Separated is to be Differentiated

“Meaningfully Differentiated”

2 Corinthians 6:14–18 “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.””

2 Corinthians 5:20 “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” And 1 Thessalonians 2:4 “On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.”

Paul tells us that as ambassadors for Christ, God is making his appeal through us. In the Greek, the word translated as appeal also translates as 'to call for'.

Romans 12:1–3 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”

1 Peter 2:9 NIV

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

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Definitions:

Differentiated - (1)recognize or ascertain what makes (someone or something) different; (2)make (someone or something) appear different or distinct; (3) make or become different in the process of growth or development

synonyms for "differentiated":

Separate

Distinctive

Specialized

Unique

Individual These synonyms can be used interchangeably depending on the context

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The Responsibility of the Believers

In a letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul discusses the ministry of reconciliation, and he uses the term “ambassadors” for Christ: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20, emphasis added). Generally speaking, an ambassador is a respected official acting as a representative of a nation. Sent to a foreign land, the ambassador’s role is to reflect the official position of the sovereign body that gave him authority. Writing to the Corinthians, Paul likens his own calling to that of an ambassador, and he urges all Christians to consider themselves ambassadors for Christ. The gospel of reconciliation was always at the heart of Paul’s preaching: “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17). Our reconciliation with God is possible only because Christ went to the cross and received the punishment due for our sin. When our Savior cried out, “It is finished,” the barrier between sinful man and Holy God was removed, making all those who trust in Him “holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (Colossians 1:22). Our reconciliation is based on the salvation Jesus provides, and it is accepted by faith (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). Christians are God’s ambassadors in that they have been “approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). As we go through this world, we represent another Kingdom (John 18:36), and it is our responsibility to reflect the “official position” of heaven. We are in this world, but not of it (John 17:16). God’s ambassadors are to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we must take the message of our King to the “ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8), imploring men and women everywhere to be reconciled to God.

What does it mean to say we are Christ's ambassadors?

As Christians—first and foremost in relation to what the world sees—we are to be ambassadors for Christ. We are people called by God to represent Him to a lost and dying (secular) world, and as we become more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18), the world will see His character in and through us.

To Be “Meaningfully Differentiated” in Christ-

"Meaningfully differentiated" implies a significant and important difference, not just a superficial one, that has a tangible impact on peoples - unbelievers perception and choices. It goes beyond simply being different; It suggests that establishing a unique and valuable(highly sought after) offering that all humanity, esp unbelievers will recognize and appreciate. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Meaningful:The difference must be relevant to the unbeliever and their needs, creating a strong reason for them to choose the Christ and Godliness over the world and its ‘mindsets and behaviors’

Different: The believer must stand out from the unbeliever, offering something unique or that the world cannot offer and cannot be obtained without Christ centered living

Tangible Impact:This difference should have a positive impact on the one’s experiences, perceptions, and ultimately one’s individual will to live a life pleasing to God through Christ

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In chapter 5 - Paul challenges every Christian to “take off their old man” like a set of clothes and “put on their new man,” restoring the image of God. In this contest, Paul compares the sins of the old man to the actions of this new man.

The old man lies, these new man speaks the truth.

The old man, harbors anger, resentment, but the new man forgives and looks to peacefully resolve conflicts.

The new man generously gives vs the old man robs/steals.

The new man encourages others instead of gossiping, and forgives instead of getting revenge.

Rather than continuing nature/behavior of the old man, believers are expected to be led by the influence of God’s Spirit. When being led by the influence of the spirit, the new man will be found in fellowship worshiping, praising god, singing spiritual songs/hymns, meditating on the things of God and what pleases him (as so Christ);

additionally, the new man exudes gratitude, being grateful for everything, and lastly, but not least , taking on humility - submitting one to the other - putting themselves under others so as to elevate them as more important.