The Separated Life

Memory Verse: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Cor.6:17-18, KJV)

Scripture Reading: 2 Cor.6:1-18.

Biblical separation is a part of the Bible that so many dare not teach, because it is offensive to people, even Christians. 

We live in a day where people do not want anyone telling them not to do something, or to live differently. Doctors gave up a long time ago trying to tell people to stop smoking and to eat right as nobody listens.

The separated life is The Christian life. 

Separation is contact without contamination. Jesus was "holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from the world" (see Heb.7:26), yet He was "a friend of publicans and sinners" (see Lk.7:34). He maintained an unhidden identity while with them and the purpose for which He related with them was clearly defined.

What does it mean to be separate?

To be separate simply means being fundamentally different (set apart, sanctified, consecrated) from the world around us and dedicated to God alone. Christians are not different by accident, but by God's design (see 2 Cor.5:17).

Separate in what ways? 

In the way we dress. Why continue to look like all we think about is ourselves and wanting everyone's attention? In the way we talk, judge, the way we make promises and commitments, in the way we love, spend money, live, in the way we raise our families. Basically, we ought be different in every way. WHY? Because we belong to God. God, who is Holy, owns us.

How can we be separate so we can become [true] sons and daughters to God and He becomes our Father?

• By choice. It is a choice: Your Choice. My Choice.
• By constant cleansing. New birth first cleanses your past record in heaven. Take advantage of the cleansing power of the Word (see Eph.5:26-27) by taking your daily showers and also remember the cleansing power of the eternal blood of Jesus to wash off every stain [of sin] away.
• The Fear of The Lord. When we truly get back to fearing God, and knowing that He will always direct His attention at removing every sin in our lives, then that will help motivate us to keep "short accounts" with Him, and stay clean and right with Him.

Oh that believers would know the joy of living a life dedicated to glorifying the God Who loves them, and gave Himself for them! By this word today, grace is released upon us to live the separated life.

Ponder Point: We are not to be isolated but insulated, moving in the midst of evil but untouched by it.

Action Point: Live the separated life.

Prayer Point: Holy Spirit, empower me from within to live the separated life unto God in Jesus name, Amen.