Separation
Separation
Outline
1. What is meant by separation?
2. What is the basis of practical separation?
3. Separation from the world.
4. Some areas of personal separation.
5. Separation in close partnerships
6. Separation in religious matters
7. Three excuses Christians use for not living separate lives.
8. Principles for living a separated life.
Separation
The issue of “separation” is one of the distinguishing features of Bible-believing Baptists. It is a subject which has to do with the way we live, the way we conduct ourselves as a Church – and yes, standards!
Such a study could easily become just a list of taboos – but that is only part of what the Lord intends. As you enter into this study of the Bible, it is important for you to grasp the principles involved as well as the practices.
We are living in a world of rapidly declining moral and spiritual standards. This decay is seriously affecting Christians and churches to the point that it is often difficult to tell Christians from non-Christians!
1. What is meant by separation?
A. There are four Bible words having the same meaning:
i. When we say that God is holy, this means He is “set apart” from all His creation in righteousness.
ii. When we say that the Bible is holy, we mean it is “set apart” from all other books.
iii. When we are taught to sanctify the Lord in our hearts, this means we are to set God apart from idols.
B. There are two aspects to separation in your life:
i. Positional separation – I Christ, I HAVE been set apart unto God. Read Hebrews 10:10
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
ii. Practical separation – As a Christian, I AM TO LIVE as set apart unto God. 1 Peter 1:15 (from verse 14)
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [conduct];
C. There are two important features to separation (different sides of the same coin):
i. Separation to the Lord. Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
ii. Separation from Ungodliness. Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2. What is the basis of practical separation?
A. The basis of God’s nature:
i. 1 Peter 1:16
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
ii. Leviticus 11:44
For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
B. The basis of redemption [your redemption has been paid for by Jesus Christ – you have been BOUGHT by Christ]:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
C. The basis of regeneration [After being bought by Christ, He has regenerated you into something new]: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
3. Separation from the world.
A. Read John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
The believer is IN the world but NOT OF the world – because the Lord chose us OUT OF the world.
[Practical separation does not mean we are to live a cloistered life or have nothing to do with unsaved people.
B. Read 1 John 2:15
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
The believer is to “love not” the world, neither the things that are in the world.
C. When the Bible speaks of “the world” in this sense, it does not mean God’s creation, His material provisions, etc. It refers to the “world system”, which is the dominion of Satan. Read 1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of
the world.
It defines the world as:
i. The lust of the flesh.
ii. The lust of the eyes.
iii. The pride of life.
D. Read 1 John 2:17
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Doing the will of God is the most important and enduring thing we can do.
E. Read James 4:4
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
This is so hard for young people!
F. Read Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
G. Read James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
H. A worldly Christian is one given over to pleasing the “flesh,” the old sinful nature. The works of the flesh are listed in Galatians 5:19-21 [read through verse 26]
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
4. Some areas of personal separation.
A. The things I will allow my eyes to see:
i. Psalm 101:3
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
[What are some wicked things to be seen today?]
ii. Job 31:1
I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? Job 31:7 If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;
Areas of personal separation applies to many common practices such as:
• Movies, videos (violence, adultery, drunkenness, witchcraft, and all kinds of perverted and ungodly living)
• TVs (the same as movies but in a more casual and contemporary setting)
• Internet (the BIG problem)
• Electronic games (especially for young people).
• Books and magazines (traditional avenues of the world)
B. The places I will allow myself to go: We are taught that the Lord Jesus Christ may come at any moment, and that we should never be ashamed to meet Him [1 John 2:28 - And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.] There are many places the Christian should not go… establishments whose business it is to exploit man’s vices (human nature) for entertainment.
C. The things I will wear: The area of fashion is a difficult one especially for Christian women. This is difficult because fashions go through such extreme – from weird to conservative, from short-short to ankle length, from modest to provocative, etc. The Bible does give some clear instruction in this matter.
i. Read 1 Corinthians 7:31
And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
ii. Read 1 Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; The standard for Christian women is MODEST apparel.
iii. Bare thighs (mini-skirts, and shorts) is equated with nakedness. Read Isaiah 47:1-3
Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate. Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.
iv. Hair: 1 Corinthians 11:6-16
For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. [what does this mean?]
v. Slacks and pants on women (i.e.; avoid tight fitting clothes).
