Warning Against Idolatry

¹⁴ Do not be yoked together^(A) with unbelievers.^(B) For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?^{(C) 15} What harmony is there between Christ and Belial^[a]?^(D) Or what does a believer^(E) have in common with an unbeliever?^{(F) 16} What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?^(G) For we are the temple^(H) of the living God.^(I) As God has said:

¹⁷ Therefore,

⁹ for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned^(A) to God from idols^(B) to serve the living and true God,^{(C) 10} and to wait for his Son from heaven,^(D) whom he raised from the dead^(E)—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.^(F)

³ If anyone teaches otherwise^(A) and does not agree to the sound instruction^(B) of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited^(C) and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words^(D) that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵ and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth^(E) and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

¹⁷ I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.^(A) Keep away from them.^(B)

⁹ Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ^(A) does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.^{(B) 10} If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.^{(C) 11} Anyone who welcomes them shares^(D) in their wicked work.