God wants you all for Himself (The Message). He doesn’t want to share you with anyone. In that way He is a jealous God.
Corinth was a city known for its moral corruption and false religious worship. Paul in addressing the need to stay away from the influences of the world uses the text from Isaiah 52 v11.
“Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6 v 17)
As in Corinth, the Israelites were in exile, away from their home, living among people whose culture was completely different to theirs. Isaiah calls for them to depart from the cultural practices and influences.
Paul (or Isaiah) isn’t thinking that God’s people should withdraw from the world but he does call for:-
- Distinction. There has to be difference in character between the Christian and the non-Christian.
- Separation. There has to be difference in participation in behaviours.
- Preservation. There has to be difference in knowing who we are even when surrounded by influential voices.
The end goal is not some holiness badge. It is about the presence of God.
This call to ‘come out from them’ is an invitation to draw near to Him.
Missions Paul 