TEXT: Jn. 17:6-19
INTRODUCTION: God’s first
requirement of Christians in this world is that they be different from those
around them, observing God’s moral absolutes, practicing love, avoiding
shameful license, and not losing their dignity as God’s image-bearers through
any form of irresponsible self-indulgence (Rom.12:2; Eph.4:17-24; Col.3:5-11).
A clean break with the world’s value-systems and life-style is called for, as a
basis for practicing Christlikeness in positive terms (Eph.4:25-5:17).
Christians are to involve themselves in all forms of lawful human activity, and
by doing that in terms of the Christian value system and vision of life they will
become salt (a preservative that makes things taste better) and light (an
illumination that shows the way to go) in the human community (Matt.5:13-16).
As Christians thus fulfil their vocation, Christianity becomes a transforming
cultural force.
A. IN THE BIBLE, SEPERATION USUALLY MEANS DIFFERENCE RATHER THAN DISTANCE
(Read Lev.18:1-5)
In the Bible, separation usually
means “Difference” rather than “Distance”. The Israelites move from
one idol-infested country to another. AS God helped them form a new culture, he warned them to leave all aspects of their
pagan background behind. He also warned them how easy it would be to slip into
the pagan culture of Canaan, where they were going. Canaan’s society and
religions appealed to worldly desires, especially sexual immorality and
drunkenness. The Israelites were to keep themselves pure and set apart for God.
God did not want his people absorbed into the surrounding culture and
environment. Society may pressure us to conform to its way of life and thought,
but yielding to that pressure will (1) create confusion as to which side we
should be on and (2) eliminate our effectiveness in serving God. Follow God,
and don’t let the culture around you mold your thoughts and actions.
Discuss some of the cultural
practices of our day that the church should avoid. Why?
B. SEPERATION, FOR A CHRISTIAN, MEANS
STAYING CLOSE TO GOD
Separation from the world involves more than keeping our distance from
sinners; it means staying close to God (see 2 Cor. 7:1-2). It involves more
than avoiding entertainment that leads to sin; it extends to how we spend our
time and money. There is no way to separate our self totally from all sinful
influences. Nevertheless, we are to resist the sin around without either giving
up or giving in.
“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can goodness be a
partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?” (2Cor.6:14). Discuss this command from God.
C. GOD INTEND FOR US TO BE SEPARATE
FROM THE WORLD AND STILL REACH OUT TO UNBELIEVERS?
1 Corinthians 5:9-11. . . When I wrote to you before, I told you not to
associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about
unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or who are greedy or are swindlers or
idol worshipers. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that
What I meant was that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a
Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or
abusive or a drunkard, or a swindler. Don’t even eat with such people.
Living in isolation from unbelievers is impractical and undesirable. God
loved the world and so should we. But we must avoid becoming one in heart and
spirit with the ungodly.
Comment on Mark 2:15-17
D. WHAT IS GOD’S PURPOSE OF SETTING
HIS PEOPLE APART? Read
Exo.19:5-6; Deut.14:2; 1 Pet. 1:1-2, 15
God wants us to have a covenant
love relationship with him. To have it, we must obey him, accept Jesus
Christ as Savior, and live godly lives on earth. By doing this, we set
ourselves apart as being different from those who don’t know the Lord. Some
people will want to know what makes us different, and we will be able to tell
them about the love of god and our future with him in eternity. We must
live like Christ on earth!
MEMORY VERSE: James
4:4
Church of Eternal Life Jos, Plateau state.
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