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Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 88

"Do not be unequally yoked..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 6:14

A MAJOR PROBLEM ADDRESSED

One of the major problems Paul addressed in the Corinthian Church was that of being “unequally yoked”.

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?
And what communion has light with darkness?”
2 Corinthians 6:14

1. “Do not be unequally yoked”

a) This word is drawn from an old Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 22:10).
b) Israel was forbidden to have an ox and a donkey ploughing together.
c) This would cause difficulties for both animals!
d) Significance of this imperative word.
i) To stop being unequally yoked.
ii) To cease being unequally yoked with unbelievers.
iii) In this context, Paul admonished the Corinthians to cease to listen to false teachers!

2. “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers”

a) The Mosaic Law expressly forbade marriage between the children of Israel and Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:1-5).
b) A marriage was seen as a covenant relationship.
c) The danger may not be obvious, but in due time, the children of Israel could turn their back on the LORD God and worship idols instead.

3. “For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness”

a) The contrast is startling.
i) Righteousness
ii) Lawlessness
b) The word “fellowship” may also be translated “partnership”.
c) Righteousness and lawlessness are mutually exclusive!
They are incompatible!

4. “And what communion has light with darkness”

a) Another imagery was employed.
b) Light and darkness are contrasted.
c) They are also mutually exclusive!

The Apostle John shares the same theological stance. In 1 John, the apostle John argues that light and darkness cannot co-exist together (1 John 2:8-11).