The Associative Nature 2 Cor 6:14-16
The believer possess a divine nature (2 Pet 1:3-4) and therefore is drawn to associate with that, that pleases God. The conept of unequal yoke (Dt 22:10) “Thou shalt not plow with an ox and ass together. The ox was clean, the ass not, (Dt 14:1-8). 2 opposite natures, not able to work together. A cruel bind.
Note: The nouns Paul uses fellowship, communion, concord (harmony) part, agreement. Each element have commonality. Concord gives our English word “symphony”. Reading the same score, obeying, the same leader. God wants these elements; sharing fellowship, enjoying harmony. When we walk in the agreement of the world’s values and with the Lord simultaneously, we break spiritual fellowship and create discord and division.
v16 is referring to the local community, not to the individual as in 1 Cor 6:19-20.
- People of God (Ex 6:7; 25:8; Lev 26:12; Ezek 37:26-27
- Local community compromised is like the holy temple being defiled.
v17 is from Isaiah 52:11 and echoes Ezek 20:34, 41 = separate devotion to God for a special purpose. “Touch not an unclean thing is a warning against defilement. We mustn’t associate with that which will compromise or lead into disobedience, for our own protection.
- Throughout scripture Israel was warned not to mingle with pagan nations, idols in the land of Canaan (Num 33:50-56).
- Yeshua rejected the false separation of the Pharisees and Saducces, and his disciples against the leaven (false doctrine) and kept from the defilment of the world. (Mt 16:6, 11; Jn 17:14-17)
- The Apostles letters emphasized doctrinal and personal purity. (Rom 12:1-2; 16:17-20; Col 3:1-2; 1 Tim 6:10-11; Titus 2:14; 1 Pet 4:3-6; 1 Jn 4:6).
- Separate from what is false and contrary to holy living (Rev 2:14-16; 20-24; 18:4), simultaneously not ignoring the needy.
- Yeshua (Heb 7:26) was holy, harmless undefiled, yet friend of publicans etc (Lk 7:34).
Therefore we could practice contact but being careful not to be contaminated, otherwise we will isolate ourselves from the people who need our ministry (serving others).
The promise of Gods Blessing 6:17-7:1
We cannot call Him Father unless we obey Him and have fellowship with Him. Yeshua promised a deeper love (Jn 14:21-23). God blesses those who separate to Him.
Abraham separated from Ur of the Chaldees. when Abraham compromised and went to Egypt, God chastened/disciplined (Gen 11:31-12:20).
Both Ezra and Nehemiah taught the meaning of separation (Ezra 9-10; Neh 9:2; 10:28; 13:1-9; 23-31).
God’s promises have spiritual responsibilities = Dispose of that, that would dissappoint God (2 Cor 7:1). e.g., Some pet sin, pet attitude that is being fed (Rom 13:14).
Perfecting holiness/reverent fear of the Lord (3 Cor 7:1), growing in grace (2 Pet 3:18).