Separate yourselves

[missmuffet]

The Bible tells the born again Christian to separate themselves from the unclean and evil of this world. What would that be?

Certain television programs? Movies? Secular books? video games? Friends who would lead us down the wrong path?

Isaiah 52:11

2 Corinthians 6:17

James 4:8

 

Edited October 8, 2022 by missmuffet

[NCAP]

1 hour ago, missmuffet said:

The Bible tells the born again Christian to separate themselves from the unclean and evil of this world. What would that be?

Certain television programs? Movies? Secular books? video games? Friends who would lead us down the wrong path?

Isaiah 52:11

2 Corinthians 6:17

James 4:8

 

You may need to ask yourself first:

1. Is the law given to the Jews light itself?

2. Is the law (Torah) a reliable guide?

3. Or is the Torah darkness so that it should be rejected?

[AdHoc]

1 hour ago, missmuffet said:

The Bible tells the born again Christian to separate themselves from the unclean and evil of this world. What would that be?

Certain television programs? Movies? Secular books? video games? Friends who would lead us down the wrong path?

Isaiah 52:11

2 Corinthians 6:17

James 4:8

 

Maybe we can answer this from the Law. God said that certain sins committed by the Canaanites polluted the Land
Idol worship
Murder
Sexual sins
In John Chapters 14 to 17, our Lord prayed for His Church. He asked the Father NOT to take them out of the world, but to keep them. The Reason is twofold. (i) We are the light and the salt of the earth. We stay corruption and give the Lord in heaven His testimony on earth. And (ii) we are to "fill up the sufferings of Christ". That is, we are to walk the same road a Christ and be exercised by buffeting from circumstance and malice of men. So, it is inevitable that we will rub shoulders with the infidel. From John Chapter 13 and Acts Chapter 10, we know that we have been cleansed by Jesus. But this inevitable contact with the world will dirty us. But, if we ONLY join the world by walking it, and not partaking of it, only our feet get dirty. Thus, the command by the lord to wash one another's feet.

Washing the saints feet is not literal. Washing a saint's feet is to advise him when he has become defiled by relations with the world. I might be a salesman. I go from door to door. I advertise my goods beyond their worth. I sell them beyond their value. I have not had relations with the lonely housewives I meet, nor have I robbed anybody for we both agreed on the inflated price. But these activities make me unclean. Just the feet  - as I walk this savage, bloodstained earth. I keep a clear conscience. I pray often. I avoid drunken parties and lewd jokes. But I am not to remove my self from the world - as Christ prayed. So I need the quiet admonishment of a fellow saint to tell me the truth in love. "Brother - you unconsciously flirted with that woman or this sister in the Lord". Or, I know you are to represent your boss diligently, but that old pensioner you sold your wares to, you could have given a discount.

But what we can't afford is "fig leaves". When Adam and Eve became aware of their nakedness, they covered themselves with a garment of fig-leaves. The "Fig Tree" is Judah after the Babylonian Captivity. And the ruling Pharisees saw to a very precise keeping of the Law. Our Lord Jesus even told HIs disciples to DO what the Pharisees said, but not to copy their actions. "Fig Leaves" are the works of Judah - keeping the Law ritually but producing NO FRUIT. And many Christians, in their zeal, make their own Laws. Do this! Don't do that. And just as Adam and Eve were satisfied with their "Fig Leaves" BEFORE EACH OTHER, the Christians who grow their own Fig Tree are satisfied among like-minded Christians. But the Lord crushes this cherished hope.

Israel's history and Romans Chapter 7 both lead to one conclusion. Your zeal for the Laws is not enough. You will transgress. "Fig Leaves" will bring DEATH. It is a Law dwelling in your members. It is relentless like gravity. It always works to cause you to stumble. Don' make Fig-leaves! Rather, read Romans Chapter 8. In it you will find an INDWELLING Christ Who possesses another Law - The Law of Christ's LIFE. That is, when Jesus comes to dwell in your spirit at your rebirth, He brings with Himself the full package of His LIFE. That is, His intrinsic nature AND the works that so pleased the Father. And you are the recipient. We Christians must not turn OUTWARDLY to the Fig-Tree, but INWARDLY to the "True Vine". We are to turn away from Laws and seeka PERSON INWARDLY. "Those who are lead by the spirit (Spirit) are the sons of God" (Rom.8:14).

The translators had a tough job translating the word "spirit". Should it be Capitalized to indicate Christ the Spirit Who dwells in your human spirit, or should we admit this grand truth that we must turn to our organ - our human spirit WHERE CHRIST LIVES. Let us not debate this tonight, but let us learn that laws about movies, books, haircuts, high heels and lipstick will get us nowhere. We will enforce them on ourselves and then fail. We will then enforce them on others and unwittingly replace Jesus Christ with our own version of the Law.

Let us be true Christians. We have Christ. He is near us, with us and IN US. Let Him be the Law of LIFE - HIS LIFE in my puny life. Let's be "LED" by Him. Good movie about dinosaurs and you want to see it? Ask HIM! Can you buy an expensive car or dress? Ask HIM! How much rebate should you give the single lady pensioner when you sell your wares? Ask HIM! Enjoy a good whiskey? Ask HIM!

13 For it is God which worketh IN you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Phil.2:13)

 

[NCAP]

If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples...(John 8:31)

Which parts of the bible are not his word?

[missmuffet]

42 minutes ago, NCAP said:

If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples...(John 8:31)

Which parts of the bible are not his word?

Yes, who are truly His disciples?

[NCAP]

1 minute ago, missmuffet said:

Yes, who are truly His disciples?

That is an identity issue that can't be answered unless "his word" is first identified and known.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jedi4Yahweh]

On 10/8/2022 at 3:47 PM, NCAP said:

You may need to ask yourself first:

1. Is the law given to the Jews light itself?

2. Is the law (Torah) a reliable guide?

3. Or is the Torah darkness so that it should be rejected?

God word (Torah) can be rejected but it can never be nullified or made void.  His Torah is eternal.  It will never acceptable for man to break God's law and server other gods/idols, profane his name, dishonor your parents, engage in sexual sins, murder, lie, cheat, steal, lust for evil things.

All your commandments are true. Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever. - Psa 119:151-152 

The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous laws endures forever. - Psa 119:160 

But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void. - Luk 16:17 

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. - Ecc 12:13-14