Today’s passage is 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:1.  Join us in reading it.

As we saw in yesterday’s study, Paul is concerned that the Corinthian’s lives could be preventing others from hearing the Gospel. Today’s passage points out one of the prime reasons: we appear to be no different from the rest of the world if we join in their activities.

Paul is not telling Christians to segregate themselves totally from the world such as to set up communities where only Christians are permitted or to go into monasteries. Nor is he saying that Christians shouldn’t be married to unbelievers (he actually tells us in 1 Cor 7:12-14 to remain married if the unbeliever is willing). Rather he is concerned with our lifestyle.

2 Cor 7:1 sums up what Paul is trying to say. We are to be holy and not be involved in the sinfulness that the world exudes. As such, our witness will not be overshadowed by our participation in sin. It is all about our lifestyle, a life of holiness versus a life of sinfulness. When we live right, the Gospel is not overshadowed.

Questions:

1. Ask yourself, “In what way(s) have I teamed up with the world?”
2. Ask yourself, “In what way(s) can I “work toward complete holiness” (2 Cor 7:1 NLT)?
3. What is the point that Paul is trying to make with each of these OT quotes?
   1. 6:16 – Leviticus 26:12; Jeremiah 32:38; Ezekiel 37:27
   2. 6:17 – Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34,41
   3. 6:18 – 2Samuel 7:14; 7:8
4. What is the end result of obedience to God’s word?