Wednesday, February 5, 2014

BE YE SEPARATE - 3

BE YE SEPARATE – 3

As children are taught about sin, many times the question is asked, “Why didn’t God make us so we couldn’t sin?”  As we learn about living a life separate from the world, a similar question might be asked, “Why didn’t God just separate us so we would be separate from the world automatically?”    

God gave us freedom of choice.  In most cases we all like to make our own choice.  As a parent, isn’t it difficult to let go when it is time for your children to begin making choices on their own?  Hopefully we have given them a basis on which to build their character from the Word of God so their choices will be godly.  It is a gradual process of growth.  When we choose Jesus then we can begin to grow in Him and grow in our ability and understanding of this separation between Jesus and the world. 

First, we make that important choice to become a Christian, to be a follower of Jesus.  Then we must grow.  1 Pet.2:2   In the beginning we are as babes as in physical life, but we do not want to stay that way.  The Corinthians were told that they were still acting like babes.  Why?  They were acting fleshly or in a worldly way.  1 Cor.3:2,3   They had jealously and strife in their actions.  This was not separating from the world.  They acted like “mere men.”  Heb.5:12-14   This Scripture also indicates a lack of growth. The reason is given in Heb.5:11.  They had become “dull of hearing.”  We need to test ourselves that we do not become dull of hearing.  We hear but we don’t pay attention or don’t try to understand.  Eph.4:15   We are to grow up in every way to be like our Lord. 

An important and common detriment to growing up to be like the Lord is failing to separate ourselves from the world.  2 Cor.6:14   This Scripture is often associated with marriage and well it should be; however, it relates to other aspects of life as well.  Could we be bound in business with a partner or boss that was dishonest?  Being a friend with someone in the world could draw us into social activities such as drinking and/or gambling with which a Christian must separate himself.  Various types of entertainment would not be conducive to following Christ. 

Paul uses several questions to emphasize the importance of this separation.  2 Cor.6:15,16   The first question is in vs. 14—“What fellowship has light with darkness?”  This is one of the opposites we studied.  Light dispels darkness.  Darkness can overcome light.  Jesus is the Light (Jhn.8:12) and in following Him, darkness is gone.  When we let sin enter, then the Light can be snuffed out as dusk finally becomes night.  The next question—“What harmony is Christ with the devil?”  Certainly the answer would easily be “None.”  In foreign countries  many temples of idols exist.  As a Christian our body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit.  We would have no agreement with the temple of an idol.  1 Cor.6:19,20   We might pride ourselves that we don’t worship idols.  Don’t forget that anything that takes the place of God in our lives becomes an idol.  In failing to worship, we set up idols to replace God—things we would rather do or feel obligated to do.  Matt.6:24; Col.3:5; Eph.5:5   An idol is a false god.

The next question is the difficult question for Christians today.  “What has a believer in common with an unbeliever?”  Culture and many aspects of humanity may be held in common; however, a great difference exists between a believer with a strong faith and a person with no faith or one that does not practice any form of a consenting faith.  We will rub shoulders with all kinds of people in jobs, neighbors, and even family that are not Christians.  We must be so grounded in the faith that by prayer and Scripture we keep our minds captive to the will of our Lord.  2 Cor.10:5

2 Cor.6:17   We are to remove ourselves from bad influences in both a personal, social, and religious way.  The danger is always present that we would want to conform to those of the world.  Rom.12:2   In conforming in a way not pleasing to our Lord, we could make a new Christian or a person that might be considering conversion to stumble.  This possibility was so important to Paul that even though he may have liked meat, he would be willing to never eat it again if it meant saving someone’s soul.  1 Cor.8:13  

Our relationship to the world is very important.  If we are truly separate from the world, it should be noticeable; however, it should never be obnoxious.  If we are not humble, loving, and gracious to all, we will have no opportunity to bring the gospel in word or in example to the world.  That is one purpose we have in the world.  We are to follow Jesus and He came to seek and to save the lost.  Lk.19:10   Maybe we cannot preach or teach, but there is no Christian who cannot live a godly life with the help of the Lord and in that way show Christ to others.  Don’t fear mentioning God and giving your testimony in conversation with the world.  Lk.12:8   There just has to be something “different” in our lives.  Acts 4:13   The world should be able to tell that we are Christians—that we strive to follow Jesus.  Mk.8:34   May we do that daily.
   


