and fro, instability . . . so he had tumult, disorder, commotion, and here it means they in the various tumults and commotions which were produced by the preaching of the Gospel. Paul tried to act as suited a minister of God. Such tumults were excited at Corinth (Acts 18:6), at Philippi (Acts 16:19-20), at Lystra and Derbe (Acts 14:19), at Ephesus (Acts 19), and in many various other places. The idea is, that if the ministers are assailed by a lawless mob, they are to try to show the Spirit of Christ, and to show all patience, and to do good, even in such a chaotic scene. Patience and the Spirit of Christ will often do more good in such scenes than much preaching would do elsewhere.
In labours . . . referring probably to the labors of the ministry, with its nonstop duties, and possibly also to the labors which they did for their own support, as it is well known that Paul, and probably also the other apostles, often worked to support themselves.
In watchings . . . in wakefulness, or lack of sleep. He probably refers to the fact that in these strenuous duties, and in his journeys, and in anxious concerns for the churches, and for the advancement of the Gospel, he was often deprived of ordinary rest. He refers to this also in (2 Cor.11:27).  
In fastings . . . referring not only to the frequent fasts to which Paul voluntarily submitted to as acts of devotion, but also to the fact that in his travels, when abroad and among strangers, he was often without food. To such trials, those who travelled as Paul did, among strangers, and without property, would often be forced to submit.

2 Cor. 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, (KJV)

By pureness . . . Paul, in the previous verses grouped together some of the sufferings which he endured, and by which he had tried to preach and extend the Gospel, now proceeds to group together certain other impacts. What he says is, that it had not only been done by sufferings and trials, but by a holy life, and by total dedication to the Gospel to which he had devoted himself. He begins by stating that it was by pureness, meaning, honesty, integrity, a holy and pure life. All preaching and all labors would have been in vain without this. Paul knew that if he were to succeed in the ministry, he must be a good man. The same is true in ALL other professions.
By knowledge. . . interpreters differ on this. Some understand by it prudence farsightedness, carefulness. Some say it means a knowledge of the law. Others suppose that it refers to an attentive kindness to improve in the knowledge of those truths which they were called to bring to others. Paul is showing how he tried to live well and speak well of the Gospel to others (verse 4).
By long-suffering . . . by patience in our trials, and in the incitements with which we meet. We try to obtain and keep control of our passions, and to keep them in subjection.
By kindnesss . . . (1 Cor.13:4). Being gentle of manner, temper and spirit. By trying to show this spirit to all, no matter what their treatment may be to us, and whatever our aggravations may be. Paul felt that if a minister would do good, he must be kind and gentle to all. My dear friend, this goes for ALL of us!
By the Holy Ghost . . . by the purifying influences of the Holy Spirit. The graces mentioned here are graces and virtues that can come ONLY from the Spirit of God (Gal.5:22-23), which are His job, to uniquely produce in the heart. The Holy Spirit produces in the hearts of ALL the TRUE children of God these wonderful fruits!
By love unfeigned . . . unfeigned means sincere, true, ardent love to all. By pure and genuine affection for the eternal souls of men. A minister can do NO good, if he does not love God’s people and the souls of men! The most prominent characteristic in the life of the Redeemer was LOVE . . . love to all. IF we are to be like Him, and if we do any good, we must have love to our fellow man. No one is useful without love! Only heart felt love can prompt us to deny self and work hard for Jesus. Only love will make us patient, fervent and kind. Only love will give us eagerness, and will give us access to a person’s heart. Love will accomplish what no eloquence, labor, or learning will do without it. If someone shows that he loves you, he has instance access to your heart . . . BUT . . . he who is without love cannot reach your heart by any argument, eloquence, censure or learning. No minister, no person is effective or useful without love!

2 Cor. 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, (KJV)

By the word of truth . . . (2 Cor.4:2), by making known the Truths of the Gospel. It was Paul’s desire to make known the simple Truth of salvation. He did NOT corrupt it by false mixtures of philosophy and human wisdom (Mat;15:9), but preached it as it had been revealed to him.
By the power of God . . . (1 Cor.2:4), by the power of God, which always attends the preaching of the TRUE Gospel. The idea here is, that they used the great powers entrusted to them by God, not as impostors would have done, for the purposes of gain and ambition, or for vain display, but only to further the Gospel, and the salvation of men.
See article:  http://www.godcannotlie.org/gospel_of_jesus_christ.htm
By the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left . . . interpreters vary in this Passage. Some say that it refers to the manner in which the ancient soldiers were armed. They had a spear in their right hand, and a shield in the left. With the former they attacked their foes, with the latter they made defense. Some suppose that it refers to the fact that they were taught to use the sword with the left hand as well as with the right. Others say the simple idea is, that they were completely armed. To be armed on the right hand and on the left, is to be well armed, or entirely equipped. They went forth to conflict.
BUT the armor (Eph.6:11), with which Paul met their foes, and which made up their entire display, was a holy life. It was only with that holy life that Paul assaulted their enemies. That was their defense, and by that they hoped and expected to achieve their conquests. Paul had no swords, no spears, no helmets, no shields; no carnal weapons of offence and defense; but they expected to meet all their attacks, and to gain all their victories, by an upright and holy life. It is my humble opinion: By the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, is right living in all areas.

Next Paul gives us a set of nine paradoxes (comparisons, contradictions, inconsistencies), which should characterize a man of God, and all the people of God!

