2 Corinthians: 6:1

Valid and Invalid Differences: Just being different isn't the point.

Christians are often different than non-Christians. However, just being different isn't the point of Christianity - only certain differences should have any value to the Christian. The Gospel does mean that we should be different, but only in ways in which we are being like Christ.

Paul here is urging us to be different because of our salvation.

2 Cor 6:1 "We also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain"
2 Cor 7:1 "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God"

Paul has been showing the impact of the Gospel on our worldview; here he calls the Corinthians to be different in their actions because of the Gospel.

Worldview differences : 4:16-5:21...

(6:2 is a quote of Isa. 49:8
"in vain"?

We were not saved to continue as we were.
our salvation wasn't cheap (5:21)
we need to be different as a result.

Be similar to Paul (6:1-13)

Paul, having exhorted the Corinthians to not live in vain, reminds them to be servants of God (and different from the world) "

A. In all situations (v4,5).

"in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger"

B. In all virtues (v6,7).

"in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left"

C. In all seasons (v8-10).

"by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet posessing all things."

- "Imitate Me"

1 Cor 4:16, 11:1
Paul lives his life in a way that he wants others to follow.

We should be confident in calling others to be like us.

Be similar to Christ

Paul is essentially encouraging the Corinthians to be like himself. But who is Paul emulating?

1 Cor 11:1 (and 4:16) "Imitate me, as I imitate Christ"

Also recall 2 Cor 5:20,21 when Paul speaks of us as representing Christ (being his ambassadors) and discussing Christ's supreme selflessness.

Don't imitate pagans.

Paul tells the Corinthians not to be paired with unbelievers. specifically in this case referring to not participating in idolatry with pagans.

"what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God." (v16)

v16 - Lev 26:11,12 (modified to be like Ezek 37:27)
v17 - Isa 52:11, "and I will welcome you" Ezek 20:34
v18 - 2 Sam 7:14 (adding and daughters explicitly, as in Isa 43:6). he also adds "says the lord almighty", as in 2 Sam 7:8

The point is obvious. We are to be like Christ; pure and dedicated, not tied to idols as well.

(imitate them sometimes)

This is a sidenote - In 1 Cor 9, Paul is explicit that he is as similar to possible to non-believers in non-moral areas. So this discussion of 'not being bound' is obviously not in conflict with this idea, but should be understood to be restricted to items that cause sin.