Separation and Holy Living

2 Corinthians 6:14-16; 1 John 2:15-17; 1 Timothy 2:8-10

by David Woods

Last Saturday a group from our church went to "Judgement House" (sic), a Christian tour/drama presentation put on during Halloween.

"Judgement House" (don't ask me why they have the extra "e" in the title) tells the story of three teens who die in a car crash and show their destinies in eternity.

While we were waiting for our tour to begin, we started joking about the T-shirts the "security guards" had on. In big yellow letters read "Security". In smaller letters, it quoted some scripture that says our salvation is only secure in Christ.

We were joking that if our church was to put on such a presentation (and have "Security" t-shirts), that we would have to include an asterisked explanation of what we meant about "security" that would take up the whole back of the shirt.

I then suggested that a shirt more suitable for the holiness movement would be "Separate."

All joking aside, separation is a very important concept and belief for the Christian. While it is important that we live separated unto God, we have seen extremes of separation that are not healthy.

Read "Introduction"

Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Discussion: What does it mean to be "unequally yoked with unbelievers?"

The lesson comments suggest that these verses are not only talking about business partnerships or marriage relationships, but might also include church-world alliances for humanitarian purposes.

Discussion: How far should we take this principle? Does this mean the church should never become involved with efforts (however good) sponsored by the world? In other words, should the Church only operate within its own sub-culture?
(I recently read a blog asking if the church is being used by Hollywood in regards to The Passion of the Christ and Narnia. Many churches saw (and see) great good in using these movies as outreach tools. But a valid question remains: are we becoming unequally yoked with the world?)

Discussion: What is the reason why these verses say the Church must remain separate from the world?

Discussion: What is the motivation for the Church to remain separate from the world?

Read 1 John 2:15-17

Discussion: How do you define "loving the world?"

Read 1 John 2:16 comments

Discussion: According to these verses, why should the Church not love the world?

Read 1 Timothy 2:8-10

Read verse comments for this section.

Discussion: According to these verses, why should the Church be separate from the world?

Read first two paragraphs of "Working with the Word!"

The writer of this section says that the word separate can have two meanings. But then he says the first meaning is the one intended by God, that separation means to be marked about by boundaries.

Discussion: Consider the application of such an understanding. If separate only means to be marked off by boundaries (i.e. to simply be distinct from), how do we apply this to daily life in the world?

Discussion: What do you see as the benefits and the negatives of understanding separation as meaning simply having a clear-cut distinction from the world?

I do not mean to take this writer out of context, but I think this idea that separation simply means to be distinct from the world is what has led to much of the legalistic tendencies within the holiness movement.

Daniel Stetler was the main speaker at Ministers' Conference a few years ago. He talked about the fact that at times the world is closer or farther away from the church.

He talked about the need for the church to take a stand despite the drift of the world toward greater sinfulness. He talked about the possibility of the church either drifting with the world's influence or actively influencing the world toward God.

The point I would like to suggest is that sometimes (especially in certain areas) the world may not be that far off in its conduct or appearance from the Church's practice.

In such situations, if the Church is to remain distinct from the world, does that mean we should go to extreme lengths so that we will maintain a clear distinction?

I greatly respect this writer's thoughts and exegesis of the scripture. However, it seems to me that when we make separation only a matter of remaining distinct from the world and do not factor in the other purpose of being devoted to a special purpose (i.e. glorifying God through our lives and bodies), that we begin to lose the whole purpose of why we are to remain separate from the world.

A uniform marks the employees of a company as distinct from the rest of the population. But the purpose of the uniform is not simply to be distinct; rather, it is that the employees may be known as serving that certain company.

Read last three full paragraphs of "Doctrinal Discussion"

Discussion: What does it mean to be "insulated" from the world?

Read paragraph of "Doctrinal Discussion" quoting W.H. Griffith Thomas that begins "2."

Discussion: Can we trust God to impress upon each individual what is necessary for them to live and maintain holiness of life?

Discussion: Can we trust each sincere believer to live in the light God has given them?

Read last three paragraphs of "Doctrinal Discussion"

Discussion: Is it safe or dangerous to rely on experience when Scriptures are unclear?
(While I think it is dangerous to rely on experience instead of Scripture, I think the writer's intention was to say that when we may disagree on some areas of Scripture, it is most important that we continue to be led by the Spirit and that we continue to approach life from the standpoint of our hearts being cleansed from all sin and desiring to maintain that experience and relationship with Christ.)

The conclusion that I have been trying to lead us to in this discussion is that:

Big Idea: Holiness of heart prepares you for holiness of life.

The reason why we live a separate, distinct lifestyle from the world is because our hearts have been cleansed from all sin and we have consecrated and submitted our lives completely to the Holy Spirit's control.

I have been part of many discussions about the holiness lifestyle. Sometimes, I have argued the more "liberal" lifestyle, other times I have argued the more "conservative" lifestyle.

I don't think we'll ever have complete agreement on such discussions on this side of eternity. But there is one thing we can agree on: because our hearts have been purified of all sin, we desire to live in victory over all sin, separate from sin. Let us be careful to promote and live a holy, blameless life before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.