2 Cor. 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; (KJV)

By honour and dishonor . . . the apostle Paul is still illustrating the intention that he and his fellow-workers tried to give no offence (verse 3), and to acclaim themselves as the ministers of God (verse 4). He will here (verses 8-10), introduce another group of facts in which it was done. The main idea is, that they tried to act in a manner so as to praise the ministry and the Gospel, whether they were in circumstances of honor or dishonor, whether praised or despised by the world.
By evil report and good report . . . evil report properly means ominous, threatening language, cursing, reproach, malicious reports and slander. It refers to the fact that they were often slandered with hateful words. Their motives were called in question, and their names and persons falsely and viciously attacked. They were represented as deceivers and impostors. Clearly they tried to do this by NOT slandering or reviling in return (Mat.5:11); by showing a Christian spirit; by turning a deaf ear on slanderous accusations, and by doing good, if possible, even to their attackers. And good report . . . when men speak well of us; when we are loved, commended, praised or honored, to honor the Gospel. It gives Paul an opportunity of showing the true excellence of the Spirit of Christ; and it gives him the inexpressible privilege of being like Christ . . . like Christ in His suffering and in the moral excellence of His character. A TRUE child of God should be willing to be anything if it will make him like the Redeemer.
As deceivers, and yet true . . . Paul says that we are regarded and treated as if we were cunning deceivers, and as if we were laying a burden on mankind, and as if we would advance our cause by any trick or fraud that would be possible. Maybe this refers to some charges which had been brought against them by the opposing group at Corinth, or to the opinion which the Jewish priests and heathen philosophers entertained of them. Even though they were widely regarded and treated as impostors, yet they tried to live as fitted the ministers of God. They bore the charge with patience, and they applied themselves diligently to the work of saving souls. Paul seldom turned aside to justify himself from such charges, but pursued his Master's work, and evidently felt that if he had a reputation that was worth anything, or deserved any reputation, God would take care of it (Ps.37:1-11). A man, especially a minister, who constantly tries to defend his reputation, usually has a reputation that is not worth defending. And yet true . . . Paul says, we are NOT deceivers and impostors, although we are regarded as such, yet we show ourselves to be true and faithful ministers of Christ.

2 Cor. 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; (KJV)

As unknown, and yet well known . . . as unknown, persons who are to be suspected as harboring dark plans; persons of neither birth, parentage, nor respectable connections in life . . . a nobody (like me). And yet well known . . . proved by our proper conduct to have no such evil plans, and proven to be holy, upright and useful, by the sequence of our journeys, through which we can be readily traced from place to place; having preached openly, and done nothing in darkness. Every minister and every Christian, even when they are unknown, and when among strangers, should remember their high character as the servants of God and should so live as to praise the Lord Jesus and His Gospel, which they profess to love, and which they are called on to preach. And yet well known . . . Paul says, our sentiments and our principles are well known. We have nothing to hide. We wear no mask. We do not impose on any one.
As dying, and, behold, we live . . . as dying (1 Cor15::31; 2 Cor. 4:9), through continual dangers, fatigues and persecutions. As dying . . . regarded by others as dying. As often condemned to death; exposed to death; in the midst of trials that expose us to death, and that are ordinarily followed by death. They passed through so many trials, that it might be said that they were constantly dying, we are preserved by the mighty power of God in the greatest dangers and deaths. And, behold, we live . . . strange as it may seem, we are still alive. Through all our trials we are preserved; and, even though often exposed to death, yet we live. Paul says they tried to acclaim themselves as the ministers of God. They withstood their trials with patience; submitted to the exposures without murmuring; and gave the credit of their preservation to the grace of God.
As chastened, and not killed . . . chastened as disobedient children; chastened means corrected, chastised. It is applied to the chastening which God uses by affliction and calamities (1 Cor.11:32; Heb.12:6; Rev.3:19). It does not refers here to the scourgings to which they were subjected in the synagogues and elsewhere, but to the chastisements which God inflicted, and the trials to which he subjected them. In the midst of these trials they acted as fitting ministers of God. They bore them with patience. They submitted to the chastenings as coming from His Hand. They felt that they were right, and they submitted without murmuring. And not killed . . .  although they were severely chastened, yet they were not put to death. We survive them, we were preserved by the grace of God. IF their conduct were criminal, it would rightly expose us to death for persistent stubbornness; but our preservation is proof that we please God.

2 Cor. 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (KJV)

As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing . . . As sorrowful, grieving, afflicted, troubled, sad. Under these sufferings we seem always to be cast down and sad. Paul says that people may suppose, from our persecuted state and difficult occupation, often destitute of the necessaries of life; seldom enjoying its conveniences; and scarcely ever, its comforts, that we must be the most miserable of all men, yet that was NOT the case! Yet alway rejoicing . . . because they (and we) have the comfort of God's Spirit at all times, and the glorious vision of a blessed immortality.
As poor, yet making many rich . . . as poor, destitute of all worldly good and secular interests,
yet making many rich . . . by dispensing to them the treasures of salvation; making them rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. (KJV) . . . There are MANY things MUCH more valuable that silver and gold!

Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (KJV) . . . We should not lust for or store up short-lived treasures here on Earth. Costly garments can be eaten by moths, things we collect can get rusty, and thieves can break in and steal what you have (Job 27:16; Job 13:28; Isaiah 50:9; 51:8). In James 5:2 there is an obvious reference to our Lord's words. All earthly, temporal treasures are quite uncertain.
When I consider our Lord’s marvelous teaching, I am simply in awe! How utterly wise He is! He NEVER leads us astray! Ever! Spiritual treasures are indestructible and inaccessible to thieves (Col. 3:2). What are spiritual treasures? They are anything that you do for the cause of Christ! (1 Cor.3:10-17). Quite the opposite of what the world considers treasure, riches!

John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (KJV)
1 Peter 1:3-Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (KJV) . . . How I love this! It speaks so much to me!
To an inheritance . . . eternal life is the inheritance of TRUE believers (Eph. 1:18) and elsewhere, as being given NOT as wages to hirelings, but as a GIFT (Rom.6:23; Eph.2:8), an inheritance to children born of God, and adopted by Him.
Incorruptible . . . immortal, everlasting, which being once possessed, CANNOT be taken away, nor pass over to others. . . . Once saved, always saved! . . . http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Basics/if_saved_always_saved.htm www.jesus-is-savior.com/Believer%27s%20Corner/eternal_security.htm
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Basics/saved_certain.htm
And undefiled . . . being pure in itself, and having nothing to offend them that enjoy it; and incapable of any pollution or defilement, contrary to what is said of the land of Canaan, the earthly inheritance of the Israelites, (Jer. 2:7; Eze. 36:17).
And that fadeth not away . . . properly applies to that which does not fade or wither, in contrast to a beautiful flower that fades. It means that it is enduring, and is applied to the future inheritance of the saints to describe its permanence in all its brilliance and splendor, in contrast with the fading beauty of all that is earthly. The idea here, mean never ending, in contrast with decay. The crown of glory, though worn for millions of ages, will NEVER be dimmed; the golden streets will NEVER lose their luster; the flowers that bloom on the banks of the river of life will always be as rich in vibrant color, and just as fragrant, as when we first beheld them. . . . WOW!!! Do you see why I love this verse?
Reserved in heaven for you . . . this inheritance is appointed to us, and kept by One who can make it sure to us, and who will certainly bestow it upon us. (Mat.25:34; John 14:2; Col.1:5; Heb.9:15). My friend, your mansion has YOUR name on it! Reserved; laid up (Col. 1:5; 2Tim. 4:8); secured for the heirs, although not yet possessed by them.
In heaven . . . therefore safe, and out of the reach of enemies (Mat.6:19-21). This is opposed to any and all uncertain condition of earthly possessions.

The Gospel, when faithfully preached, and fully received, improves the condition of the poor. Many people freely and madly spend what they do not have. I think that the Gospel makes them diligent and hard working. They use their time and money to useful purposes now, where before they squandered it away. They are made rich; at least in comparison with that sinful, reckless state in which they were before they received the truth of the Gospel. Another thing the Gospel will do to a person who has truly accepted Jesus and His Gospel, will make a former no-account sluggard get up off his or her lazy backside and go out and get a job to support themselves. No TRUE child of God will allow the government support them!
2 Thes. 3:10  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. (KJV)
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you . . . it seems from this that the evil of which the apostle here complains had begun to operate even when he was with them. There were those who were willing to be idle, and who needed the serious warning of Paul to prompt them to work.
That if any would not work, neither should he eat . . . this was a saying among the Jews, meaning at the public expense . . . as millions do in our time. They should not be supported by the church or the government! The saying is founded in clear justice, and is in accordance with the great law under which our Creator has placed us (Gen.3:19). The law here laid down by Paul extends to all who are able to work for a living, and who will NOT do it, and my friend it binds us NOT to contribute to their support IF they will not work for it on their own, and are able to do so.
This saying was a proverb among the Jews. Men who can work, and would rather support themselves by begging, should NOT get one morsel of bread. It is a SIN to minister to the needs of people that have only fake needs.
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (KJV)

A brief summary of what Paul says in verses 8-10.
By honour and dishonour . . . some may approve and some may disapprove.
By evil report and good report . . . although some may say dreadful things about us, we continue to serve the Lord. Flattery harms us more than criticism!
As deceivers, and yet true . . . we are called deceivers, yet we are giving out the TRUE Word of God.
As unknown, and yet well known . . . a minister of God may not be well known to the world, but he is known to God.
As dying, and, behold, we live  . . . Paul had come close to death many times, yet he had had new life in Christ.
Chastened, and not killed . . .  he often experienced persecution, beatings, whippings, stonings, and yet he lived on.
Sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing . . . Sorrow was for the sins of the people and their rejection of the Gospel, yet he always rejoiced in Christ.
As poor, yet making many rich  . . . Beware of a minister who is rich. They do NOT have the eternal souls of mankind in mind, only money in their pocket!
Having nothing, and yet possessing all things. . . . Paul had said in his first letter to the Corinthians that all things were theirs. This includes things in the world, life, death, present or future. "...All are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's" (1 Cor.3:22;23). OH! How rich TRUE Christians are! And how very poor are those without Jesus!
Paul has given us these three sets of things which characterize the ministry. The first set pertains to things which are physical, the second to things which are mental, and the third to things which are spiritual. All are important.

Personal Appeal of Paul (2 Cor. 6:11-18)
Paul Can Boldly Discuss With Them, Because of His devotion to Them

Paul seems to cry out here. He was deeply concerned about his converts in Corinth. They are babes in Christ, carnal Christians, and his heart went out to them. It seems his heart almost breaks in this chapter and the next one.

2 Cor. 6:11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. (KJV)

O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you . . . we speak freely and fully. This is a very affectionate letter to them, and has reference to what he had just said. It means, that when the heart is full on the subject, words flow freely, and that he had given an outlet to the passionate, burning language which he had just used because his heart was so full. He loved the Corinthians; he had deep feelings for them, and he spoke to them with the utmost freedom of what he thought, and planned and had done.
Our heart is enlarged . . . Paul says that we have deep feelings, which naturally vent themselves in fervent and glowing language. Paul had a strong affection for them; his heart embraced and loved them all, and he expresses himself in the language of deep emotion. He loved them so much that he was willing to be criticized, condemned and persecuted for them; and to be poor, and to have his name slandered. A heart full of love will (must) give way to its feelings, for there is no deception and no hypocrisy in a person’s heart. Whatever is in a person’s heart, be it good OR bad, it will come out! If a minister loves the souls of his people, he will pour out the affections of his heart in strong and glowing language. My friend, this goes for those in the pews as well.

2 Cor. 6:12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. (KJV)

Ye are not straitened in us . . . strait, straitened means you do not possess a narrow or contracted place in our affections. We love you fully, ardently, and are ready to do all that can be done for your welfare. There is no lack of room in our affections towards you. It is not narrow, confined, pent up. Paul says that if you cannot rejoice in me and what I write, or if you do not repay me the similar affection, the fault is not mine.
See comment on strait and strait gate at the end of this chapter.
But ye are straitened in your own bowels . . . the cause of your trouble and sorrow comes from yourselves, for your allowing the incestuous person (1 Cor.5:1-5), and other disgraceful or immoral persons, to remain in your fellowship. This was an error on which I had to speak out, because of the apostolic authority which God hath committed to me.
The word bowels meansthe affections of your hearts, or tender affections. The Greek word properly means the upper viscera; the heart, the lungs, the liver. So it is applied to the heart, as the seat of the emotions and passions; and especially the gentler emotions, the tender affections: compassion, pity, love, etc. Our word bowels is usually applied to the lower viscera, and by no means expresses the idea of the word which is used in Greek. The meaning is, that they were straitened or confined in their affections for him. This is the language of rebuke, meaning that he had not received from them the return of affection which he had a right to expect, a fair and equal return for the love bestowed on them. Maybe he refers to the fact that they had formed divisions (1 Cor.3:1-5); and had allowed false teachers to come in; and had not received his instructions as kindly as they should have.

2 Cor. 6:13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. (KJV)

Now for a recompence, in the same . . . open your hearts in the same manner towards me as I have done toward you. That is all the payment that I ask of you, all that I desire. I do not ask silver or gold, or any earthly possessions. I ask only for a return of love, and for you to be devoted to the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which I dearly love and support, and which I try to promote.
I speak as unto my children . . . Paul tells them that he speaks to them as a parent speaking to his children. I feel toward you the relationship of a spiritual father, and I have a right to require and expect a return of affection.
Be ye also enlarged . . . do not be straitened or constricted in your affections. Love me as I love you. Give me the same proofs of affection which I have given you. The only thing that Paul  expected for all the love which he had shown them, and for all his work and self-denial in their behalf (verses 4-5) was that they would love him, and would obey the laws of the Gospel, which required them to be separate from the world (verses 14-18).
Paul opens up his great heart of love, and he stirs up the hearts of those who love him. It seems that he also stirred up the hearts of those who hated God and His Word and who tried to work injury upon those who loved God and loved the Scripture.
What was true in the early church, we find that it is true today. If you take a firm stand for Jesus, you will indeed find that it really will cost you something.

We come now to a very important Passage of Scripture, which has been often abused and misinterpreted. Some try to make it hard as nails, unyielding and unloving. Yet what Paul is saying here, comes from the tender heart of a man whose heart was almost breaking because of his great care, concern and compassion for the Corinthian believers. A good description of love = care, concern and compassion.

2 Cor. 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (KJV) 

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers . . . this is closely connected with the above verse. Paul is there stating the nature of the payment or reward which he asks for all the love which he had shown to them, here he says, that one kind of payment would be to obey his commands, and to separate themselves from all improper alliance with unbelievers.
For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? . . . they could have absolutely NO spiritual union with unrighteousness or darkness, Paul says. They were righteous and those persons were unrighteous! They were light, such persons were darkness, meaning full of the darkness of sin and ignorance.
Paul here makes an appeal to the Corinthian believers to make a clean break from idolatry, and they are to make a clean break from the sins of the flesh. They are to be separated from the immorality and wickedness that is in the world. Today some use the term separated believers. There are many who consider themselves to be separated believers who are actually completely worldly. BEWARE!!!
Back in the Old Testament under the Mosaic Law God gave a law to His people who were engaged in agriculture; they were NOT to yoke together an ox and an ass (donkey). That would be yoking together unequal animals. Deut. 22:10 Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. (KJV) . . . One was a clean animal and the other was an unclean animal. Here God is speaking to believers, and He says that a believer should NOT be yoked together with an unbeliever.

