Unequally yoked

[Grazer]

2 Corinthians 6:14 - 15NIV

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

Ok, this verse is getting quoted a lot so I thought I'd start a thread to look at it. I've always struggled with this passage. I have a couple of very close friends who are atheists, several who are gay, I play in a darts team full of atheists. Is this passage saying I need to give all this up? To end these friendships? If that is the case, am I supposed to quit my job because my boss is an atheist or my work colleagues are? With most passages, is there a limit to how its applied? Is it just referring to marriage?

The thing is, how can you talk about the gospel to people if you're not where they are? In Galatians (I think its Galatians, please don't get mad if I'm wrong) Paul talks about there being no Jew or gentile we're all equal.

So what is everyone's take on this?

 

[whitestone]

2 Corinthians 6:14 - 15NIV

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

Ok, this verse is getting quoted a lot so I thought I'd start a thread to look at it. I've always struggled with this passage. I have a couple of very close friends who are atheists, several who are gay, I play in a darts team full of atheists. Is this passage saying I need to give all this up? To end these friendships? If that is the case, am I supposed to quit my job because my boss is an atheist or my work colleagues are? With most passages, is there a limit to how its applied? Is it just referring to marriage?

The thing is, how can you talk about the gospel to people if you're not where they are? In Galatians (I think its Galatians, please don't get mad if I'm wrong) Paul talks about there being no Jew or gentile we're all equal.

So what is everyone's take on this?

To be yoked to something or someone is to join them in their work/activity/thoughts. It is written....

Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
​

Keep yourself separated from their "works" for we are His "peculiar people." However, He sends us among all people...not judging but teaching, showing a better way.

Luke 10:2-3 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.



.
​

 

[Eugene]

I will just paste an excerpt of a study by A. S. Copley.

True separation. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." This does not refer simply to secret fraternities, or to pleasure gatherings, or marriage relations, but to religious fellowships. Either of five words here given will determine whether we should fellowship certain people - "unrighteousness, darkness, Belial (worthlessness), infidelity (vs. faith), or idolatry." Put every religious man and every religious crowd under the exposing lens of the Word of God; if you find any or all of these, turn away from them. Bear in mind that it is the devil's trick to trip people up and blind them by religion, even mixing much truth with it if necessary to accomplish his purpose. If Christ crucified, risen and glorified, is not the center and circumference of a man's religion, it is dangerous, no matter what his claim may be.

 

[Hammer]

The thing is, how can you talk about the gospel to people if you're not where they are? In Galatians (I think its Galatians, please don't get mad if I'm wrong) Paul talks about there being no Jew or gentile we're all equal.

So what is everyone's take on this?

1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

It's naive for you to think that influence is only one way. And, I'm sure most of your non-Christian friends know the Gospel and have rejected it, so much for your rationalization about sharing the Gospel.

Contrary to the popular opinion of leftwing Christians, Jesus didn't keep company with sinners. Those who were close to him had all given up their lives of sin (other than Judas).

You have heard that there is no Jew or Gentile in Christ. That's a reference to ethnicities, not beliefs.

 

[childeye]

1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

It's naive for you to think that influence is only one way. And, I'm sure most of your non-Christian friends know the Gospel and have rejected it, so much for your rationalization about sharing the Gospel.

Contrary to the popular opinion of leftwing Christians, Jesus didn't keep company with sinners. Those who were close to him had all given up their lives of sin (other than Judas).

You have heard that there is no Jew or Gentile in Christ. That's a reference to ethnicities, not beliefs.

What about to the impure of heart all is impure and to the pure of heart all is pure. How much is the sin of the flesh a matter of perception? If truth sets one free, then lies hold people in slavery to the sin of their flesh serving the lusts therein. I believe we must understand the cause of sin to be able to remove the speck from our brothers eye. This cannot be done when we ourselves are afraid of being corrupted by keeping company with the sinner. The Pharisees would not touch the harlot who cride on the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair. Truly those forgiven much, love much.

 

[Hammer]

What about to the impure of heart all is impure and to the pure of heart all is pure. How much is the sin of the flesh a matter of perception? If truth sets one free, then lies hold people in slavery to the sin of their flesh serving the lusts therein. I believe we must understand the cause of sin to be able to remove the speck from our brothers eye. This cannot be done when we ourselves are afraid of being corrupted by keeping company with the sinner. The Pharisees would not touch the harlot who cride on the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair. Truly those forgiven much, love much.

Childeye, you have totally missed the central issue. The original post is about someone who has yoked himself with unrepentant sinners. The story you refer to is one of a woman who repented and turned away from her sins. Totally different!

