Highlights In Today's Reading:
Absent from the body . . . present with the Lord (5:8). Our hands, mouth, feet represent Christ, our job is to bring others to Him (5:18-21). The Temple of the Living God, we are encouraged to be cleansed and separated (chap. 6). Worship, dedication, humility (8:5). A call to generous giving (8:1-15).
The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to write: Be ye not unequally yoked (joined) together with unbelievers (6:14). No one would deny that we are living in a day of deception, compromise, and worldliness. Even many Christians do not recognize the meaning of being unequally yoked together with unbelievers. To clarify this principle, Paul asked five pointed questions that deserve our prayerful consideration because they have eternal consequences: What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? . . . What concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the Temple of God with idols? for ye are the Temple of the Living God (6:14-16).
True faith not only joins the believer to the Lord, but it also separates the believer in heart and practice from the world controlled by Satan. The presence of God demands holiness in His people, for He cannot dwell in the presence of evil. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (6:17-18).
Jesus did not live secluded from the world, but neither did He become a participant in the world's activities. To come out from among them means that we don't become involved in activities that may keep us from fulfilling the will of God. If ye then be risen with Christ (share in His resurrection from the dead). . . . Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Col. 3:1-2).
We should prayerfully consider what the Word of God says about friendships and associations with the unsaved. Christians and unbelievers have different masters. Christ is King over His people; we are His servants. Satan is the prince of this world and lord over all who are lost, upon whom the wrath of God abideth (John 3:36).
Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness (everything that defiles) of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Cor. 7:1)
Thought for Today:
Thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself (Deut. 14:2).
Word Studies:
5:5 wrought =prepared; 5:13 beside ourselves =insane; sober =of sound mind; 6:5 In stripes =having been beaten; tumults =riots; 6:6 unfeigned =genuine; 6:12 Ye are not straitened in us =our love toward you is not restrained; bowels =emotions; 6:13 for a recompence in the same =in return for our love; be ye also enlarged =open your hearts to us; 7:9 that ye might receive damage by us in nothing =that you not be offended in what we did or did not say; 7:10 not to be repented of =without regret; 7:11 carefulness =diligence, seriousness; 8:1 we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on =we want you to know what the grace of God has accomplished in; 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty =urging us to allow them the privilege; 8:7 abound =excel; 8:8 forwardness =earnestness.
Cross References:
For II Cor. 6:2: See Is. 49:8. II Cor. 6:16: See Lev. 26:11-12; Ezek. 37:27. II Cor. 6:17: See Is. 52:11. II Cor. 8:15: See Ex. 16:18.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Sec. Janet Napolitano (Dept. of Homeland Security) and Rep. Jean Schmidt (OH) • Country: Moldova (4.3 million) southeastern Europe • Major languages: Rumanian and Russian • Limited religious freedom • 66% Russian/Romanian Orthodox; 2.5% Catholic (Greek and Roman); 1.7% Protestant (mainly Baptist); 1.5% Jewish; .2% Muslim; 28.1% Agnostic/Atheist/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His loving-kindness and faithfulness (Ps. 138:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:33