In order to really understand the integral components of being separate from the world, it is important to define the terms. To be separate is to be severed from or cut-off from something. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines separate as "to disunite; to divide; to sever; to part, in almost any manner, either things naturally or casually joined" (1).
Jesus makes it very clear that his followers would be hated by the world because the world hated Him first (John 15). When humans are reconciled to God by the obedience of faith (Romans 1:5), a disciplining experience unfolds when we deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus. Leaving all former allegiances behind (Luke 14:25-33), we enter into covenant with the Father on His terms. Humans that share the similar experience of undergoing spiritual transformation and true conversion are united as a holy nation under the rule and leadership of Jesus, their King. This forms the basis of the Church. It is of free mercy that sinners may come confessing and the heart of God is moved. And the effect of this initial repentance leads to an abundant life and communion with God according to holiness. The conversion experience entails putting off former lusts (Ephesians 4:22 and 1st Peter 1:14) while putting on the new man according to the divine life of Jesus and the Spirit (Romans 8 and Galatians 6:15-18).
The word "world" can have several meanings in scripture. One meaning is synonymous with the earth (Job 34:13). Another meaning is congruent with the inhabitants on the earth (John 3:16). In other areas of scripture, the world is described as something God’s people are to abstain from (Titus 2:11,12). There is a strong connection between this form of the “world” and carnality and/or the flesh. Thus, being separate from the world is an obligation, commandment, and blessing for God’s people. The world which Christians are to be severed from can be equitable with the system, beliefs, entertainments, attitudes, styles, and fashions of those that are not God's covenant people. This world system is not built around the life of Jesus and his kingdom teachings and values. It is driven by carnal impulses and void of the true Spirit of God.
Consider these scriptures:
First, our Lord instructs in John 17:14-16, “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”
Romans 12:1,2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
As a jealous and righteous being, the Father has always wanted people to obey Him for His glory and their benefit (i.e. Deuteronomy 6). Please read and meditate on 2nd Corinthians 6:14 to 2nd Corinthians 7:1.
Faith and separation from the world are integral links in the new kingdom. Hebrews 11:13-16 beautifully describes that full trust in God motivates the redeemed to freely confess that they are now strangers and pilgrims on earth seeking a better country and being careful not to return to the world of sin and evil.
A potent thought worthy of much consideration is given by James in 4:4, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
Can we love the world and love God at the same time? God forbid.
‘What is the world?’ we may ask. 1st John 2:15-17 exhorts, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. The world passes away and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abideth forever.”
Each one who has been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus was in and of the world. God rescues people out of their sin and the world. We must humbly acknowledge that in former times, we were ‘of the world’. By His help, we have mortified the deeds of the flesh and deal with our own fallen nature in the power of the Spirit (Colossians 3). To be spiritual is to be separate. To be spiritual, according to the Bible, is to be holy. Achieving separation from the world is not grounds for pomp or pride. True separation is born out of humility, hatred toward evil, and love for the Creator. Sadly, many who desire separation are chided in various ways by other professing Christians.
The Church should live, teach, and exhort separation from the world. True repentance and conversion predicates the doctrine. As true believers order their lives around the precepts of God’s word, the commandments of Jesus, and the apostolic admonitions, there will be many opportunities to separate from the world. In its beauty, the Bible does not give many specifics bound by time and culture, but rather unique and vibrant principles that must be applied. Without separation from the world, can one truly identify themselves as a disciple of Jesus? An honest attempt at separation is far better than no attempt at all.
May the Lord, our great King and eternal Savior, guide us into all truth and application. May we humbly seek out His guidance to be separate from the world. May we not simply try to avoid the “big” sins only to go with the flow of the broader society. May we seek His will in the areas of adornment, entertainment, attitude, and lifestyle. Every area of life should be under the subjection of King Jesus.
Is separation from the world optional? God forbid. It is foundational.
Reflect on Zion's Harp Hymn #185 in its entirety.
Select Verses
Vs. 1: Come, children, let us journey; the evening draweth near; our path is full of danger; the desert, dark and drear! Encourage now your heart to future life to wander, grow strong until up yonder all grief and woe depart.
Vs. 2: We shall not be regretting we chose this pilgrims’ way; we know the One, so faithful, who leads us day by day. Believe and serve ye Him, each one his face directing, the narrow way selecting, straight to Jerusalem!
Vs. 3: The going out of Babel we never will regret, but hope to grow more perfect, more separated yet. Nay, children, do not fear; despise the world’s alluring, its wrath and hate enduring; march onward in good cheer.
Vs. 11: We journey in seclusion, despised and quite unknown, unseen mid the confusion of this land, not our own; yet, if the world pays heed, it hears our voices ringing, songs of the homeland singing, for which we yearn indeed.
(1) http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/separate
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