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Biblical Separation (2 Timothy 2:21) In a fallen world, all disciples experience times of separation to become sanctified. We are commanded in Corinthians to “be ye separate” (6:17). If we do not adhere to this command, the consequences are severe. To compromise with people is to offend God. So to please God, we must at times detach ourselves from people. Full spiritual maturity is to walk with God and to know Him. Very few in history have followed this consistency to learn to walk with God because to walk with Him is to walk apart from others who do not walk with Him. Unity with God means separation from everyone who is not united with Him. The Bible says, “Two cannot walk together unless they are in agreement” (Amos 3:3). So we cannot walk faithfully with Jesus and at the same time walk closely with those who are unfaithful to Him. The thought of separating ourselves from unsaved sinners is understandable because a little leaven leavens the whole thing. But what about separation from other Christians? There are two types of Christians in the church – the committed and the uncommitted. In our portion of text they are identified as “honorable & dishonorable” (2 Tim 2:20). In this passage the “great house” is the church, or the current manifestation of the kingdom of God. The vessels of “gold and silver” are spiritual Christians who are of great value to God and are reserved for honorable use. Vessels of “wood and of earth” are carnal Christians who are not fit according to scripture for honorable use and are called dishonorable. This is not to condemn anyone. The Word of God is infallible. In order to be a vessel of honor, one must be fully sanctified (made holy), or separated unto God (vs. 19). For one to be sanctified we are told we must “depart from iniquity” [moral wrongs of character]. You must separate yourself from anything that keeps you from Christ’s character regardless if others claim Christianity or not. Paul is talking about the Church. Do not build close relationships with carnal Christians. If we do separate ourselves from vessels of dishonor, we will go on to full sanctification and honor (vs. 21). There are Christians who profess faith in the Lord without currently possessing it. They walk contrary to the Word of Truth even though they have been taught. They carry offenses. They are faithless in practice and obedience. They are worldly-minded. Their goals are not Christ-centered and eternal. They serve themselves and not Christ. They do not submit to the authority of God or those in leadership because they have reasoned within themselves their way is acceptable. We are called to be yoked to Jesus (Matt. 11:28-30). We are commanded “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers…” (2 Cor 6:14) [unbeliever = one who continues to disbelieve what the Word teaches.] Both Lot and Abraham were right with God (2 Pet 2:7-8). In their day they walked by faith, but both were not equally committed. Abraham set his heart to continue to walk in the Light, but Lot did not. So eventually Abraham reached the point where he could no longer remain close to Lot (Gen 13). WHY? Because Lot longed for prosperity and prominence among the people. Abraham longed for the glory of God. Lot was consumed with temporal pleasures. Abraham longed for a city whose builder and maker is God (Heb 11:10). So one day they departed company and never again were reunited. The outcome – Lot spent the remainder of his life alone. Abraham spent his days walking with God. Jesus warns us to count the cost of discipleship. Make sure you are ready to finish what you start. Some this past year gave up, separations have come, but we are still here. WILL WE CONTINUE ON? The day of the Lord is at hand. There are many days of uncertainty and unpleasantness ahead. WILL WE CONTINUE ON? You will have to make decisions of an unpleasant nature to have the fullness of Christ. This world is faced with two choices: separation or judgment. If we refuse Biblical separation, we will never know the fullness of the Spirit and His power. Hosea 6:3 “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD…” While you count the cost and you find yourself being separated, you will become one with Him and He will pour out special blessings to accompany your walk. Because Abraham chose the way of the Lord and he separated from the carnal Lot, look what God did for Him: (Gen 13:14-17). Is it easy to count the cost and separate from the familiar? No, but God is faithful. REMEMBER: Separation leads to full sanctification. And the sanctified have special influence with God. Because of Abraham’s dedication, Lot was delivered from total judgment. If we live separated lives, our prayers will cause God to give life to many, even those we have had to leave by the wayside as we follow Christ. 1 John 5:16 “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.” Separation is not isolation. God always gives us in return, more than we give up. The Lord is calling us into a greater relationship with Him – intimacy, to know Him. The separation is necessary for the fellowship. The Lord’s separation is truly a uniting of spirit to spirit. And remember - many separations are temporary so that God can make out of you what He can use for His glory so others may find Christ. Who knows what will happen to former friends and family if we remain faithful to the call. 2Ti 2:21 “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.” -Pr. Steve December Newsletter 2006 | Biblical Separation | Fire Baptism part 2 of 3 Pastor's Journal December 2005 | The Power to Please God | Missions
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Biblical Counseling for Leaders
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