Biblical Separation

2Corinthians 6:11-18

Introduction

  We as ministers of the gospel of Christ can be rendered useless to God and his work if we don't understand Biblical separation. On one side, if we are to look like the world, dress like the world, listen to the world's music(or adapt Christ to it), abide by the worlds philosophies, or constantly partake of the world's sinfulness in any form, the lost, will see no difference in their life and will see no need to be like us. On the other, if we never come in contact with the people of the world, hold our selves up completely in holy communes, and think of the lost as vile lepers whom we don't want to touch us or our children then we miss the whole message of Jesus Christ coming to save that which was lost. 

 As with all things we must be balanced. But where do we find this balance? How are we to live separate, yet still be in a position of effectiveness for reaching the lost? We still have to work jobs with lost people. Our children still have to go to school with lost people. We still have to go to family functions with lost family members. So how do we be separate in such a lost world when we somewhat depend on this world for our physical needs?

  The answer to these questions is found in the understanding of Biblical separation. I am certainly not advocating that you shouldn't simply remove yourself from some situations (example: working for an adult book store, Bar, or brothel), but understanding Biblical separation will equip you for most situations. Remember, we are only living in this world we are not of this world.

  Today we are going to give a basic summary of Biblical separation.

1. Separation is two fold

                        A. From whatever is contrary to the mind of God

                        B. Unto God Himself

The underlying principle is this

I. We live in a moral universe created by God.

II. In this moral universe it is impossible for God (the perfect moral being who created) it to fully bless and use His children who are compromising and conformed to that which he declares evil.

Evil= Opposed to God's moral principal

The unequal yoke in verse 14 is anything which unites a child of the moral God with an unbeliever in a common purpose

 (Unbeliever = someone opposed to God's moral principal of salvation through the selfless sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ. i.e. Evil)This applies to those who have rejected it not necessarily to those who have not yet heard the gospel or don't have understanding

Biblical Separation is separating our self from evil.

2. Separation from evil implies

                           A. separation from worldly desire

 We are not to yearn after the things of this world but after the things of God.

                           B. separation from worldly motives

We are not to be motivated by the same things that motivate the world(money, popularity, worldly pleasure), but by the things God has to offer(Grace, eternal life etc..)

                           C. separation from worldly actions

We are not to behave as the world behaves, but as Christ (God on Earth) has showed us to behave.

 And it implies separation from believers who do not separate themselves from these things.

3. Separation is not from contact with evil, but from association or conformity to it. 

John 17:13-18

key verse 15

4. The Reward of separation

                          A. Full manifestation of the divine fatherhood

                                       2Corinthians 6:17,18

                          B. Unhindered communion and worship

                                         Hebrews 13:13-15

                           C. Fruitful service 

                                  2Timothy 2:21

Conformity to the world involves the loss of these, but not salvation

                                                 Conclusion

Christ is our model,

                            He was Holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners and yet he was in contact with them for their salvation.

  Not their sinful ways, but salvation