So, just how are people yoked together? They are yoked together in ANY form of union such as a business, a partnership, a marriage, or a long-term enterprise.
Without a doubt, marriage is the absolute yoking together of two people. An unbeliever and a believer should NOT marry. A clean animal and an unclean animal should not be yoked together to plow (above). A child of God and a child of the devil CANNOT be yoked together and pull together in their life goals. It will NOT work!
Another example of being yoked together is a relationship is identification with an institution. IF a man is a professor in a seminary and he is conservative and embraces the great Truths of the Bible, but the seminary has gone liberal, such a teacher should leave, because he is being identified with their work and their organization. He is associated with it in a very real way. He is unequally yoked with unbelievers.

Paul is talking about being yoked together in a permanent arrangement like marriage or a business partner or a teacher in a school or membership in a church. This should not keep us from having fellowship with people who do things a little differently as long as they are preaching the same Jesus (2 Cor.2:11), the same Gospel that Paul preached and they believe the Bible is the Word of God. Paul is talking about yoking ourselves with unbelievers, as he makes clear in the next verse.

2 Cor. 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (KJV)

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? . . . concord is agreement, accord, harmony, unison. This word refers, properly, to the unison or harmony produced by musical instruments, where there is a chord. What agreement, what unison is there; what strings are there which being struck will produce a chord of harmony? Paul says that there is as much that is conflicting and disagreeing between Christ and Belial as there is between instruments of music that produce only conflicting and jarring sounds. Belial . . . the Hebrew word literally means without profit, worthless, wicked. Paul clearly is applying this to Satan, and he means that the heathen, wicked unbelieving world, was governed by the principles of Satan, and were taken captive by him at his will (2 Tim.2:26; Jn.8:44), and that TRUE Christians should be separate from the wicked world, as Christ was separate from all the feelings, purposes and plans of Satan. He had NO participation in them; he formed NO union with them; and so it should be with the followers of Jesus, in relation to the followers of Satan.
Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? . . . an infidel is an unbeliever. There is no participation; nothing in common. With an infidel . . . a person who does not believe, be it a heathen idolater, a blasphemer, profane man, a scoffer, a philosopher, a man of science, a good, moral man, or a son or daughter who wants only fun and pleasure out of life. Paul says that on the subject of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, there is absolutely NO union; NOTHING in common; NO participation with an infidel. They are governed by totally different principles; have completely different feelings; are looking to entirely different rewards; and are headed to opposite destinations. No believer should ever select his partner in life and his chosen companions and friends from this group of infidels, but only from those with whom he agrees and harmonizes, and with whom he has common feelings and hopes. He that believeth is a TRUE Christian; he is a person who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Cor. 6:16 And 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. (KJV)

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? . . . what agreement, assent, accord. What is there in one that resembles the other? NOTHING!!! The temple of God . . . what has a temple of God to do with idol worship? An idol temple is erected for the worship of idols, and must not be tolerated by the saints. Paul implies here that TRUE Christians are themselves the temple of God (1 Cor.3:16-17), a fact which Paul proceeds immediately to illustrate; and that it is as ridiculous for them to mingle with the infidel world, as it would be to erect the image of a heathen god in the temple of God. This is strong language, and we must admire the energy and abundance of the expressions used by Paul, which cannot be matched by the best classical writers.
For ye are the temple of the living God . . . 1 Cor. 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (KJV) . . . The idea is, that as God dwells with His people, and they should be separated from a sinful and polluted world. http://www.godcannotlie.org/1_cor_ch3.htm
With idols . . . idols disgust God, and on which He cannot look but with loathing. For Christians to mingle with the sinful world, to partake of their pleasures, pursuits, and follies, is as detestable and hateful in the sight of God, as if His temple were profaned by erecting a deformed, shapeless and senseless block in it as an object of worship. And surely, if Christians had such a sense of the abomination of mingling with the world, they would feel the need to be separated from it!  
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 . . . the words here are quoted mainly from (Ex.29:45; Lev.26:12; Eze.37:27). They are not literally quoted, but Paul has put together the substance of what occurs in several places, but the sense is it is the same as occurs in the places referred to. I will dwell in them . . .  I will take up my residence in them. This refers no doubt, to the fact that He would be present among His people by the Shekinah, or the visible symbol of His Presence. Shekinah; Glory of God: (Ex.13:21;22; 14:19-24; Ex.24:16-18; Ex.25:22; 40:34-38; Lev.16:2; Num.9:15-23; 10:11-36; 14:14; Deut.1:33; 2 Sam.6:2; Neh.9:12,19; Ps.18:7-15; 78:14; 80:1; 99:7; 105:39; Isa.4:5-6; 37:16; Eze.9:3; Eze.10:18; Haggai 2:9; Zec.2:5; Mat.24:44; Luke 1:35; Luke 2:9; Col. 2:9; 2 Peter 1:17; Acts 1:9; 2 Cor.3:18; 2 Cor.4:6; Heb.9:5; Rev.21:3). 
I will dwell in them . . .  implies, when used with reference to Christians, that the Holy Spirit would abide with them, and that the blessing of God would attend them (Rom.8; Col.3:16; 2 Tim.1:14). And walk in them . . . means that He will walk among them. I will be One of their number. God was present among the Jews by the public manifestation of His Presence by a symbol of the cloud and pillar of fire (Ex.13:21-22). He is present with Christians by the Presence and guidance of His Holy Spirit (Rom.8:9-11). And I will be their God . . .  Not only the God whom they worship, but the God who will protect and bless them. I will take them under my special protection, and they shall enjoy My favor. This is just as true of Christians as it was of the Jews. Paul has not departed from the Spirit of the Promise (Gal.3:14; Eph.1:13) in applying it to the Christian character. His object in quoting these passages is to impress on Christians the seriousness and importance of the Truth that God DID dwelt among them and with them; that they were under His loving care and protection; that they belonged to Him, and that they therefore should be SEPARATE from the world.
Paul specifically mentions idolatry. The temple of God has NO agreement whatsoever with idols. Where is the temple of God? Today the temple of God is the human body of each and every TRUE believer. We are the temples of the Holy Spirit, and the one in whom God dwells CANNOT be in agreement with idols.

