DCLM Higher Everyday 11 April 2024 — Come Out
Topic: Come Out
Text: 2Corinthians 6:14-18
14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Key Verse: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
Message
Consider an ox and a donkey yoked together to pull a plough; the ox represents the believer (virtuous and strong), the donkey represents the unbeliever (obstinate and untrustworthy), and the yoke that binds them together indicates the alliance or relationship that Paul cautions against. The yoke that connects the ox and donkey prevents them from moving in separate directions, despite their best efforts. This demonstrates the pressure and conflict that may develop when believers and unbelievers form tight relationships/collaborations. Paul advises against yoking of Christians and unbelievers because their basic differences make peaceful coexistence impossible.
The phrase “come out” encourages purity and detachment from the world. We are called as Christians to be God’s temple and to have no relationship with evil or idolatry. Be distinct and unique while communicating God’s love and truth to unbelievers. Live a virtuous and pure life, separate yourself from worldly ideals, attitudes, and conduct; and endeavour to live a life that pleases God. Then can you truly reflect Christ in the world while also experiencing God’s presence and favour.
Quote: Reflect Christ in the world
Challenge: It is impossible for holiness and evil to coexist.
Prayer for today: Dear God, help me to retain my relationship with You, in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
