Associate With Believers 11.29.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of II Corinthians, please read Chapters 5-8 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%205-8&version=9

Today we are reading about living by faith; the ministry of reconciliation; associating with non believers; Paul's ministry; and the grace of giving. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that all who accept Jesus are one with Him, He lives in us and we in Him. We need to be careful of what we do to our physical bodies for what ever we do to ourselves we are doing to Christ.

No one can deny that in this day and age we are living in a world full of deception and compromise. Much too often, Christian's are tempted to search for satisfaction through what the world has to offer. To provide answers to this issue, Paul warns us not to associate with non believers. He also asked five very important questions for us to consider before taking that leap into surrounding ourselves with people and things that make us compromise our way of living.

1,2. What association and connection do we have with non believers? "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (II Corinthians 6:14). When we associate ourselves with non believers we are easily tempted to follow them, this includes family members. We might love our family, but we can not allow oursevles to be drawn back into their way of living. Therefore we must keep our distance, pray for them, be respectful, but do not allow yourself to associate with them any more than you have to.

3,4. What peace do we have with non believers? "And what concord (harmony) hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel (nonbeliever)?" (6:15). Being in harmony with non believers is just as if Jesus were in harmony with the devil. We obiviously have different beliefs than those who live for the world therefore, we will never find peace.

5. What agreement do we as Temples of God have with idols? "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." (6: 16). We are Temples of God and Christ lives in us, whatever we do to ourselves we do in the presence of Christ. Idols are anything that takes us away from living godly and or having a right relationship with Him. Therefore, we must seperate ourselves from any person or thing that may defile us.

The true source of defilement of the body is self gratification, this includes, fornication, lust, and putting foreign things into our bodies. It is important to remember that believers and unbelievers have different masters and if we stay around them long enough we end up falling right into their temptations. Paul urges us to stay away from any person or thing that will defile us, but also lets us know that He will be with us. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (6:17-18).

All Christians have the responsibility to seperate themselves from those things, whether it be people or possessions, that defile us. We are all called to love everyone just as God does, but at the same time we can not associate ourselves with unbelieving family or friends. It is very important to marry someone or become friends with believers, however, Paul does offer help to those who are married to unbelievers (See I Corinthians Chapter 7).

We also need to consider that the Word of God warns of the danger of being distant and unwilling to associate with others. This is illustrated when all the publicans and sinners drew near to hear Jesus. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receives sinners, and eats with them. Our goal should be that of Jesus, who replied: I say to you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:1-7). When our motives are that of Jesus, we will cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
God Bless You,
Christina

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