2 Corinthians 6

V. 17-18, Come out from among them (Guilty by association)

Most everyone has heard the term “Guilty by association.” It simply means that you may not have been the one who committed the crime but proximity to and close relationship with the ones who did lumps you in with them. You probably knew what was going on and what they were going to do because you were so close to them. Based upon what Paul tells the church of Corinth in verses 17 and 18 there may be some validity to the statement “Guilt by association.” He had just told them to not be unequally yoked with the world and then here in these two verses he gives the command for them to separate themselves from the world. What is unique about this command is that Paul uses the statements “saith the Lord” and “saith The Lord Almighty.” He is clearly letting the people of Corinth know that God wants them to separate themselves from the world and live holy lives that are accepted to God.

Paul has made it clear that, “Guilty by association” is something that God takes very seriously. God wants us to separate ourselves from this world and if we are unwilling to do so it shows that something is not right with our heart or our relationship with God. When we refuse to let go of friends and relationships that are drawing us away from God then something is not right. When we refuse to let go of certain sinful behaviors that is driving a wedge between us and God then something is not right. When we refuse to separate ourselves from entertainment options that contradict the Word of God the something is not right. God’s desire is not for us to get as close to the line of right and wrong as we can and try to stay just on the good side. His desire is that once we know where the line is we run as far as we can from it in His direction, never looking back but keeping our eyes focused upon Jesus.