6:11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open. 14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." 17 Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." 18 "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty." 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
One of the most difficult balances in the Christian life is between isolation and assimilation. It’s easier to go to one extreme or the other. You can isolate yourself from those who don’t follow Christ, or you can join in with them so heartily that you become just like them. Today, Pastor John shows how to carefully keep that delicate balance in a way that honors Christ. God wants you to be IN the world – you are the salt of the world. And he wants you to be distinct FROM the world – you are the light of the world.
Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of 2 Corinthians chapter 6 as he begins his message, The Call to Separation.