• The Bible teaches us from the beginning, God intended men and women to be distinctly separate.
Read Deuteronomy 22:5
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
[Women should dress like women and men should dress like men.]
• God made men and women sexually different but mutually attractive. Men are enticed by the sight of the female body [hence its use in advertising.] Tight fitting clothing on a female can provoke a male. Read Proverbs 7:10-11
And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house.
• When Christian women start wearing slacks it opens the door to those who will want to wear tight jeans, etc.
D. The things I will say:
i. No corrupt communication: Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
ii. Christ centered speech: Ephesians 5:19
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
iii. Speak with grace [elegance or beauty of form]. Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
iv. DO NOT TAKE THE LORD’s Name in vain (3rd Commandment)!
E. The people I will associate with:
i. According to Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in
the seat of the scornful.
ii. According to 1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
iii. According to Proverbs 22:24
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
iv. Avoid close associations with fools. Read:
• Proverbs 9:6
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
• Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
• Proverbs 14:7
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
• Proverbs 23:9
Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
Why? (The WORLD does not like this judgment!)
• Psalm 14:1
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
• Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
• Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
v. We should never stop to listen to a busy-bodies / gossip. Read:
• Proverbs 16:27
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
• 2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
• 1 Timothy 5:13
And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and
busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
God is serious about what you say: Remember Proverbs 6:16-19
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR HAND, YOU PUT IN YOUR HEART.
5. Separation in close partnerships
A. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers: 2 Corinthians 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
B. The most important application of this principle is marriage. It is both wrong and dangerous for a young person who is a Christian to date an unsaved person. It is a sin for a Christian to marry a non-Christian. Young person – If you are desiring to get married, first pray and ask God to give you the partner of HIS choice; then look for God’s answer from your parents and in your own church (or other Baptist churches of like faith and order).
6. Separation in religious matters
We are living in an ecumenical age where all religions and branches of Christianity are coming together in religious unity. When Bible believing Baptists refuse to have part with the World Council of Churches, or fellowship with non-Baptist religious groups, or even work together with other Baptists, they are often called narrow minded, unloving, or extremists. Read scripture to see what the Word of God says:
A. The Bible says in Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
B. Amos 3:3 asks
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
C. 2 John 9 – 10
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
D. According to Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. According to this passage, we are to mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to doctrine and avoid them.
7. Three excuses Christians use for not living separate lives.
A. Excuse #1: Other Christians don’t have your standards. Many Christians see nothing wrong with rock music, worldly fashions, questionable amusements, etc. – but this does not make them right! We need to study the Bible and form Bible-based convictions; then live by them.
• Read James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
• Remember 1 John 2:3-6
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:
hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
B. Excuse #2: The most important thing is to win souls, and to do this I must be acceptable to the lost. NO! You need to please your Lord. It is NEVER right to do wrong in order to accomplish a right! Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
C. Excuse #3: I have liberty in Christ (because I am saved…)
i. True, but Christian liberty in NOT license. Liberty is the freedom to do right – never the freedom to do anything!
ii. We are NOT to use our liberty as an occasion to the flesh. Galatians 5:13
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
iii. Our liberty is not to be used as an excuse for enslaving habits. We should be brought under the POWER of any habit.
Read: 1 Corinthians 6:12
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
iv. Our liberty is restricted to the things that edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
v. Liberty is not an excuse for hiding sin. It is not to be a cloke of maliciousness (covering up evil). Read 1 Peter 2:16
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
vi. Our Christian liberty must never be a stumbling block. 1 Corinthians 8:9
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.
8. Principles for living a separated life.
A. Is it scriptural? Does the Word of God have anything directly to say on the manner?
i. Read Psalm 119:15
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
ii. Read Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
B. Can I do this in the name of the Lord? Read Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
C. Will others be hindered in their salvation or spiritual growth by what I do? Read Romans 14:21
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
D. Do I have doubts about it? When in doubt… don’t do it! Read Romans 14:22-23 (from verse 21) which defines doubt as lack of faith which is sin:
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
E. Would what I do be acceptable to the Lord? Read Ephesians 5:10
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Just ask the questions: “Could I take the Lord Jesus there? Would He join in with me? Would He do it? These questions solve most of your problems.
