Spiritual Separation for Believers

Text: 2 Cor. 6:17-18 – Oct. 29, 2006 p.m. - PPHC

I. Two Aspects of Spiritual Separation

 A. Negative Aspect (most often viewed through the years…by sinners)

  1. Separating yourself morally and spiritually from sin and from everything that is contrary to the nature and person of Jesus Christ and the Word of God.

 B. Positive Aspect

  1. Drawing near to God in a close and intimate fellowship through dedication, worship, and service unto Him. (It’s joyous – “Are you supposed to frown / look like you have NO joy??”)

II. O.T. Separation

 A. A Continual Requirement of God for His People

  1. God’s people were expected to be different, holy, separated from all other peoples in order to belong to God as His very own.

   a. Main reason God punished His people by the Assyrians and Babylonians:

    1. Their persistent desire towards... 1 idolatry; 2 the lifestyles of other nations.

III. N.T. Separation

 A. God Commanded Separation of the Believer:

  1. From the corrupt world system and unholy compromise.

   a. Jn. 17:15-16 – They cannot be taken out of the world but keep them from its evil. (Christ)

  2. From those in the church who sin and refuse to repent. 2 Thess. 3

   a. Commanded to walk away from those that walked disorderly (loafers, unwilling to work).

  3. From false teachers, churches, or cults who teach theological error and deny Biblical truths.

·         Wolves in sheep’s clothing. (Matt. 7:15); mark (skopeo – to watch) them which cause division and offenses and teach things contrary to doctrine (Rom. 16:17); Believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God (1 Jn. 4:1).

IV. Our Attitude In Separation

 A. Hatred Toward Sin, Unrighteousness, and A Corrupt World System

  1. “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” – Rom. 12:9 

 B. Opposition Toward False Doctrine

  1. “If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed (anathema – destroyed).” (Gal. 1:9)

 C. Genuine Love for Those From Whom We Must Separate

  1. 1 Cor. – Paul told the church to put out a man that was sinning…not to associate with him at all. 2 Cor. 2:8 “comfort him”… “confirm your love to him…”

V. The Purpose of Separation

 A. To Convince An Unbelieving World of the Truth and Blessings of the Gospel.

  1. “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” – Jn. 17:21 (High Priestly Prayer)

VI. The Believer’s Refusal To Separate

 A. From Evil; from the False and the Unclean

  1. Results in the loss of fellowship with God

·         “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” – 2 Cor. 6:16