The Equal Yoke

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Scripture plainly reveals that God repeatedly calls for His people to separate from the world. This separation extends to every aspect of life, especially including the marriage bond. Why? Because God knows the very real danger that unbelievers pose to believers by drawing them away from Him (Deuteronomy 7:3-4; Judges 3:6-7; 1 Kings 11:2). This is why God specifically instructed His people in both the Old and New Testament to marry among themselves (Jew with Jew and Christian with Christian). The nation of Israel was forbidden to yoke up with the surrounding nations because Israel would adopt heathen practices and the worship of false gods (Exodus 34:15-16). Though God’s commands for the New Testament believer are often different from His plan for the Jew, in this aspect they remain constant and unchangeable.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):Do you love God, the things of God, and coming to His house? Ask Him to find you a spouse that feels the same as you. If you do not, your heart could be turned away from God (Amos 3:3; 2 Peter 3:17). Consider Paul's advice to widows (1 Corinthians 7:39).

(For everyone):What are some scriptural examples of God’s people intermarrying with the heathen? Did the unbeliever or heathen turn the heart of the believer away from God and what is right?

(For everyone):What are some practical reasons that believers should never yoke up with nonbelievers in marriage? How could marriage lead to future troubles?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask God for wisdom in making choices for marriage.

Ask the Lord to protect future generations through godly homes.

SONG

God, Give Us Christian Homes!

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