Don’t Be Unequally Yoke
Title: Don’t Be Unequally Yoked
Author: Pastor Gary Mathis, Lord of the Harvest Ministry International
Publisher: LHM Ministries
Year of Publication: 2024
Download: Ebook
Chapter 1: Introduction and Prayer
“Well, praise the Lord! God bless you all. Thank you for being a part of the Lord of the Harvest Ministry International. Today, we’re embarking on a wonderful ministry opportunity. Before we delve into the Word of God, I want to pray for you and encourage you to continue sharing the love of Jesus Christ with everyone—young and old.
It’s essential to focus not only on bringing in new members but also on remembering the older generation. They are reaching their promised age and may be contemplating their lives and what lies ahead after they leave this world. We must minister to them, ensuring they have the opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ before it’s too late.
Let’s begin in prayer.
Father God, in the name of Jesus Christ, we thank You for Your power, grace, and love. Strengthen us as we go forth with this message. May many hear this Word and act according to it. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Fellowship
This week, my family and I have been back and forth to doctor’s appointments, and we’re so thankful for God’s wisdom given to men to care for our physical bodies. I pray for your health and that you overcome any battles you’re facing, in Jesus’ name.
Tonight, we’ll discuss the importance of fellowship—both with believers and those outside the church. It’s vital to know the people around you, not just by name, but through the spirit. You learn how they act when times are tough because you’ve spent time with them in prayer and fellowship.
But what about those who aren’t saved? How should we engage with them? Should we maintain close fellowship with those who do not share our faith?
Chapter 3: Unequally Yoked
Let’s look at what the Bible says about being “unequally yoked.” The concept of not being unequally yoked with unbelievers comes from 2 Corinthians 6:14-17. The scripture emphasizes the incompatibility between believers and non-believers in terms of values and moral conduct. It urges us to avoid close partnerships with those whose lifestyles are in direct conflict with God’s teachings.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)
Consider the analogy of light and darkness. Light and darkness cannot coexist in the same space. The presence of one drives the other away, just as righteousness cannot coexist with unrighteousness.
Chapter 4: The Consequences of Unequal Fellowship
The Bible doesn’t just apply this to marriage, but to all forms of relationships. Marrying an unbeliever can lead to difficulties. One partner walks in the light of Christ, while the other may reject Him, potentially leading to conflict and a separation of faith.
This principle extends beyond marriage into friendships, partnerships, and other relationships. Maintaining a close, intimate relationship with someone who does not share your faith can pull you away from God. The Bible warns us to come out from among them and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17), encouraging us to preserve our spiritual purity.
Chapter 5: Walking in Wisdom
It’s important to follow peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14), and this can be done even when interacting with non-believers. We can have conversations and work relationships with people who don’t share our faith, but when it comes to deeper partnerships, we must be cautious.
Engaging in worldly activities or sinful behaviors alongside those who reject Christ is dangerous. We must avoid becoming partakers in the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). Instead, we should expose these works for what they are, standing firm in our faith.
Chapter 6: Avoiding Ungodly Counsel
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” (Psalm 1:1)
Avoid taking advice from those who live contrary to God’s ways. Ungodly counsel can lead us astray and diminish our spiritual integrity. When you need advice, seek it from Godly men and women, not from those whose lives contradict God’s Word.
Chapter 7: Maintaining Spiritual Purity
As believers, we are instructed not to fellowship with the works of darkness but rather to challenge and expose them. However, this doesn’t mean mocking or making a spectacle of others. Reproof should be done with the intent of leading people back to Christ, not for personal gain or attention.
We should be wise in how we interact with the unsaved, always seeking to draw them closer to Christ without compromising our own faith.
Chapter 8: Conclusion
In conclusion, fellowship is a key part of the Christian life. But the Bible gives us clear instructions about how to navigate relationships with non-believers. We are called to be in the world but not of it, to be a light in the darkness without letting that darkness influence us.
If you find yourself in close fellowship with someone who is pulling you away from Christ, take heed of these biblical warnings. Seek God’s wisdom on how to handle these relationships in a way that honors Him.
God bless you all, and thank you for being a part of the Lord of the Harvest Ministry.
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