Read 2 Cor. 6:11-13 – Open Your Heart
1. In 2 Cor. 6:1-11 Paul shared principles of ministry, and now he appeals to the church. Can you hear the passion in his words? How does Paul’s approach with the Corinthians follow Eph. 4:15a.
2. What is verse 12 saying about the Corinthians?
3. (vs 13) Paul had been very open and honest with the Corinthians. Now he expected them to do the same. To what end?
Read 2 Cor. 6:14-16a – Be Equally Yoked
1. We usually apply verse 14 to marriage and business partners, but it can mean so much more. What does it mean to be yoked together?
2. Consider the 5 questions in these verses. They all use words that would allow for people to be equally yoked: fellowship, communion, accord, part, agreement. Using these words, describe a relationship that would be equally yoked.
3. Now look at the comparisons that Paul is making by completing the phrases:
a. Righteousness with _______________________
b. Light with _________________
c. Christ with __________________
d. Believer with _____________________
e. Temple of God with _____________________
4. Being “unequally yoked” is being in any environment where we allow the world to influence our thinking, thus influencing our priorities, our behavior, our view of the world. How does Rom. 12:2 speak to this same thing?
a. Are you allowing your mind to be transformed? How?
b. Are you aware of worldly influences in your life? Explain.
5. Consider this quote: This speaks especially to the issue of influence. Paul is not suggesting that Christians never associate with unbelievers (he makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13). The principle is that we are to be in the world, but not of the world, like a ship should be in the water, but water shouldn’t be in the ship. If the world is influencing us, it is clear we are unequally yoked together with unbelievers. And this unequal yoke, or ungodly influence, may come through a book, a movie, a television show, a magazine, or even through worldly Christian friends. Most Christians are far too indiscriminate about the things they allow to influence their minds and lives. – Guzik
What are your thoughts on this?
6. How does 1 Cor. 15:33 add to our understanding?
Read 2 Cor. 6:16b-18 – The Temple of God
1. You are the temple of the living God! This can refer to an individual, or to the church. Describe a physical temple, as in the building. What does it contain? How is it cared for?
a. How does 1 Cor. 3:16-17 add to our understanding?
b. How does 1 Cor. 6:19 add even more?
2. The chapter ends with quotes from the Old Testament. Verse 16b quotes from Lev. 26:12, Jer. 32:38, and Ezek. 37:26-27, telling us that God is in the midst of His temple. Though this is a promise to Israel, it certainly pertains to us also. What does this verse mean to you personally?
3. Verse 17 paraphrases Isaiah 52:11 and tells us how to make the temple a holy place. What does it say?
a. How does it relate to the previous verses? (2 Cor. 6:14-16)
b. Notice that we are not only to separate from ungodly things, but we are to separate ourselves to God. How is that done?
4. (vs 18) Describe God as your Father.
5. (vs 18) Guzik: The title Almighty uses the ancient Greek word pantokrater, which means, “the one who has his hand on everything.” In the whole New Testament, the word is used only here and in the book of Revelation. Paul wants us to understand that it is the sovereign God of heaven who offers us adoption as His children as we separate unto Him. I love this title! You?