INTRODUCTION - HERE IS A PASSAGE THAT GIVES US A TERRIBLE COMMAND, BUT A GREAT & SWEET PROMISE

• Dr. Moffitt- 2-27-62 4pt- v.1 Salvation, 3 Service, 4b Sufferings, & 11-Seperation
• There are some that emphasize the doctrinal element-liberals, Neo,- and rightly so be careful
• But the direct application is more than sitting on a platform with someone-What is shown here is an unequal tie that can drag you down with the other person

I. THE PROBLEM - v. 14

Here is a plain commandment- "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers". v.14

A.   WHAT IS THE UNEQUAL YOKE REFERRED TO HERE? LIFE IS MADE UP WITH A LOT OF DIFFERENT ASSOCIATIONS

1. But a Yoke is to be harnessed together- taken from Deut 22:10 - of a Donkey & a Bull
2. This can be a marriage, a business, a fraternal order, council, revival service, or date!
3. The yoke is not just an association, but a partnership that involves responsibility-

B.  WHY IS THE UNEQUAL YOKE DANGEROUS ENOUGH FOR GOD'S WORD TO BE SO STRONG AGAINST IT?

1. The word of God itself is reason enough - God says so- but read the rest- 14b. - 16a
2. To be tied to an unbeliever - maybe one common interest and a thousand arguments to follow
3. To plow with an ox and a donkey- a constant fight to do the right job- heartache

C.  THE UNEQUAL YOKE BRINGS HEARTACHE AND DEFEAT TO THE CHRISTIAN, AND OFTEN DISASTER

1. The pledged Society - club/lodge - asks special consideration - contrary to Scripture - Judge Cardon
2. The serious dating - or mixed marriage - the pledge is stronger - and riffraff more terrible - husband demands swapping?
3. Business associates - demand that you cheat, or be cheated!  Then laugh about it.

There is a rare Christian that can lift the unequal side of yoke - most are ruined

II.  THE CURE v. 17a

Like the cure for cancer- the quicker the cure can be effected- the less hurt to you!

A.  THE KEY EXPRESSION TO THE LEAST AMOUNT OF HURT IS "PREVENTION" NOT CURE!

1. Do not become" is the best solution to this problem will save you a lot of hurt!
2. Do not become involved with foreign entanglements- Washington's advice to nation-good for you
3. Anytime a friend begins to pull you down, break the yoke - better walk out than down - keep a dime in your shoe - or walk home from date

B.  THE COMMAND IS "COME YE OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE YE SEPERATE" - v. 17a

1. This is O.T. - so God could smite the wicked- Nom 16:21 -If you don't- you receive smiting too
2. When the council, club, or group goes wrong, cleanse it, or take a walk! Lodge-gambling?
3. But a marriage has other strings- the prevention! the Cure is fatal! or almost!

C.  BUT GOD'S WORD SAYS "TOUCH NOT THE UNCLEAN THING" - 17b - A VERY STRONG STATEMENT!

1. This can cover a wide area- physical - alcohol, tobacco, drugs, cards, seductive books, luxury - comic books?
2. The direct problem then was wide open sin- Worship of Idols- Greek Moral structure-sexual
3. But there are many other problems- Astrology, Soothsayers, Black Magic, Narcotics, all bad

The cure is simply a clean break from that which is contrary to God's word - scriptural

III. THE PROMISE v. 16b, 17b, 18, and 7:1

God never asks us to so something without having a good reason- note His purpose

A.  THE PROMISE GIVEN IS VERY PLAIN "AND I WILL RECIEVE YOU," v. 17b

1. This might be misleading to some- it does not refer to salvation here- but fellowship
2. The acceptance of the soul is guaranteed by salvation- but this means acceptation of life-
3. We need to so live that the Lord can accept our lives- attitudes, actions, habits, all OK

B.  "YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD" v.16 Cf. I Cor 3:16-18

1. Many are quite particular what happens inside the church-Building! some false piety!
2. But our bodies are the temple- but do you have the glow of the presence of God?
3. If you have joined your body to something unclean- how can God freely dwell within you?

C.  THEN LET US CLEANSE OURSELVES FROM ALL FILTHINGSS, PERFECTING HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD 7:1

1. We worry about a little physical dirt- Moral & spiritual Filth-has far greater danger!
2. Perfecting Holiness is not a Baptist Distinctive, but should be! How much have you tried?
3. "Having therefore these promises"- After all God has offered to us- can we do less?

Before us is a blessing and a curse- the decision is our own- separation occurs

CONCLUSION - WE LIVE IN A WIDE OPEN WORLD, WE CAN MAKE OUR OWN CHOICE, AND GO OUR OWN WAY TODAY

• All the affairs of the world make a pitch for our attention, love, money & time-
• But the Lord plainly declares that His presence & blessing is reserved for His own
• To be saved is to become His Son- but to walk with Him is to be a son in whom He is well pleased