Let the Church Be the Church

Scriptures

2 Corinthians 6:14–15 (NKJV)

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

2 Corinthians 6:16–17 “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.””

2 Corinthians 6:18 ““I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.””

Introduction

If we are going to be the church that God desires, we must seek to be less like the world and more like HIM!

We are the church and it’s time to let our light shine.

In today’s time, it is vitally important that church look like the church. (Romans 8:29) We live in a day where people say I love Jesus but do not look like Him. When I survey the world, the internet, and the airways, it is becoming more and more difficult to identify the true church. The need is dire for the light of the gospel to shine. But questions remain.

Questions

1. How do we position ourselves so that the world can see a distinct difference between us and them?

2. How do we present ourselves so that God will be glorified and shine through the example of our Christ-like living?

3. How do we posture ourselves to love the world without falling “in-love” with the world?

Matthew 24:24 NKJV

For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Jesus is letting us know there will come a time when not just the biblically illiterate will be deceived but those who are of high caliber. This also let’s us know that if we are to be a beacon to the world, there can be no doubt in the light that we shine.

God is calling a church to Holiness.

James 3:10–12 NKJV

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

Power Principle:

It is our responsibility as the church to leave no doubt to the world who and whose we are. We live in age where truth is easily distorted and people are gladly deceived.

I. Exit

2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)

Therefore

“Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you.”

The modern church seems to be enamored with how well they can fit in. Paul is encouraging us to stand out. We have so tried to match the color codes of the world that our own individual hue has become muted. Paul indicates in vs 6 of 2 Corinthians 6 that he lives in a way that no one could find fault and thereby hinder the message of Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:3–5 NLT

We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food.

2 Corinthians 6:6–8 NLT

We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us,* and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors.

There have been many of us who have spent more time defending ourselves instead of defending the faith. Paul eliminated some things because the gospel was most important.

1 Peter 2:9 NKJV

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

II. Expose

Ephesians 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

Ephesians 5:8–9 NKJV

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),

Ephesians 5:10–11 NKJV

finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

Power Principle:

“We expose darkness by living in the light. The LIFE we live is much more powerful than the opinion we give!” - WB

III. Edify

Final thought: As we glorify God with our lives, people will see the beacon of hope. They may never decide to come. But at least they have clear direction. May the church be the church. The called out assembly that is delegated to transport the good news of the gospel and live out the example of Christ!

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

John 12:32 “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.””