BE
YE SEPARATE – 1
The way of the world says, “If it isn’t
fun or if I don’t get pleasure from it, then why do it?” This way of thinking says that I am living
for “me.” If this is our purpose of
living, it would have been unnecessary for Jesus to come and die that horrible
death on the cross. There is more to
life than “me”. This expression is
fairly common with Christians: We are in
the world but not of the world.
This is the separation that we must understand. Both aspects are important but they must have
their correct place.
We are told in Isa.59:2 that sin separates us from God. As Adam and Eve sinned, they could no longer
remain in the Garden of Eden with God.
They were separated. Thus, by
inspiration of God, Paul instructed the Corinthian Christians to be separated
in 2 Cor.6:17. They, and we as well, were told to “come
out from their midst.” Why? The world is full of sin. Satan is there.
When we accepted Christ as our Savior,
our old ways were thrown off and we became brand new. 2
Cor.5:17 As we were baptized, our
sins were washed away or forgiven and we came up out of those waters to walk in
a new life. Rom.6:4 This isn’t the
end. We must keep that “newness” and
grow in Christ.
Paul was so amazed that some of the
Galatians were going right back to their old ways. Gal.1:6 This is stated well in Rev.18:4. We are in a
battle. Only two sides exist—God vs.
Satan. We choose which side we
join. Toward the end of Joshua’s life he
made an important choice. Josh.24:15
Notice that he told the Israelites they would have to choose for
themselves. So it is with us. Phil.2:12
Jesus prayed for His disciples as well
as for us that we would be sanctified or set apart from sin. Jhn.17:17-20 This was to be done by the Word. This should be a very precious Scripture to
us to think that Jesus prayed for us before He was put on the cross. Jesus was sent into the world and we are in
the world but we are set apart from the evil therein. May we live up to that prayer.
To be separate from the world means that
we don’t participate with them in the desires of the world. Jam.4:4 If we did we would then become an enemy
of God. We would have joined the side of
Satan in this battle. The fact that we
know something is wrong so we do not participate is not enough. Rom.1:32 If we are present (not separating
ourselves from the sin) and giving approval by our presence, we have
sinned. So much of the entertainment of
the world is full of sin: unfaithfulness to spouse, sinful speech, fighting and
arguing to promote selfish desires and so much more.
If we allow ourselves to choose worldly
pleasures for our entertainment, we are no longer separate from the world. We are in the world and of the
world. So many types of entertainment
are available today that can be enjoyed with the fellowship of other
Christians. We are blessed (if it is a
blessing) with so many devices that ease our work so it leaves times for
entertainment that in former days was unavailable. But it also leaves many choices of the use of
our time that is important to our Lord.
Is our time used for just “me.? Eph.5:15-17 As we understand what the will of the
Lord is by our growth in Bible study (that’s where we find the will of the
Lord), our effort leaves “self” behind in pleasing Jesus. Matt.6:33 When we walk with Jesus by our side (and
He is within us) we can more accurately choose what is right.
Some questions to ask ourselves: Would Jesus enjoy this? Would He encourage me in this? Could I invite Jesus to go with me or sit
beside me? If not, perhaps we are not
separating ourselves from the world. Jam.1:27
As we are in this world, we live a life of service to others
but at the same time, we must keep ourselves away from those things they would
“spot” or “stain” our spiritual lives.
As we are in the world, it is important
that we are a good example not only to those in Christ but also to those of the
world. As Jesus developed from boyhood
to the time He came to John to be baptized, He was growing in the way we are to
grow. Lk.2:52 Jesus grew in stature which we do. He also grew in wisdom. Some never strive to learn but just sit and
let the world go by. Through our study
in Scripture we should be gaining wisdom.
This would be pleasing to God and if we live what we study we should
gain favor of God.
Then notice, “in favor…and men.” As we live lives separated from the world, we
certainly don’t want to be obnoxious to the world. This can happen. We need to be loving, compassionate, humble,
and forgiving. We want to win the world
for Jesus. Matt.28:19,20 After the
church had been established on Pentecost and Stephen had been stoned,
persecution against the Christians caused many to flee Jerusalem. Notice what they did. Acts
8:4 Yes, they left but as they went
they were spreading the gospel. They
were in the world and making the very best of the situation that they
could. Are we? What example are we showing the world? 1
Pet.2:21