The Pharisee would not associate with the ex-harlot, in spite of her repentance, which has nothing to do with the topic. Although, Jesus did suggest that the Pharisee was a better person than this woman was, with his story suggesting that the Pharisee had less to be forgiven of. The Pharisee wouldn't yoke himself with sinners. The only sin the Pharisee was guilty of was not accepting her repentance.

 

[Grazer]

I had forgotten I'd posted this

Thank you to everyone for their replies. New darts season starts soon and I've been asked to play again. I've agreed to because I love the game. There's nothing sinful in a game of darts. As for my friendships, they mean a lot to me and the feelings are mutual as my friend very graciously told me Sunday over dinner

I think it'll only become a problem if it interferes with my relationship with Christ

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[Blev]

1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

It's naive for you to think that influence is only one way. And, I'm sure most of your non-Christian friends know the Gospel and have rejected it, so much for your rationalization about sharing the Gospel.


Right. I have never seen a good apple change a rotten apple back to fresh. Its always the other way around, and especially the closer together they are


Contrary to the popular opinion of leftwing Christians, Jesus didn't keep company with sinners. Those who were close to him had all given up their lives of sin (other than Judas).

He didnt just 'hang out ' with them. When he was with the sinners He told them about God and He didn't compromise the truth. In fact Simeon criticized the woman, and even Jesus, when she came in and washed His feet with her tears.

You have heard that there is no Jew or Gentile in Christ. That's a reference to ethnicities, not beliefs.

When we come to Christ we are all in God's family and what race we were born as in the flesh does not matter to Him and should not matter to us.

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[Grazer]

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I'm going to assume you disagree with my approach/decision?

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[Deborah13]

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In reference to good and bad apples, the scriptures do not agree with you.

Remember the person who is married to an unbeliever (unevenly yoked). God says to stay with that person because you don't know. Your godly behavior may bring them to God.

 

[Blev]

I'm going to assume you disagree with my approach/decision?

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Thats something you have to decide yourself after a time of praying and seeking God about what His will is, but not discounting the scriptures in any way though. When the Spirit of God speaks to us He does not contradict the Word.

I'm curious, do you still witness to your friends? Do you share the joys of a real personal relationship with the Creator of all things, as opposed to just being ''religious'', which they probaby think Christanity is? Has your influence brought them closer to the point of giving their lives to Jesus? The reason we are still on this earth is to make an impact for Christ where ever we are and be salt and light to draw others to Him. Its our whole purpose. Otherwise we would go to heaven immediately after we got saved.

I would hate for them to begin to influence you in a way that would cause you to get farther away from God, brother. The enemy likes to use people if even if they don't know he is doing so and he is so subtle about it, usually a very gradual thing we don't even notice for awhile.

 

[Blev]

In reference to good and bad apples, the scriptures do not agree with you.

Remember the person who is married to an unbeliever (unevenly yoked). God says to stay with that person because you don't know. Your godly behavior may bring them to God.

The verse was mentioned not to be unequally yoked so to be obedient to that we should not do so on purpose. But if a person already is married, they don't leave their spouse because of it, or if one gets saved . But it rarely works out, they usually split up or have a terrible marriage, and its hard on the kids. Sometimes by the grace of God the other one will one day become a believer also and if that has been your case, then you are blessed.

 

[Grazer]

Thats something you have to decide yourself after a time of praying and seeking God about what His will is, but not discounting the scriptures in any way though. When the Spirit of God speaks to us He does not contradict the Word.

I'm curious, do you still witness to your friends? Do you share the joys of a real personal relationship with the Creator of all things, as opposed to just being ''religious'', which they probaby think Christanity is? Has your influence brought them closer to the point of giving their lives to Jesus? The reason we are still on this earth is to make an impact for Christ where ever we are and be salt and light to draw others to Him. Its our whole purpose. Otherwise we would go to heaven immediately after we got saved.

I would hate for them to begin to influence you in a way that would cause you to get farther away from God, brother. The enemy likes to use people if even if they don't know he is doing so and he is so subtle about it, usually a very gradual thing we don't even notice for awhile.

I don't deliberately force the conversation but when the opportunity presents itself I talk about my relationship with Christ.

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[Nick]

2 Corinthians 6:14 - 15NIV

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

Ok, this verse is getting quoted a lot so I thought I'd start a thread to look at it. I've always struggled with this passage. I have a couple of very close friends who are atheists, several who are gay, I play in a darts team full of atheists. Is this passage saying I need to give all this up? To end these friendships? If that is the case, am I supposed to quit my job because my boss is an atheist or my work colleagues are? With most passages, is there a limit to how its applied? Is it just referring to marriage?

