Paul spoke of the saints as fellow workmen. Because it was the time of salvation, he exhorted the Corinthians not to take the grace of God in vain but assure their own hearts of salvation.
Any who serve should be careful not to give offense lest the ministry be blamed but rather in every way carry ourselves as the ministers of God in much patience, in afflictions, necessities, distresses and all trials, as Christ conducted Himself when here in this world.
Some of the Corinthians were in an unequal yoke. What had turned them aside was not the apostle but their own affections, seeking the world and its advantages by being joined to it. Paul would have them enlarged by being free from any yoke with the world, in any way.
There are many things that could be called a yoke, but what is most distressing is for the soul to be mixed up with Christians in the wrong place, not discerning the one body.
To be yoked together in marriage with an unbeliever is equal to a prison sentence. In spiritual things the believer cannot raise the partner higher to his own position but is apt to drop to the other's position.
To be associated in any way in business with those whose interests are purely worldly and for temporal gains and advantages leaves the believer without power in his testimony. How can he speak against worldliness when he is joined to the world? He cannot enjoy the place of a saint of God, although he is one. It is the Father who makes Himself known to His children who walk in complete separation from the world and evil.
When one who is bound in an unequal yoke seeks to minister in the assembly, he finds his ministry without power, even though he may be eloquent.
"Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woolen and linen together." Deut. 22:10-1110Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. 11Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together. (Deuteronomy 22:10‑11). The garment represents the character. Wool is a picture of the flesh (it makes us sweat) and its energy. The linen is a life guided by the Holy Spirit.
May we covet the place of sons in the present enjoyment of that relationship by separating ourselves from every worldly tie and association. We cannot do this ourselves. The Lord can.
"Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God."
"What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God.... Come out from among them... and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Is the Lord Almighty able for our path if we separate from associations?