BE YE SEPARATE - 5

BE YE SEPARATE – 5

As we have acknowledged the many sins and distractions or encumbrances that separate us from our Lord (Heb.12:1), we must lay them aside.  These entangle us in the things of the world.  Have you ever been entangled in a berry patch?  Sometimes it is difficult to get out.  Our friends and family can get us caught up in ways that hinder our growth in Christ.  1 Cor.15:33 

In writing to Timothy, Paul gives several examples of distractions.  2 Tim.2:4   Can you imagine a soldier leaving a battle to care for his store.  Ho, hum!  I must stock the shelves.  And then go back to the battle.  We are in a battle.  Our goal is to please the One who enlisted us – Jesus Christ – when we became a Christian.  2 Tim.2:3   Separation sometimes involves hardship but the battle is the Lord’s.  1 Sam.17:47; 2 Chron.20:15

The second example is that of an athlete.  2 Tim.2:5   A marathon runner does not see someone he knows on the sideline and leave to visit for awhile, then continue the race.  1 Cor.9:25,26   As a Christian we have rules and goals and we must not become distracted in order to see our hope accomplished.

The third example is the life of a farmer.  2 Tim.2:6   The farmer does not plant the seed and let it go, then expect to reap a crop.  1 Cor.9:10   Many other tasks are to be performed to harvest a good crop.  So it is with the Christian.  We cannot expect the act of baptism, although necessary, to get us to heaven and think that now we are “safe” and have nothing else to do. 

It is of utmost importance that we do not let distractions take us away from our goal of pleasing our Lord.  These distractions can be sin or hindrances to standing firm in the faith.  1 Cor.16:13   In order to stand firm our armor becomes very necessary.  A review of this cannot happen too often to impress it upon our minds.  Eph.6:13   Truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word   Realizing that the Holy Spirit dwells within us will give us the power to stay on track.  1 Jhn.4:4   Living a life of prayer will keep our minds captive.  1 Thess.5:17 (our mindset)

1 Cor.10:5 (keeping our minds captive)

Dedication was very important in the O.T.  The altar was dedicated.  Num.7:11   In 2 Chron.6 Solomon prayed a prayer of dedication of the temple.  2 Chron.7:1,2   Later when the temple was rebuilt, Ezra together with priests, Levites and the rest of the exiles celebrated the dedication of the temple.  Ezra 6:16   Other dedications were held in the O.T.  So what happened when something was dedicated to God?  It was devoted to a special person (in this case-God) or to a special task.  It was set apart.  It was consecrated.  Jesus attended a Feast of Dedication in Jhn.10:22. 

We dedicated our lives to the Lord as we became a Christian.  Rom.12:1,2   In some Bible versions this chapter is called Dedicated Service.  Truly it is.  We offer ourselves to the Lord for we have been bought with a price.  1 Cor.6:20   At our very best, we are as filthy rags.  Isa.64:6   But Jesus took upon Himself all of our sins and put His righteousness on us.  2 Cor.5:21   Our dedication needs to be to Jesus as our all in all.

It also takes motivation.  We need to act out our dedication.  2 Cor.5:14,15   We have been given so much.  How could we sit and do nothing?  Jam.1:25   Paul speaks to the Ephesians that they were created for good works even though works do not save us.  Our dedication is shown by our good works.  Eph.2:10   We are motivated with zeal in doing everything we can for the Lord.  Titus 2:14

With our dedication and motivation to serve our Lord, we remain separate from sin, distractions, and things of the world.  2 Cor.6:17,18   With God’s promises we continue to cleanse our lives and our spirits and continue to perfect our lives in holiness to please our Lord in the fear of God.  2 Cor.7:1

    

BE YE SEPARATE - 4

BE YE SEPARATE – 4

Scripture leaves us no choice in this matter.  We are to be separate from the world even though we are IN the world; those in Christ can never be OF the world.  Jesus gave us this example.  Heb.7:26   If we do not live a life separate from the world, the time will come when the Lord will have to do the separating.  Matt.25:32   The night before Jesus was crucified, He prayed for those following Him and for those that would follow Him in the future.  Jhn.17:20   He did not pray that God would take them out of the world.  Jhn.17:15   Jesus prayed that His followers would be kept from the evil one.  The “evil one” is very real.  1 Jhn.5:19   When we took Jesus as our Savior, He took us out of the world.  Jhn.15:19   Being out of the world, we no longer follow those things of the world.  We are separate.

Since Jesus came and established His church (Matt.16:18), Christians are God’s people.  Gal.6:15,16   However, the Jews as God’s people in the O.T. were to live lives separate from the nations around them.  These were idol worshippers and as the Jews failed to heed in instructions of the Lord to be separate, they fell into many wicked practices.

