The Church and Separation

Bible Reading:  I Corinthians 10:15-33

Key Verse: Verse 31 – “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Key Words: do all to the glory of God

We talk often about believers being separated from the world, but I also believe in ecclesiastical separation as well.  The church should be separated from the world.  This includes the dress of the world and the music of the world.  But the church should also separate itself from interdenominationalism which produces compromise.  Let me share with you three things in regard to separation.

First, there are areas of separation.  We should be separated in our desires (Colossians 3:1-2), in our appearance (Deuteronomy 22:5, I Timothy 2:9-10, I Corinthians 11:14), and we should be separated in our behavior (Colossians 3:17, I Thessalonians 4:11-12).

Secondly, we should be separated from questionable things.  Three questions we should always ask in deciding if a thing is right or wrong.

1. Does it bring glory to God?  I Corinthians 10:31.
2. Will it build my testimony?  I Corinthians 10:23.
3. Am I doing this for self or others?  I Corinthians 10:33

The real key to being separated from the world and to God is having a desire to please God.

 Someone once said, “When you displease God, it doesn’t matter whom you please.”  So as for your church, who are you trying to please?

 

What to do: 

✞Every church should exist for the sole purpose of pleasing God.

                                                                                                                    Dr. Mike Rouse