2 Cor. 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (KJV)

Wherefore come out from among them . . . since you are God’s people, since the holy God dwells in you and among you. Come out from among them . . . away from idolaters and unbelievers; away from the wicked and vicious world. These words are taken, with a slight change, from: Isaiah 52:11 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. (KJV) . . .  There in Isaiah, the words are applied to the Jews in Babylon, and are a solemn call which God makes on them to leave the place of their exile, to come out from among the idolaters of that city, and return to their own land. Babylon, in the Scriptures, is the symbol of whatever is proud, arrogant, wicked, and opposed to God. Paul, therefore, applies the words here with great beauty and force to illustrate the duty of Christians to separate themselves from a vain, idolatrous, and wicked world.
Babylon is often thought of as wickedness:
#1. Pride (Isa.13:19; 14:4; Jer.50:29-34; Rev.18:7-8)
#2. Oppression (Isa.13:1; 14:2-22; Jer.51:24-25; Rev.18:24)
#3. Pleasures, sins, luxuries (Isa;47:8-11; Rev.18:3-19)
#4. Idol worship (Jer.50:2; 51:47; Rev.9:20-21; 13:14; 14:9-11; 16:2)
#5. Fornication (Rev.14:8; 18:3-9)
#6. Demonism, occult (Rev.18:2)
#7. Sorcery, witchcraft, enchantments (Isa.47:12-13; Rev.18:23)
#8. Martyrdom of saints (Rev.18:6,24)
And be ye separate . . . separate yourselves from the immoral and evil world, and all its corrupting influences.
Saith the Lord . . . meaning the words of Isaiah 51:11. Paul does not use this language as if it had original reference to Christians, but he applies it as containing an important principle that applied to the case of which he was speaking. The language of the Old Testament is often used in this manner by the writers of the New Testament.
And touch not the unclean thing . . . in Isaiah, to touch no unclean thing, means they were to be pure, and to have no connection with idolatry in any way. Here Paul says that Christians were to AVOID all unholy contact with a vain and polluted world. They were to have no close contact with an idolater, or an unholy person. They were to be pure; and feel that they belonged to a community that is under its own laws, and that they were to be set apart in moral purity from all the rest of the world.
And I will receive you . . . God would receive and recognize them as His friends and His adopted children. This could NOT be done until they were totally separated from an idolatrous and wicked world. The fact of their being received by God, and recognized as His children, depended on their coming out from the world. These words, with the following verse, seem to be the form of a quotation, yet is not to be found in the Old Testament.

Separation From Evil Associations: (Gen.19:14; Ex.32:26; Num.16:21,26; 33:52; 1 Sam.15:6; 1Ki.13:9; 2 Ki.3:13; 10:23; 2 Chron.25:10; Ps.1:1; 6:8; 17:4; 26:4; 84:10; 101:4; 139:19; 141:4; Pro.14:7; 20:19; 24:1; Isa.52:11; Jer.6:29; 9: 2; 15:17; 16:8; 51:6; Lk.8:54; Jn.15:19; 17:6,16; Acts 2:40; 5:13; 15:14; 1 Cor.5:2; 10:20; 2 Cor.6:14,17; Eph.5:11; 2 Thes.3:6; 1 Tim.5:22; 2 Tim.2:21; 1 Pet.4:4; 1 Jn.2:15; Rev.18:4)
Separation From False Teachers: (Eze.20:38; Mat.18:17; Acts 19:9; 1 Cor.5:11; 2 Thes.3:6,14; 1 Tim.6:5; 2 Tim.3:5; 1 Jn.2:19; 2 Jn.1:10)
Separation From The Wicked In Last Day: (Deut.29:21; 2 Sam.23:6; 2 Ki.10:23; Ps.1:5; 5:5; Eze.20:38; Mat.3:12; 13:30,41,49; 22:13; 24:40,51; 25:32,46; Lk.3:17; 13:27; 16:23,26; 17:34; Jn.15:6; Acts 1:25; 2 Thes.1:9; Rev.20:15; 22:15)

See the following web sites on this subject: http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Doctrines/Ecumenism/unity_with_satan.htm
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Believer's%20Corner/christian_separation.htm

2 Cor. 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV)

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters . . . a father is the protector, counsellor and guide of His children. He instructs them, provides for them, and counsels them in time of confusion or perplexity. God says, that He will be to His people their Protector, Counsellor, Guide and Friend. He will cherish the feelings of a Father towards them; He will provide for them, He will acknowledge them as His children. There is NO higher honor that can be conferred on mankind than to be adopted into the family of God (Lk.20:36), and to be permitted to call the Most High our Father (1 Jn.3:1). No rank is as high as that of being the sons and the daughters of the Lord Almighty. This is the common title by which God addresses His people; and the most humble in rank, the most poor and ignorant of his friends on earth, the most despised among men, may reflect that they are the children of the eternal God, and have the Maker of the heavens and the earth as their Father and their eternal Friend. Have you ever considered just how blessed and privileged God’s children really are? HOW could all the temporary honors of the world be compared with this?
Saith the Lord Almighty . . . the Lord Almighty occurs nowhere except here and in the book of Revelation (Rev.1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7,14; 19:6,15; 21:22). It means One who has all power; and is applied to Almighty God in direct contrast to idols that are weak and powerless. God is well able to protect His people, and they who put their trust in Him shall never be confounded (1 Pet.2:6). What have we to fear with a Friend such as this, who loves us dearly and has this almighty power?

