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UNEQUAL YOKES
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
"It is nature that determines association. Because a pig has a pig's nature, it associates with other pigs in the mud hole. Because a sheep has a sheep's nature, it munches grass with the flock in the pasture. The Christian possesses a divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4), and therefore he should want to associate himself only with that which pleases the Lord." Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol.1, Page 652
1. To what does this passage have reference?
A. Marriage?
1. Contemplated marriage to a non-Christian?
2. Existing marriage to a non-Christian?
B. Business?
1. Forming a partnership with a non-Christian?
2. An existing partnership?
C. Church?
1. Any activity or fellowship with non-Christians?
2. Opposing "liquor-by-the-drink"
3. Working together to get rid of massage parlors, strip joints, prostitution, drugs, etc.
D. All of the above?
2. Old Testament background.
A. Deut. 22:10 "Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together."
1. Ox was a clean animal.
2. Ass was an unclean animal.
3. They are of different natures.
4. They do not work well together.
B. Deut. 22:11 "Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woolen and linen together."
C. Deut. 22:9 "Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds."
3. Other Passages to Study.
A. Exodus 32:2 "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil."
B. Eph. 5:11 "Have no fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness."
C. 2 Tim. 2:19 "Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
D. 1 Thess. 5:22 "Abstain from all appearances of evil."
E. James 1:21 "Putting aside all overflowing of wickedness."
F. 1 Cor. 10:20 "I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils."
3A. Other Passages to Consider.
A. 1 Cor. 5:11 "If any man that is called a brother.."
B. 2 Thess. 3:6 "Withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly."
C. 2 John 9 "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ..."
D. Rom. 16:17 "Mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine"
E. Phil. 1:10 "That ye may approve things that are excellent."
4. What is allowed in this passage? What is prohibited?
A. All yoking together?
B. All UNEQUAL yoking?
C. All activities in which we participate with non-Christians?
PTA, Scouts, Little leagues
Civic Clubs, Social events, Weddings
Business, Work
Marriage
5. Notice the words and the contrasts used in the text.
A. Descriptive words used:
Fellowship - share as full partners
Communion - have common interests and desires
Concord - harmony, symphony
Part - share the load
Agreement - consent of direction
B. Contrasts used:
Righteousness Unrighteousness
Light Darkness
Christ Belial (Satan)
Believer Infidel
God's Temple Temple of idols
6. Does this passage apply to marriage?
A. Paul had told them NOT to leave their husband or wife under such circumstances.
B. Now they are told to "come out from among them" and "touch not the unclean thing" and "be ye separate."
7. Conclusion.
A. The prohibition here is "UNEQUAL" yokes.
B. An "unequal" yoke would be one in which the non-Christian has more power, an advantage, or control.
"Does II Cor. 6:14-18 forbid a Christian to marry a non-Christian? No. This passage may not properly be applied to marriage as such, but only if the marriage results in an unequal yoking. Where such yoking exists, the relationship is prohibited whether it be in marriage, business, social relationships, or any other association where the situation involves an unequal yoking." Questions and Answers, Vol. 1, Page 118
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