(From Whom do we Separate)
I. The Bible teaches that Christians are
to separate from unbelievers that would put us into
an unequal yoke
(2 Corinthians 6:14-17;
Ephesians 5:11)
II. The Bible teaches that there are at
least two reasons why Christians are to stay away from
unbelievers in terms of an "unequal yoke"
(A) Fellowship and Agreement
It will be impossible
to agree or share in common with an unbeliever what
we now know and enjoy in the Lord. However, this does
not mean we should avoid or have some point of contact
with them (1 Corinthians 5:9-11) in that we must fulfill
the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19,20).
(B) The unbelievers impact on the believers
life
Although it true we
as believers should have an impact on unbelievers, we
often don’t evaluate the impact they have on us.
The more contact we have with the world the greater
the pressure. The question we should be pondering is,
are we really trying to win them to the Lord? (Psalms 1:1-3; Proverbs
1:10-19; 4:14-17; 13:20; 23:19-21; 24:1,2)
Also, the Bible teaches that there are
at least two exceptions to the "unequally yoked"
problem and separating from unbelievers
(A) Marriage
The bible does not
teach that a person should leave their spouse because
they are unbelievers (1 Corinthians 7:12)
(B) Evangelism
Adapt ting to a culture
to win the lost is acceptable in the sight of the Lord.
However, this liberty is not a license to do as we please
but, the freedom to do as we ought. This does not mean
we are to push our standards and beliefs on others but
just share the gospel.
NOTE: THESE ARE TWO CASES WHERE WE ARE
TO ADAPT TO WIN OTHER PERSONS TO CHRIST. THIS DOES NOT
MEAN TO BECOME UNEQUALLY YOKED WITH UNBELIEVERS; THAT
IS, TRYING TO TEAM-UP WITH THEM OR TO SEEK FELLOWSHIP
FROM THEM.
III. The Bible teaches us as Christians
to separate from six kinds of professing believers:
(A) Christians are to separate from any
professing Christian who continues in a known sin without repentance
(1 Corinthians 5:9-13)
If obedience to God
causes offense then let it be so. Many never get right
because they feel the Christians will just tolerate
them. However, the means by which God uses to bring
people to repentance is that their Christian friends
won’t hang around them. Many don’t have this
standard and this is why we have the toleration of sin
among so-called believers.
(B) Christians are to separate from any
professing Christian who walks disorderly (disregards
orders/ submissiveness) and will not work
(2 Thessalonians 3:6-15;
Titus 3:1)
(C) Christians are to separate from professing
Christians whose motive is to financially profit from
their relationship with us
(1 Timothy 6:1-5)
We should not expect
favors from other Christians in business
(D) Christians are to separate from professing
Christians who cause doctrinal divisions contrary to
biblical teachings
(Romans 16:17-19)
Doctrinal divisions
are things that are opposed to the essentials
(E) Christians are to separate from professing
Christians whose lifestyle is contrary to biblical standards
(2 Timothy 3:1-5)
(F) Christians are to separate from professing
Christians who deny the Deity of Jesus Christ
(2 John 7-11; Revelation
18:4,5)
