InstaStudy

The Call to Consecration and Divine Fellowship

An exploration of 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, examining the believer's call to separation from the world, the sacred nature of God's people, and the profound relationship God desires to have with those who are His.

1. The Unequal Yoke: A Call to Separation

1.1 The Principle of Disparity

Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:14a
  • Believers are fundamentally different from unbelievers in their spiritual nature and purpose.
  • Forming deep, binding partnerships with those outside of Christ compromises spiritual integrity.

1.2 Contrasting Realities

Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:14b-15
  • Righteousness cannot truly fellowship with wickedness, nor light with darkness.
  • Christ, who is God manifested in flesh, has no common ground with Belial (evil).
  • A believer's spiritual foundation is incompatible with an unbeliever's.

1.3 The Sacred vs. The Profane

Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:16a
  • The temple of God, representing His holy presence, cannot coexist with idols.
  • Idols represent anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives or worship.

2. The Temple of the Living God: Our Identity

2.1 Our Corporate Identity

Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:16b
  • Believers collectively form the spiritual dwelling place for the living God.
  • This identity elevates our purpose and demands a lifestyle of holiness.

2.2 God's Dwelling Promise

Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:16c
  • God's ancient promise to dwell among His people is fulfilled in the church.
  • His presence is not merely external but intimately within His chosen ones.
  • This indwelling signifies His ownership and active participation in our lives.

3. Divine Indwelling: God's Presence Among Us

3.1 God's Personal Presence

Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:16c
  • God's promise 'I will live with them and walk among them' signifies His active and personal involvement.
  • This is not a distant deity but a God who is intimately present in His people.
  • He is our God, and we are His people, a relationship established through His Spirit.

3.2 The Call to Purity

Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:17a
  • Because God dwells within us, we are commanded to 'come out from them and be separate.'
  • Separation involves abstaining from spiritual and moral defilement.
  • Touching 'no unclean thing' refers to practices and influences that contradict God's holiness.

4. The Father's Promise: A Covenant Relationship

4.1 God's Reception and Acceptance

Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:17b
  • Our obedience to separation is met with God's promise to 'receive you.'
  • This reception signifies His full acceptance and welcome into His family.

4.2 A Father-Child Relationship

Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:18
  • God promises to be our Father, and we His sons and daughters.
  • This relationship is one of intimate love, protection, and provision.
  • The 'Lord Almighty' emphasizes His sovereign power to fulfill this promise.

4.3 The Nature of the Almighty

Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:18
  • The title 'Lord Almighty' (Pantokrator) points to the singular, all-powerful God.
  • This one God is the Father who adopts us and dwells within us.
  • His omnipotence ensures the security and blessing of this divine family relationship.