Geoff Hohneck
Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians
The Believer's Call to Have an Undivided Heart
2 Corinthians 6:11—7:2
15 May 2016
Believers should be open to one another in all things, but this is sadly not always so. Believers in the Corinthians church had turned away from Paul (who brought them to Christ) because of false teachers. Seeking fellowship with the Corinthians, Paul admonishes them to return his love, be separate unto Christ, and obey God.
An appeal for reciprocal love (v. 11 - 13). Authentic love is an action, and longs for a response. Paul writes, "O Corinthians, our heart is open wide... but you are restricted in your own affections." False teachers had maligned Paul, causing the Corinthians to distrust him. Tenderly, Paul asks them to "be also open wide" toward him.
A command for separation (v. 14 - 17a). Paul goes to the root of the Corinthians' selfishness; their trying to please both the world, and Christ. Knowing this only stifles love for God, Paul instructs the Corinthians to immediately:
(a) "not be bound together with unbelievers;" that is, unrepentant sinners like the false teachers. While our mandate remains to go out into the world with the Gospel, we are not to partner with them;
(b) "come out from [the] midst" of evil people;
(c) "be separate" unto God, as a people He has chosen _out_ of the world;
(d) and "do not touch what is unclean;" have nothing to do with sin.
God's promises call for our obedience (v. 17b - 7:2). Considering the promises God grants His people: of justification, sanctification, and glorification, and considering the price Christ paid, what is acceptable but to obey? Paul writes, "having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit."
Believers are to walk in close relationship; loving each other, being separate from the world, and obeying God. May we do such, and keep in sweet fellowship.