Paul appeals to the Christians for separation and for cleansing. No TRUE Christian should be in agreement with idolatry. He is to separate himself from things of the world, and from the spirit of worldliness which can subtly and sneakily creep in, even into churches and the lives of believers. The believer should not even touch the unclean thing. God says, Come out from among them, and be ye separate ... and touch not the unclean thing (verse 17). You should NOT say that you are a Christian, unless you intend to do as He commands! You should NOT say that you love Jesus, and refuse to obey Him!
What a tremendous Promise, IF you obey the Gospel! And I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Only a loving and obedient child will be the kind of son or daughter who brings honor to the Father. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, God is your heavenly Father. He will treat you like a Father. BUT, if you go off into worldliness, if you don't mean what you say, if you are a hypocrite as you live your life, then one thing is SURE! God the Father will take you to His woodshed (Heb.12:5-11). God does not want to always be taking you to the woodshed. That is why He asks you to come out from among them, to be separate, not to touch the unclean thing. Only then, can God have a close relationship with you as a Father with a son.

The Strait Gate
As we consider the strait gate and narrow way; what do we know about this gate?
#1. Jesus says that it is the gate that leads to life, clearly meaning that it is the gate that leads to Heaven.
#2. Jesus says that it is a strait gate. The word strait means difficult. Jesus tells us clearly that entering Heaven will NOT be easy. This is a big surprise to most people, because many have been taught that the way to Heaven is easy. They have been taught, all you have to do to be saved is believe in Jesus. There is a BIG difference between what men teach today and what Jesus taught then. See Saving Faith: http://www.godcannotlie.org/saving_faith.htm
#3. Jesus tells us that there are not many people going in through this strait gate and narrow way. He says, Few there be that find it. This too, is a surprise to many people, because they believe that most people will be saved because most people believe in God. The doctrine of Universalism is FALSE! It is the devil’s doctrine!  http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_f_d%20_universalism_not_biblical.htm

Jesus has told us three things about the strait gate.
#1. It is the gate that leads to Heaven.
#2. It is difficult to enter.
#3. There will not be very many people who go in the strait gate.
We should have no trouble understanding what Jesus has said. While it may not agree with what most have been taught and believe, it is clear and easy to understand.
See: http://www.hisservants.org/truth_about_salvation_h_s.htm

Yoked with Unbelievers! A Hard Saying!
2 Cor. 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (KJV)  
There are two ways in which 2 Cor. 6:14 may be viewed as a hard saying. It may be hard because we do not like the hard effects it seems to have for our everyday relationships with persons who are not believers. It is hard because: #1. It presents the lack of agreement and harmony between believer and unbeliever more clearly and intently than other New Testament texts, and #2. It is not clear what being yoked together means precisely and how it is to be put into practice. A closer look at the text and its context might help.

From Paul’s earlier letter (1 Corinthians), it is clear that there were several regions in their life, both as a congregation and as individual believers where God's grace seemed to be in vain: they continued taking part in pagan cultic rituals (1 Cor. Ch.6, and 1 Cor. Ch.10) taking their squabbles into pagan courts (1 Cor.ch.6). How can receiving God's grace in vain (1 Cor.6:1), be avoided? 2 Cor. 6:14 is Paul’s reply to that question.

The Greek word for yoked together is found only here in the New Testament. In the Greek Old Testament, the word is used in the ban against breeding cattle with a different species of animal (Lev.19:19). From this use of the Greek word comes the meaning mismating or mismatching, which simply means: believers are NOT to unite themselves with unbelievers; because they are NOT fit mates for you, NOT fit companions for you. From this translation of the word has come what is probably the most common understanding . . . Paul warns against marriage between believers and nonbelievers.

But, although this understanding may be a valid application of the idea, the context of the Passage suggests that marriage was not what Paul had in mind here. He seems to use the term in its more general meaning of unevenly yoked. Deut. 22:10 Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. (KJV) . . . Placing animals of a different species in the same yoke was a no-no to the Jews. Paul may have used the ban against such yoking as a sign, to show the clear difference between the Christian and the non-Christian. There is a definite mismatch which must be recognized and which has references for life in an environment of unbelief.

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers . . .  is followed by a series of five opposing questions which define the nature of incompatibility (mismatching) between believers and unbelievers. The questions are spoken and the answers are obvious. The questions: #1. What do righteousness and wickedness have in common? #2. What do light and darkness have in common? #3. What do Christ and Belial (Satan) have in common? #4. What do the believer and unbeliever have in common? And #5. What do the Temple of God and idols, have in common? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! TRUE believers are the temple of the living God (2 Cor. 6:16).