Outline
1. What is meant by separation?
2. What is the basis of practical separation?
3. Separation from the world.
4. Some areas of personal separation.
5. Separation in close partnerships
6. Separation in religious matters
7. Three excuses Christians use for not living separate lives.
8. Principles for living a separated life.
Separation
The issue of “separation” is one of the distinguishing features of Bible-believing Baptists. It is a subject which has to do with the way we live, the way we conduct ourselves as a Church – and yes, standards!
Such a study could easily become just a list of taboos – but that is only part of what the Lord intends. As you enter into this study of the Bible, it is important for you to grasp the principles involved as well as the practices.
We are living in a world of rapidly declining moral and spiritual standards. This decay is seriously affecting Christians and churches to the point that it is often difficult to tell Christians from non-Christians!
1. What is meant by separation?
A. There are four Bible words having the same meaning:
i. When we say that God is holy, this means He is “set apart” from all His creation in righteousness.
ii. When we say that the Bible is holy, we mean it is “set apart” from all other books.
iii. When we are taught to sanctify the Lord in our hearts, this means we are to set God apart from idols.
B. There are two aspects to separation in your life:
i. Positional separation – I Christ, I HAVE been set apart unto God. Read Hebrews 10:10
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
ii. Practical separation – As a Christian, I AM TO LIVE as set apart unto God. 1 Peter 1:15 (from verse 14)
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [conduct];
C. There are two important features to separation (different sides of the same coin):
i. Separation to the Lord. Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
ii. Separation from Ungodliness. Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2. What is the basis of practical separation?
A. The basis of God’s nature:
i. 1 Peter 1:16
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
ii. Leviticus 11:44
For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
B. The basis of redemption [your redemption has been paid for by Jesus Christ – you have been BOUGHT by Christ]:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
C. The basis of regeneration [After being bought by Christ, He has regenerated you into something new]: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
3. Separation from the world.
A. Read John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
The believer is IN the world but NOT OF the world – because the Lord chose us OUT OF the world.
[Practical separation does not mean we are to live a cloistered life or have nothing to do with unsaved people.
B. Read 1 John 2:15
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
The believer is to “love not” the world, neither the things that are in the world.
C. When the Bible speaks of “the world” in this sense, it does not mean God’s creation, His material provisions, etc. It refers to the “world system”, which is the dominion of Satan. Read 1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of
the world.
It defines the world as:
i. The lust of the flesh.
ii. The lust of the eyes.
iii. The pride of life.
D. Read 1 John 2:17
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Doing the will of God is the most important and enduring thing we can do.
E. Read James 4:4
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
This is so hard for young people!
F. Read Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
G. Read James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
H. A worldly Christian is one given over to pleasing the “flesh,” the old sinful nature. The works of the flesh are listed in Galatians 5:19-21 [read through verse 26]
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
4. Some areas of personal separation.
A. The things I will allow my eyes to see:
i. Psalm 101:3
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
[What are some wicked things to be seen today?]
ii. Job 31:1
I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? Job 31:7 If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;
Areas of personal separation applies to many common practices such as:
• Movies, videos (violence, adultery, drunkenness, witchcraft, and all kinds of perverted and ungodly living)
• TVs (the same as movies but in a more casual and contemporary setting)
• Internet (the BIG problem)
• Electronic games (especially for young people).
• Books and magazines (traditional avenues of the world)
B. The places I will allow myself to go: We are taught that the Lord Jesus Christ may come at any moment, and that we should never be ashamed to meet Him [1 John 2:28 - And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.] There are many places the Christian should not go… establishments whose business it is to exploit man’s vices (human nature) for entertainment.
C. The things I will wear: The area of fashion is a difficult one especially for Christian women. This is difficult because fashions go through such extreme – from weird to conservative, from short-short to ankle length, from modest to provocative, etc. The Bible does give some clear instruction in this matter.
i. Read 1 Corinthians 7:31
And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
ii. Read 1 Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; The standard for Christian women is MODEST apparel.
iii. Bare thighs (mini-skirts, and shorts) is equated with nakedness. Read Isaiah 47:1-3
Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate. Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.
iv. Hair: 1 Corinthians 11:6-16
For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. [what does this mean?]
v. Slacks and pants on women (i.e.; avoid tight fitting clothes).
