335. 2CO 6:17. SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD

2Co_6:17. Separation From the World

"Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you."’972Co_6:17

This paragraph commences with the apostle’s prohibiting the marriage of believers with unbelievers, and then he extends the subject to the connection of the Christian with the world generally. Hence, he says, "Come out," &c.

I. The Christian will have to do with the World while in it.

He does not refer to its civil affairs; to buying, selling, &c., neither to the relationships existing; hence, the believing wife is not to leave her husband, &c.

II. The Christian is to consider the World as the Sphere of his Influence and Usefulness.

He is to shine in it, savor it, attract it by his affections, reprove it by his holiness, render it excuseless, &c.

III. The Christian must be morally separate from it, and he must spiritually abandon it.

In repentance we forsake it. By faith in Christ we are crucified to it, "I am crucified," &c. By baptism, we solemnly renounce it; in sanctification we are progressively raised above it, &c.

IV. Many Motives concur in urging us to this Course of Conduct.

(1) Our great exemplar. He was separate, holy, harmless, &c.

(2) Our nature and principles are not of it. Born from above, &c.

(3) Our profession demands it

(4) Our duty to the world requires it If we appear of it, we shall harden it make it appear that religion is of no moment.

(5) Our own safety demands it; we cannot be in it and of it; without moral infection, it will separate us from fellowship with God, and finally plunge us into perdition. Look at Sampson, Lot, Solomon, Demas, &c. Cherish the influences of the Holy Spirit by prayer, and read the word, and you cannot err.

Application

1. Some seasons are peculiarly fraught with peril to the believer.

2. There are times when your decision must be manifest, and your piety obvious.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS