2 Corinthians 6:17
"Therefore come out from among them and be separate," says the Lord. "Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."
*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 873
Separate: set apart
From the Greek word 'aphorizó' (pronounced af-or-id'-zo): separate from a boundary (a previous condition/situation).
Being saved and filled with the Spirit isn't enough to remain untouched by the world. We have to make that hard and sometimes difficult decision to set ourselves apart from the unrighteousness that is in our churches. Our testimony should stand out so much that they who practice wicked living are drawn to us so they can have what we have: a strong relationship with Jesus Christ and a faith-filled lifestyle in the Holy Spirit.
We are commanded by our Lord and Savior to "come out from among" the unclean. Our lives are to be living witnesses of Christ in us. We are to reflect His image and shine His Light and His Love into the sinful world around us. This includes our family members who are not walking with Christ.
As it was when Jesus began His ministry, so it is with us. His own town at first rejected Him. The city of Nazareth recognized Him only as a homeboy, not as the Savior they so desperately needed. They tried to kill Him. Luke 4:16-30.
We need to step up and make a firm decision to live for God in Christ. Though we are becoming holy people we are not 'holier than thou people' nor are we 'better than you' people. We are sinners who have been changed into saints because of our faith in Christ. The people around us need to see the change in us. Be amazed. Wonder. This change needs to be so self-evident that it makes people hungry for the Word we have in us.
Though many will come against us, we can't let that have a negative effect on our relationship with Christ. We are a set apart and being sanctified people. Our actions need to reflect our relationship. We will set ourselves apart.
I used to drink. But when I got filled with the Holy Spirit, I couldn't stand the smell of alcohol: it made me sick, physically sick and nauseous. I still can't stand it. I am filled with new wine.
When we make that decision and stand by it, the Lord receives into Himself and unto Himself. We are grafted into the Tree (Romans 11:24). He prayed in the garden for this to be so: John 17:22,23 "I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one—I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me."
Stop playing with sin in your church and your life and kick it out the door! There is no room for the works of Satan in the House of God. Knowing that our hearts are the dwellingplace of God when we believe, this doesn't leave room for discussion now, does it?
No longer should the born again Holy Spirit filled believer want to have anything to do with that which they have been delivered from. But when they do, they will be worse off than they were before. Peter refers to it as a 'dog returns to its own vomit'. 2 Peter 2:21-22. Proverbs 26:11.
I urge you. Come out from the wickedness around you. Set yourselves apart and follow Jesus Christ. Be filled with the Holy Spirit of God. Seek His face. Worship in His Presence. Rejoice in your victory! and glorify God with your lives.
A crucified life turns its back on worldly living and lives only to please God and serve Him. Let us do so.
Just To Be With You - Paul Baloche
Seekers of Your Heart - Sandy Patti, Larnelle Harris, Steve Green
New Wine - Hillsong Worship
Hungry - Kathryn Scott
In The Garden - Jim Reeves
Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Randy Travis
Better Than Life - Phil Wickham
I Know Whom I Have Believed