• The Bible teaches us from the beginning, God intended men and women to be distinctly separate.
Read Deuteronomy 22:5
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
[Women should dress like women and men should dress like men.]
• God made men and women sexually different but mutually attractive. Men are enticed by the sight of the female body [hence its use in advertising.] Tight fitting clothing on a female can provoke a male. Read Proverbs 7:10-11
And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house.
• When Christian women start wearing slacks it opens the door to those who will want to wear tight jeans, etc.
D. The things I will say:
i. No corrupt communication: Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
ii. Christ centered speech: Ephesians 5:19
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
iii. Speak with grace [elegance or beauty of form]. Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
iv. DO NOT TAKE THE LORD’s Name in vain (3rd Commandment)!
E. The people I will associate with:
i. According to Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in
the seat of the scornful.
ii. According to 1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
iii. According to Proverbs 22:24
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
iv. Avoid close associations with fools. Read:
• Proverbs 9:6
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
• Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
• Proverbs 14:7
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
• Proverbs 23:9
Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
Why? (The WORLD does not like this judgment!)
• Psalm 14:1
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
• Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
• Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
v. We should never stop to listen to a busy-bodies / gossip. Read:
• Proverbs 16:27
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
• 2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
• 1 Timothy 5:13
And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and
busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
God is serious about what you say: Remember Proverbs 6:16-19
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR HAND, YOU PUT IN YOUR HEART.
5. Separation in close partnerships
A. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers: 2 Corinthians 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
B. The most important application of this principle is marriage. It is both wrong and dangerous for a young person who is a Christian to date an unsaved person. It is a sin for a Christian to marry a non-Christian. Young person – If you are desiring to get married, first pray and ask God to give you the partner of HIS choice; then look for God’s answer from your parents and in your own church (or other Baptist churches of like faith and order).
6. Separation in religious matters
We are living in an ecumenical age where all religions and branches of Christianity are coming together in religious unity. When Bible believing Baptists refuse to have part with the World Council of Churches, or fellowship with non-Baptist religious groups, or even work together with other Baptists, they are often called narrow minded, unloving, or extremists. Read scripture to see what the Word of God says:
A. The Bible says in Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
B. Amos 3:3 asks
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
C. 2 John 9 – 10
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
D. According to Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. According to this passage, we are to mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to doctrine and avoid them.
7. Three excuses Christians use for not living separate lives.
A. Excuse #1: Other Christians don’t have your standards. Many Christians see nothing wrong with rock music, worldly fashions, questionable amusements, etc. – but this does not make them right! We need to study the Bible and form Bible-based convictions; then live by them.
• Read James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
• Remember 1 John 2:3-6
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:
hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
B. Excuse #2: The most important thing is to win souls, and to do this I must be acceptable to the lost. NO! You need to please your Lord. It is NEVER right to do wrong in order to accomplish a right! Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
C. Excuse #3: I have liberty in Christ (because I am saved…)
i. True, but Christian liberty in NOT license. Liberty is the freedom to do right – never the freedom to do anything!
ii. We are NOT to use our liberty as an occasion to the flesh. Galatians 5:13
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
iii. Our liberty is not to be used as an excuse for enslaving habits. We should be brought under the POWER of any habit.
Read: 1 Corinthians 6:12
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
iv. Our liberty is restricted to the things that edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
v. Liberty is not an excuse for hiding sin. It is not to be a cloke of maliciousness (covering up evil). Read 1 Peter 2:16
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
vi. Our Christian liberty must never be a stumbling block. 1 Corinthians 8:9
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.
8. Principles for living a separated life.
A. Is it scriptural? Does the Word of God have anything directly to say on the manner?
i. Read Psalm 119:15
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
ii. Read Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
B. Can I do this in the name of the Lord? Read Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
C. Will others be hindered in their salvation or spiritual growth by what I do? Read Romans 14:21
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
D. Do I have doubts about it? When in doubt… don’t do it! Read Romans 14:22-23 (from verse 21) which defines doubt as lack of faith which is sin:
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
E. Would what I do be acceptable to the Lord? Read Ephesians 5:10
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Just ask the questions: “Could I take the Lord Jesus there? Would He join in with me? Would He do it? These questions solve most of your problems.