"We see, in many a land, the proudest dynasties and tyrannies still crushing, with their mountain weight, every free motion of the Consciences and hearts of men. We see, on the other hand, the truest heroism for the right and the greatest devotion to the Truth in hearts that God has touched. We have a work to do, as great as our forefathers and, perhaps, far greater. The enemies of Truth are more numerous and subtle than ever and the needs of the Church are greater than at any preceding time. If we are not debtors to the present, then men were never debtors to their age and their time. Brethren, we are debtors to the hour in which we live. Oh, that we might stamp it with Truth and that God might help us to impress upon its wings some proof that it has not flown by neglected and unheeded." -- C.H. Spurgeon . . . "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31, 32 . . . . .

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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

SEPARATING FROM UNBELIEVERS


by A.M. Kisly

VIDEO FEATURE: SEPARATING FROM UNBELIEVERS

In 2 Corinthians 6, the Apostle Paul identifies two opposing worlds, two opposing realms or spheres or kingdoms or dimensions of life. One is described and characterized by righteousness, light, Christ, believers and the presence of God. The other is characterized, or described as lawless, dark, satanic, occupied by unbelievers and the presence of idols.
Two societies, two realms, two spheres utterly different, utterly distinct, completely incongruous and incompatible. And the Apostle says there is no possibility for people in these two kingdoms to be bound together in common work, no partnership, no fellowship, no harmony, no commonality and no agreement does or can really exist.

Scripture Studies from Romans 12:

In Romans 12:1, Paul exhorted us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God. However, in order to do that, we must be "transformed" so that we behave as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven, rather than as one who belongs to the world. Thus, Paul exhorts us strongly to conform no longer, but be transformed and renewed.


He starts with the words "Do not". This is in contrast to the exhortation in verse 1, where he "urged" us to offer ourselves to God. In verse 1, he was telling us something that we, as Christians, should do; in verse 2, he is telling us something that we must not do. There are things that Christians are urged to do, and there are things that Christians are commanded to avoid. The words "Do not" constitute a command.

Thus we, as children of God, are not by any means to "conform" to this world. Peter tells us to "live as strangers here, in reverent fear" (I Pet. 1:17). He also calls God's elect "aliens and strangers in the world" (I Pet. 1:1; 2:11). Our new birth into the kingdom of God necessarily should cause us to feel as if we are strangers and out of place in this world. For instance, our values are different than those of the world. They desire material riches; we desire the riches of God. Moreover, our morals are different than those of the world. Their morals are based on what they consider right in their own eyes; our morals are based on the Word of God. Furthermore, our attitude toward death is different than those of the world. They see death as the end; for us, the death of our earthly bodies will bring us into the presence and glory of God.

Thus, our attitudes should set us apart from those of the world. Having been introduced into the glorious kingdom of God, a kingdom that will never perish nor diminish in its glory, what a shame it would be if we clung to this dying world.

Paul says that we should not conform "any longer", suggesting that we did conform to the world in the past. Men naturally conform to the world. Men strive for the approval and accolades of other men. But man has fallen. To conform to the world is to conform to those under the rule of the "prince of this world" (John 12:31), that is Satan. Since we naturally do conform, we must make a conscious effort to avoid conformance. It is not easy to be set apart. It brings hostility and ridicule from those of the world. "They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you" (I Pet. 4:4). They desire that all conform, because the saints who do not conform "are a sign to them that they will be destroyed" (Phil. 1:28). We convict them by pure lives set apart for God and they resent this.

It is "the world" that we are to avoid being conformed to. Note "the world" is different than the earth. The earth is the planet on which we live. "The world", as used in the Bible, is the secular, carnal system of existence that controls fallen man. John describes it as "the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does" (I John 2:16). We are not to "love the world" because "if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (I John 2:15). Also, "anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God" (James 4:4). Though we are commanded not to love the world or to be friends of the world, nevertheless, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son" (John 3:16). Despite the fact that the world has turned its back on Him and followed evil, God, in his longsuffering, still has love for the world, enough love to give His Son in order to bring the world back to Him.

Paul says: "but be transformed". Yes, it is hard to avoid conforming to the world, "but" we are given an alternative. The world would tell us that because of God's prohibitions, we are somehow missing out on the joy of life. But Paul points out: "When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of?" (Rom. 6:20-21). Godless joy is fleeting. It may be satisfying for the moment, but later it brings shame. In the book of Job, this is summed up: "Surely you know how it has been from of old, ever since man was placed on the earth, that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment" (Job 20:4-5). In contrast, Jesus says: "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:10-11).

Paul says to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind". Notice that he does not says to transform ourselves, but to "be transformed". The transformation does not originate in ourselves, but is accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes to Titus: "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). Our role in the process is to seek and to yield to the renewal by the Spirit.

It is the "mind" that is to be renewed. Clearly, as can be seen from his writings, Paul does not view Christianity as a mindless, merely emotional religion, but a thinking religion. The mind is involved. Paul used his intellect to proclaim and defend his faith: "He reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks" (Acts 17:17). Likewise, Peter says to give "the reason for the hope that you have" (I Peter 3:15).

But, unfortunately, our minds have been corrupted by this fallen world and thus, need renewing. Note that it is the renewing of our minds that will lead to our transformation. "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace" (Rom. 8:6).

Going on, Paul says: "Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is". Thus, the result of our transformation is the acceptance and approval of God's will. One cannot know the complete will of God for his life without being transformed. Conversely, if you are transformed, you will know what God's will is. If you live for God and not for the world, seek God and not the things of the world, then the will of God for your life will be revealed to you. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Prov. 3:5-6).

Once you know God's will, Paul is confident that you will "approve" of it, for he says that you will "test and approve" it. The extent to which you desire to please yourself rather than to do God's will is the extent to which you still belong to the world. But if you would only "be transformed" so that you would be able to "test" the will of God, you will certainly "approve" of it. The Psalmist says: "Taste and see that the LORD is good" (Ps. 34:8).

Indeed, God's will is "good, pleasing and perfect". His will is "good" because it is always in our best interest. If we are in God's will, then all things will work together for our good (cf. Rom. 8:28). God loves us; thus, His will is for our good.

In the following video presentation, Pastor John MacArthur explains the importance of separating from the world.  In this exhortation, he states "It is a classic call by the Apostle to separation from unbelievers. And, in fact, that is the greatest challenge that you as a Christian have, and me too. Not to be bound together with unbelievers is our greatest challenge, to live a separated life is a tremendous challenge, particularly in a culture which is bombarding us with all of the elements of paganism.

It is not only our greatest challenge, it is our greatest source of joy and usefulness when we obey that command. The pure and the polluted share nothing in common ultimately. And the people of God cannot form intimate relationships with those who don't belong to God. All relationships like that are superficial. You cannot make a meaningful relationship with an enemy of the gospel. They live in a different world with a different and completely hostile and antagonistic leader."


Separating From Unbelievers - Pastor John MacArthur




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