S.Scripture | “Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN, And I will welcome you. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 6:17- 7:1

O.Observation | Here, we have the doctrine of separation. Some simply outright disagree with the teaching of these verses. Oddly, such disregard of scripture gives absolutely no treatment to this topic as God’s revealed will. Those who do this, just rebel with nothing but a man made alteration of the gospel. Some spiritualize this teaching, though nothing in the text calls for it. Perhaps this is a way to quiet their guilty hearts of such a clear command of God. Others somehow convince themselves that this teaching is a promise of what we are, instead of what we are to actually do. Many, in ways like these, love to court friendship with the world and apply zero actual separation in their lives. Such friendship of the world God says makes people hostile enemies of God, evne though they claim the name of Christ (James 4:4).

So as we study the command to separate, we must be careful of our own flesh and heart. God says our heart is deceitful above all else (Jer 17:9). How then can we trust God at His Word in faith and obey His call of separation? How are we to “come out of their midst?” What is the doctrine of separation then?

First, let us remember the rule of faith. “Scripture interprets scripture.” We know that Paul teaches when unbelievers invite us to eat with them we can go (1 Cor 10:27). We know that the believers role in this world until Christ comes is to reach sinners and lead them to true faith and repentance (Matt 28:18-20; Mark 2:17; 2 Cor 5:20). This helps us understand separation. Though some err and use the one teaching, reaching the lost, to nullify the other teaching, the doctrine of separation. Since both teachings agree as God’s holy will, somehow we must rub shoulders with and be among the lost.

This teaching is actually simpler than its opponents want to make it out to be. Agreement can be found here in understanding the degree of involvement. The greater degree an activity or group leads down the path of unbelief the greater degree of separation those who believe will want to be. The greater something offends God, as revealed in His Holy Word, the further we are literally to distance ourselves from it. For example, it is likely obvious that a true believer doesn’t belong in a strip club, or at a rave, or working with institutions that are antagonistic against the God and truth they love. Even so, Lot was to separate form Sodom (Gen 13-14). God’s people were to separate from Babylon (Is 52:11). In Revelation 18:4, Jesus warns his people to separate so that we neither 1) participate in the deeds of such places or 2) receive of the judgements they will receive.

Today we live in something greater than the Sodom and Gomorrah Lot’s fled from. Much of our world has been exposed to the truth of the Word of God and has had a biblical foundation within the last generation.  We have been given much in the USA especially. Freedom of religion. Easy access to the Scriptures and freedom to gather and worship the Lord as churches. Scripture says, “to him who is given much, much will be required” by God (Luke 12:48). Woe to our wicked and perverse generation! Woe to us if we think we can love the world and God! We cannot serve two masters. Let all those who are humble turn from the ways of this world and separate from walking in the midst of those things that offend our God, according not to the measurement of our estimation, but His measurement, in His revealed Word.

For more >> Watch the sermon “Be Separate” 1 of 2 here

A.Application | How do I need to separate in greater ways from the greater areas of the perversion of this world? Are there life changing paths I am to turn from, or to turn to right now? How much do I entered and live in the midst of unbelievers? How can I enter more into the midst of the redeemed? How have I decided what is to be separated from? Through my own reasoning? Through a thorough study of the Word? Have I sought out “worldly” teaching that has made it easier for my conscience as I fail to obey God’s command to separate?

P.Prayer | Father, forgive me for my lukewarm approach to your will of separation. Cleanse me and make me new. Now let me follow you, away from the influences of this age. That I might live for You and  Your glory alone. Amen

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues;” Revelation 18:4