1 Cor. 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (KJV) . . . The temple of God was already laid before the Corinthians in Paul's earlier Letter. There Paul reminded the Corinthians that God's temple was sacred (holy), and they were that temple (1 Cor. 3:17). They were to flee from sexual immortality (1 Cor. 6:18) and flee from idolatry (1 Cor. 10:14), because ALL forms of wickedness oppose the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10). In 2 Cor. 6:14-18 the reminder that they are God's temple is followed, by means of a series of Old Testament texts, by the call to really be God's holy people among whom He is present as in a temple (Rom.8:9-11). We must purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God (2 Cor. 7:1).

NOT being yoked with unbelievers means that the Christian is in the process of moving toward holiness. The idea of holiness, as applied to both the Temple and the people of God, is grounded in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word meaning separated always has a double meaning . . . separated FROM evil and dedicated TO the service of God. Separation from evil is ALWAYS confirmed by a unique way of life which is proof of right and moral behavior of the highest order. Dedication and devotion to God's service is demonstrated by the rejection of all idolatrous contamination (1 Cor. 10:14; 2 Cor. 6:16), be it ancient or modern idolatry. Idolatry is giving the highest allegiance, loyalty and honor to beings, powers or things, instead of God.

My friend, to be yoked with unbelievers is to be of one heart and mind with them, choosing the values that guide them, being seduced by their commitments to various gods and lords (1 Cor. 8:5), being conformed to an outlook of things that dismiss absolute truth and morality. Christians, according to Paul are new creations (2 Cor.5:17), and they should live imitating the life of Jesus. TRUE children of God are to live as children of light, bearing the fruit of the light which is goodness, righteousness and truth (Eph.5:8-9).

It is WRONG for believers to join with the wicked and profane.
An unbeliever is someone destitute of TRUE faith. Any true pastor will boldly caution their dearly beloved children in the Gospel, NOT to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. The fatal effects of neglecting Scripture guidelines as to marriages are clearly there! Instead of marriage bringing a help mate, the union of a believer and an unbeliever brings a deceptive trap. Anyone who is unequally united, should not expect God’s comfort in it. When believers enter into such tragic unions, against the precise warnings of God's Word, they must be ready to expect much distress. The caution also extends to common lifestyle. We should NOT join in a close friendship and acquaintance with wicked men and unbelievers. Although we cannot totally avoid seeing and hearing them, and being around them, we should never choose them for friends. We must not defile ourselves by a close lifestyle with those who defile themselves with sin. 2 Cor.6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (KJV) . . . We would be wise IF we would just take God’s advice that He gives us through Paul. We are to come out from the workers of iniquity, and separate ourselves from their vain and sinful pleasures and pursuits. We must NOT conform to the corruptions of this present evil world. We are NEVER to envy any privilege or pleasures of someone more better off (worldly), than we are. We must always remember what privileges and happiness we have as being sons and daughters of Almighty God, that unbelievers can never expect, unless they change the road they are on (Mat.7:13-14).

Separation From Evil Associations: (Gen.19:14; Ex.32:26; Num.16:21,26; 33:52; 1 Sam.15:6; 1Ki.13:9; 2 Ki.3:13; 10:23; 2 Chron.25:10; Ps.1:1; 6:8; 17:4; 26:4; 84:10; 101:4; 139:19; 141:4; Pro.14:7; 20:19; 24:1; Isa.52:11; Jer.6:29; 9: 2; 15:17; 16:8; 51:6; Lk.8:54; Jn.15:19; 17:6,16; Acts 2:40; 5:13; 15:14; 1 Cor.5:2; 10:20; 2 Cor.6:14,17; Eph.5:11; 2 Thes.3:6; 1 Tim.5:22; 2 Tim.2:21; 1 Pet.4:4; 1 Jn.2:15; Rev.18:4)
Separation From False Teachers: (Eze.20:38; Mat.18:17; Acts 19:9; 1 Cor.5:11; 2 Thes.3:6,14; 1 Tim.6:5; 2 Tim.3:5; 1 Jn.2:19; 2 Jn.1:10)
Separation From The Wicked In Last Day: (Deut.29:21; 2 Sam.23:6; 2 Ki.10:23; Ps.1:5; 5:5; Eze.20:38; Mat.3:12; 13:30,41,49; 22:13; 24:40,51; 25:32,46; Lk.3:17; 13:27; 16:23,26; 17:34; Jn.15:6; Acts 1:25; 2 Thes.1:9; Rev.20:15; 22:15)

Babylon is often described as wickedness:
#1. Pride (Isa.13:19; 14:4; Jer.50:29-34; Rev.18:7-8)
#2. Oppression (Isa.13:1; 14:2-22; Jer.51:24-25; Rev.18:24)
#3. Pleasures, sins, luxuries (Isa;47:8-11; Rev.18:3-19)
#4. Idol worship (Jer.50:2; 51:47; Rev.9:20-21; 13:14; 14:9-11; 16:2)
#5. Fornication (Rev.14:8; 18:3-9)
#6. Demonism, occult (Rev.18:2)
#7. Sorcery, witchcraft, enchantments (Isa.47:12-13; Rev.18:23)
#8. Martyrdom of saints (Rev.18:6,24)

2 Corinthians

Ch.1 . . ch.2 . . ch. 3 . . ch.4 . . ch.5 . . ch.6 . . ch.7 . . ch.8 . . ch. 9 . . ch.10 . . ch.11 . . ch.12 . . ch.13 . . Special Comments

Home Page

 

 

The BIBLE has the answer