One example of living a separate life that comes from the O.T. is Samson who took the Nazarite vow.  The stipulations of the Nazarite vow give us an excellent example that we need to follow in living a life separate from the world.

A Jew was not compelled to take the Nazarite vow.  It was voluntary.  Num.6:2   The purpose was to separate himself to the Lord.  Rom.12:1   We come to Jesus and present ourselves as a living sacrifice.  Some religions today think they will get to life eternal by giving their life up to bomb a site.  We offer ourselves to live for Him.

A sacrifice is when you give up something.  1 Pet.2:5   We make many sacrifices with joy to One who has given us so much.  This Scripture speaks of spiritual sacrifices.  Heb.13:15,16   Praise and sharing are other sacrifices.  When we share, it is not “throw away things” but sharing of something that we might have needed or been able to use—even financial. 

Rom.6:13   We give up what would have made us an instrument of unrighteousness to participate in godly endeavors.  We no longer love the things of the world.  1Jhn.2:15,16   A person cannot love both the world and the Lord.  Matt.6:24   If this attempt is made, we make ourselves an enemy of God.  Jam.4:4

Num.6:3   Food and drink was changed when the Nazarite vow was taken.  Remember Daniel, although not under the vow, would not partake of the food and drink of the Babylonians when it was put before him.  We are to take care of our bodies for they are a temple of the Holy Spirit.  Many would gasp at desecrating a church and yet think nothing of doing the same to their bodies.  1 Cor.6:19,20   This was so important to Paul that he was willing to give up meat altogether if it meant the saving of a soul.  His eating would become an example that might not be clear to a person just converted from idol worship.  1 Cor.8:13

A Jew under the Nazarite vow would probably be noticed because of appearance.  A Christian follows the culture and style only up to a point.  We have to think in global terms for missionaries must make important decisions in this regard.  God dressed Adam and Eve.  Before sin came into the Garden, they didn’t even know they were naked.  Gen.3:11,21   Later on priests were given instructions about their covering.  Ex.28:42   God-given instructions involved undergarments to cover their flesh down to their thighs.  Both of these times it is evident of the importance of covering the flesh.  One of the differences in the world is the display of too much flesh or being modest.  (modest—unpretentious, humble, simple, inconspicuous)  1 Tim.2:9   It seems to be a natural things for women to love fine clothes.  Rather, God wants us to be known for our good deeds and not our clothes.  1 Tim.2:10

The one under a Nazarite vow was evident by open profession.  Neither do we hide the fact that we are a Christian.  Matt.10:32,33   Part of becoming a Christian is in confessing Jesus as the Son of God and wanting Him to be our Savior.  1 Jhn.4:15   The very life of one under the Nazarite vow was evident.  The way we live is also to be evident that there is something different in our lives.  Acts 4:13

1 Tim.4:12   Our example must show that we are separate from the world in every aspect of our lives.  May we be like the Thessalonians as Paul prayed for them in his letter to them.  1 Thess.1:3   …work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness in hope.           

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!     

 

        

BE YE SEPARATE - 1

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    

UNSTOPPABLE - Book Review

UNSTOPPABLE

By Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic continues his inspiring writing in this second book with true stories as well as Scriptures which give background to “faith in action.”  This phrase is used throughout the book.  He shows the power of “faith in action” as we live “one step at a time.”  Vujicic addresses several types of problems that appear in life.  Some of them are divorce, suicide, depression, finding love, bullying, and more.  He reminds the reader that God is bigger than any of our problems.

“To have faith is not enough.  You have to exercise your faith, act upon it, and share it so that others are inspired to love God as you do.”  The title of the book comes from a statement, “When you are deeply rooted in faith, you are unstoppable.”  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

KNOWING GOD BY NAME - Book Review

KNOWING GOD BY NAME

Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, Mary Southerland

This eight-week daily devotional is truly a faith adventure by these three women known as Girlfriends in God.  They work together with the single purpose of increasing the reader’s faith by delving into forty names of God that are used in Scripture.

Each devotional begins with a Scripture that includes one of the names of God.  A down-to-earth example in real life is used to explain that particular name of God.  Then the event in Scripture where that name of God is used is discussed.  Each devotional is written by one of these women.  After five daily devotionals, a section called “Now It’s Your Turn” is used for the sixth day.  This section is a review of the names, reflections that apply personally, and Scripture studies with room for journaling.

These devotions will strengthen your faith and cause you to have a deeper realization of the many aspects of our great and awesome God.  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.