The thing is, how can you talk about the gospel to people if you're not where they are? In Galatians (I think its Galatians, please don't get mad if I'm wrong) Paul talks about there being no Jew or gentile we're all equal.

So what is everyone's take on this?

I have always thought this verse was talking about something else than simply being with unbelievers. If that was the case, then explain the example of Jesus and the Great Commission in Matt 28:19-20.

The words of "yoked" and "fellowship" suggest that Paul is talking more about being with unbelievers in a way that would compromise your faith as a Christian - i.e. their influence on you. If we take the idea of being in fellowship as it applies to a church, swing that around to an unbeliever setting and it's something believers should not be engaging in.

For example, I have some friends at university who I love hanging out with. We get along well. But let's just say their language isn't all that clean, and they have been known to party hard. If I found myself being influenced by them and drinking heavily, I would not go with them to bars. Or if I found that they were influencing what was coming out of my mouth, then perhaps it's time to break off that friendship. As it is, I don't see any problems with just hanging out with them and being the example Christ taught me to be. But I guess the message that Paul is trying to get across is don't put yourself in a situation where your integrity as a follower of Christ is compromised.

 

[Hammer]

The verse was mentioned not to be unequally yoked so to be obedient to that we should not do so on purpose. But if a person already is married, they don't leave their spouse because of it, or if one gets saved . But it rarely works out, they usually split up or have a terrible marriage, and its hard on the kids. Sometimes by the grace of God the other one will one day become a believer also and if that has been your case, then you are blessed.

Right. Also, a good principle doesn't justify sin. The sin of divorce isn't justified for the principle of avoiding being unequally yoked. There is also a difference between having one close unbeliever in your life verses surrounding yourself with close unbelievers.

Jesus said that we should hate our families. That's hyperbole to make a valid point. We must not let anything get between us and God, even family, let alone whom we choose for friends.

 

[Deborah13]

The verse was mentioned not to be unequally yoked so to be obedient to that we should not do so on purpose. But if a person already is married, they don't leave their spouse because of it, or if one gets saved . But it rarely works out, they usually split up or have a terrible marriage, and its hard on the kids. Sometimes by the grace of God the other one will one day become a believer also and if that has been your case, then you are blessed.

Yes, I do understand what you were saying but I was not clear. My point was that our behavior can lead others to Christ. If we can go out with friends, play ball, darts, whatever, we can be a good influence. If God thinks we can be a good influence on a mate to lead them to the Lord then surely we can do the same with people we don't live with and can get away from when we need to.
I agree with you that we need to be vigilant that we don't fall ourselves.

 

[Nick]

Yes, I do understand what you were saying but I was not clear. My point was that our behavior can lead others to Christ. If we can go out with friends, play ball, darts, whatever, we can be a good influence. If God thinks we can be a good influence on a mate to lead them to the Lord then surely we can do the same with people we don't live with and can get away from when we need to.
I agree with you that we need to be vigilant that we don't fall ourselves.

Indeed, and there are parts of Scripture that say this. But perhaps the point of Paul here is a warning that we mustn't witness at the cost of ourselves.

 

[Blev]

We must not let anything get between us and God, even family, let alone whom we choose for friends.

:amen:

 

[Blev]

Indeed, and there are parts of Scripture that say this. But perhaps the point of Paul here is a warning that we mustn't witness at the cost of ourselves.

That's true.

And to be with the unbeliever at times is not the same as being with alot of them almost constantly, IMHO

 

[Drew]

So what is everyone's take on this?

While, of course, one cansay that two people working together to some common goal are thereby “yokedâ€, application of this argument to then conclude that we are not ever to work together with unbelievers is so obviously absurd, it cannot be what Paul meant. ​

Here are examples of Christians "working with unbelievers towards the same goal":

1. A Christian doctor doing cancer research with unbelieving doctors;

2. A Christian engineer participating with non-Christian engineers in the development of a low-pollution motor car;

3. A Christian rescue expert working together with non-Christian rescue experts to save people from a flood.

If we are not to work together with unbelievers to achieve common goals, then Christians should:

1. abandon participation in what is necessarily a "many-person societal level" effort to cure cancer;

2. abandon participation in what is necessarily a "many-person" effort to develop technologies that will save the planet;

3. abandon participation in what is necessarily a "many-person" effort to rescue people from death in large scale disasters;

Are we to have "Christian only" medical schools that never share their research results with the non-Christian world, lest we "unequally yoked"?