BE YE SEPARATE - 2

BE YE SEPARATE – 2

In the olden days a separator was used to separate the cream from the milk.  They could be used in a different way.  Often a recipe calls for the white of an egg to be separated from the yolk.  Separately they have a different purpose.  So it is in the life of a Christian.  We are in the world with human beings but we have a different purpose.  God expects Christians to be separated from the world.  2 Cor.6:17

As we think of separation many opposites in the Scripture come to mind.  Jesus is the Light of the world.  Jhn.8:12   Darkness is the opposite and Jesus explained the difference that by walking with Him, we would never walk in darkness.  Light and darkness are used to contrast the purity and holiness of God with the sinfulness and wickedness of this world from which we must separate ourselves.  1 Jhn.1:5-7

Another contrast is the wise and the foolish.  Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matt.7:24-27 gives a good example of this contrast.  This happens today.  People are flooded out year after year but go back to that same place.  This happens in our spiritual life.  Sometimes we call upon the Lord in times of stress in pain or problems, only to leave the Lord after that time is over.  The foolish and wise virgins provide another example.  We must be prepared to meet our Lord at any time for we know not when He will come.  The foolish virgins were unprepared.  Matt.25:11-13   The foolish virgins had to leave to get prepared but in the meantime the groom (Jesus) came and the door was shut.  It was too late.

The above two parables give us an important lesson to be wise.  On the other hand, let us look at another angle of this.  We need to stay humble for the wisdom is not in us but in God.  1 Cor.1:25   Paul goes on to explain in 1 Cor.1:26-29.  Our wisdom is in God so any boasting is not in us but in our Lord.  1 Cor.1:30,31

A definite distinction exists between the blind and those who can see.  We need no physical examples of these for they are very evident.  However, perhaps we had better look as the distinction in a spiritual light.  The blind have no understanding and too often are void of any attempt to understand.  Matt.13:13   In Jhn.9:39 Jesus explained that He came to give understanding to those who wanted to understand but there were those that thought they knew (Pharisees) but were actually blind in their understanding.  As Christians we must take care not to be drawn in with the blind.  They think they understand, but don’t.  Matt.15:14

Worldly is a term often used as opposed to spiritual.  1 Cor.3:3   The worldly describes a person that has jealousy and quarrelling in their life.  They are acting just like people in the world.  This indicates the need of a separation, a disassociation of those living in the Spirit or in the world.  Many characteristics are found in Scripture describing both spiritual and worldly.  These are far apart in nature and will be dealt with in a future lesson.  1 Cor.2:13,14 explains the difference.  If a Christian does not disassociate or separate from those with worldly characteristics, they will find themselves engulfed in them and beginning to conform themselves to those in the world.  Rom.12:2

This brings us to righteousness verses unrighteousness.  Righteousness is rightness.  It is morally right, virtuous, innocent, just.  Job asks a question in Job 9:2.  We are created in the image of God who is righteous; but mankind fell into sin.  Now we are to be made new through Jesus that we might become righteous again.  2 Cor.5:21   It is not our righteousness but that of Jesus.  Eph.4:23,24

Unrighteousness is wickedness.  If we confess God, we have to turn away from wickedness.  2 Tim.2:19   This is an important separation.  Rom.6:13   What a praise that we can be forgiven.  Heb.8:12; 1 Jhn.1:9

Many more cases of separation could be made and will be in future lessons.  To review, however, we want to follow the Light (Jesus) and stay away from darkness (sin); we must use the wisdom of God and be prepared when Christ returns; be ready to see (understand) the Truth so we won’t be blind; live and walk in the Spirit rather than conform to the world; and accept the righteousness of Jesus as He takes our sin upon Himself.

Rev. 18:4   …”Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues.  Be ye separate!