2 Corinthians 6:14 (The Message)Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
A question came up yesterday in a New Faith Project we often do on Sunday’s. The question I believe was: “I’m dating a Jewish man that believes that Jesus was only a good teacher is this bad?
I gave an answer that in all personal or intimate relationships we should be confidant that the other person is aware or has a desire to seek God. I’m always using this statement of belief even when talking with singles about dating.
A response came about being unequally yoked. It threw me for a bit because I didn’t recognize the scripture of being unequally yoked though I knew the thought behind the response. As I tried to explain my mind kept jumping to the spoken phrase “being unequally yoked”. The reason was because the phrase being “unequally yoked” didn’t seem right I knew it needed to be rephrased or corrected. The theme of my response was that the focus of a relationship should be the principles of God. The person referred to in the question is aware of God and His principles but because of his tradition or teaching believes that Christ is only a teacher. Is this sinful? Is it anymore sinful than how some of us behave or become angry at the silliest of things? Do we believe that God says that the Jewish nation (Israel) will come to know him? Before I go further let’s not forget that a yoke was used to direct oxen or bulls. Isn’t it funny that this is used? Could it remind us that we can be bull-headed or stubborn at times as it pertains to our relentless view of God?
After reading, reviewing the question thinking of the comments this is my current take. The scripture doesn’t say “we shouldn’t be unequally yoked”. It goes a bit further and describes who and why. Rather it says we shouldn’t be yoked with unbelievers (un-righteousness/dark). Yes it could be a minute change but just the word “unequal” threw me off a bit. It seemed there should be more but I couldn’t grab it even as I tried to explain. My apologies go to everyone on not being able to finish the scripture. After reading the verse here is something that I hope clears things up “don’t become partners or joined together with people who don’t believe in or reject God”. I guess this is the reason why I continued to explain that God should be the focus and not necessarily doctrine.
In other words, we shouldn’t be partners with people in crime or actions that we are fully aware are against God. This is the point: if we claim to focus on righteousness (light) then taking part in un-righteousness (dark) is a contradiction. Now figure out what is the dark?
May we see people and their relationships as God’s work in progress and that our relationships are built with God not necessarily what I interpret as a factoid from God. God is the focus. I believe God exists in 3 persons; a Father, Savior and the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 6:14
Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark?
11 comments:
Chuck, Chuck, Chuck (I'm wagging my head as I type), you call yourself a pastor? What kind of pastor equates denying the deity of Christ with getting angry ". . . at the silliest of things"?
I'll tell you what kind of pastor does that. Or, rather, I'll use your own words - the kind of pastor who irresponsibly says, ". . . God should be the focus and not necessarily doctrine."
I agree that God should be the focus, but the only way to focus on God is to give careful attention to our doctrine. That's the way God planned it.
Who's doctrine? If we lift up Jesus he will draw people to himself. We can't push people to Jesus.
You don't even know proper doctrine?
Paul warned Timothy that in the last days there would be those who would not put up with sound doctrine but would instead seek out teachers who tickle their ears.
Congratulations, Pastor Chuck! You made it into the pages of scripture!
Anonymous, that’s a pretty huge assumption don't you think? I was asking whose doctrine? Are you referring to a denominational teaching?
When it comes down to it I say it's Jesus and he crucified. God loved us to allow him on the cross. God is love. Keep him as the focal point when making choices. -Peace.
Wow...why is the comments so hard towards you Pastor? I have always enjoyed your blogs....keeps me thinking & I learn so much!
Chuck,
Anon was a little rough, I agree, but I am concerned about a couple of things.
I can't understand you being a pastor and not being familiar with the phrase "unequally yoked". The passage is renedered exactly that way in the KJV and NKJV. Which version of the Scriptures do you use?
And it does seem like you are saying that denying the deity of Christ is no worse an offense than being a little testy at times.
Kip, I use other scripture versions other than the KJV or NKJV. Can you tell me why I shouldn’t?
So I think when it comes to doctrine I get a sense that you want a line drawn and it’s either one side or the other. I don’t always view things like this. I’m not saying that I deny the deity of Christ. The last line of the Blog should give proof. I’m saying that God should be the focal point. Kip, when I Blog many times I’ll truthfully write what I was thinking at the moment as in this case. As this comment was made the reference to this scripture was there and I was trying to get a handle on the entire passage and still give a response. So I couldn’t automatically recite the verse or passage. I was truthful about it in my writing. I don’t think it makes me any less of a believer in God. I mean you misspell words while sending your comments. Does it give a definite line that you are not intelligent? I don’t think so. It shows you’re in the moment and things were not recalled easily.
Wrapping up your last comment, I feel that we’re all a work in progress. The Trinity (God) does the work. God is surely doing a good work in me. Who am I to say that God is working properly or efficiently with some but needs to work harder in others? I say be the guide and keep people focused on the purpose, values and principles of God while praying for them.
There is one more thing to discuss. You can disagree with me. I’m not afraid to put name, my thoughts or even my mistakes on this Blog. I think it might be best if you hold back on what I think is a belligerent communication of me as a Pastor. I’m not against you.
We can continue the dialogue. I’m not afraid of these challenges. I believe we grow from challenges. If you continue to contribute your comments to my Blog in this belligerent manner I will stop.
Wow again.....so I take he's learning from you? Be nice Kip....Pastor Chuck is a wonderful must humble person I know. Ask anyone he knows they will say the same.
I'm sure Chuck is a humble and wonderful person - I'm the one who has been a jerk on these boards.
"The Message" is not a reliable translation. At best it's a really long paraphrase - which is okay, but a man of the Word should be careful to check it against more reliable versions such as the NKJV and the NASV.
I understand that you recognize Jesus's deity, but I'm curious, do you think it's important for others to recognize Jesus's deity? If they reject Christ, are they going to hell?
Hey man, I appreciate the loyalty you have to the way you study and with the tools you use. I'm not too sure about only using the KJV or NASV. I believe the Word of God to be the verbal inspiration of God still I too am aware it has been written by a man. We read it after being translated by a group of men. Then set in order (canonized) by a council of men. If I (a person of the Word: you suggest that I’m not if I don’t use your way) want to use The Message, New Century or the New Living I will. Have faith that a message of hope, salvation and life will come forth. Just as I have faith that the scripture we read is the exact way God wanted it to be written. Non of this is causing me to lose my end of my relationship with Christ.
Last, I know Christ the risen Son of God.
I refuse to announce, imply or suggest anyone will go to hell. That is the Fathers role.
I thought I would post an update to this entry. Since that question was asked a lot has happened. The lady went on to marry to gentlemen. After the the years and patience the gentlemen accepted Christ was baptized and is now sharing the message of hope in Christ. He is a Messianic Jew. To all wo have commented on this entry share the love of Christ and only when needed speak. Peace, Chuck
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