Separation, Isolation and Identification ; The Heart of Bible Study

#1 · March 9, 2006, 8:32 am

Quote from Forum Archives on March 9, 2006, 8:32 am
Posted by: gracepeaceu <gracepeaceu@...>

Grace & Peace

An e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,

edification and encouragement

Issue No.013 <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />March 9, 2006

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In this issue:-

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Perspective: -<SPAN style="mso-spacerun:
yes">                             Separation, Isolation and Identification

Worthy quotes: -<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes">                          Sacrifice

Brief article: -<B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">                             The Heart of Bible Study

<SPAN style="COLOR:
fuchsia">Sermon Out line: -                       Angelic Ministry for the Saints.

Anecdote: -<SPAN style="mso-spacerun:
yes">                                  Bungled Burglar

To ponder over: -   <SPAN style="mso-spacerun:
yes">               1Pet.2:9

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Perspective: -<B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">                               Separation, Isolation and Identification

<FONT face="Times New
Roman">            Bro. M & family is in trouble. The reason: - neighboring women ridiculed Mrs. M for having no ornaments and a bindi on her forehead. Their harassment came to the extent of stopping her drawing water from the common well. Now Mrs. M wants to make some compromise out of compulsion but Bro. M doesnt want to comply.

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4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt">

It is not an isolated case. The issue is not just Christians dress or ornaments, but our separate identity. Can a believer follow a distinct biblical life where ever he/she may be? Is it necessary to adopt the style of the place where we stay? Is it necessary for us to follow the crowd, sacrificing our principle and faith?

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It is definitely an important issue especially in this liberal, promiscuous age. There will be much pressure from many quarters to walk like others.

Through out the scriptures we read that Gods people are called upon to lead a separated life unto the Lord. Gen.12:1ff.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> Israelites were often warned against following the style of the gentiles. Josh. 23:7-16. They were severely punished for conforming to the pagan life. Num.25:1-9. Separation was their strength and basis for their blessings. Judg.16:17, Num.23:8, 9.

<div class=MsoNormal style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none;
TEXT-ALIGN: justify; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; tab-stops: .5in 321.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt">In the New Testament too separation is an important truth. Our Lord lived a separated life. Heb.7:26. Corinthian church is exhorted to maintain separation. 2 Cor. 7:14-18. The meaning and implication of redemption advocate a separate identity for a Christian. The truth of regeneration and new life make it mandatory. The very nature and attributes of our God also demand it.

But what is the extend of separation? What are the areas where we need to maintain separation?

<div class=MsoNormal
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; tab-stops: .5in 321.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt">There are some who argue that separation means total isolation from unbelievers. They dont even eat from a hotel or stay in a housing society, saying that it is sacrificing our separate identity and an unequal yoke! That is another extreme.

The Lord Jesus was often accused by the Pharisees for her proximity to the sinners and publicans. He ate with them and loved them. His effort was not to copy their life style but to win them. Daniel and friends did not oppose at the name changing but took a stand when they were challenged to compromise their faith and food.

That means there are areas where we can identify with others. Such co-operation sans

<div class=MsoNormal style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: justify;
mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; tab-stops: .5in 321.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt"> We must maintain our identity yet identifying with others where ever we can. This balance should be kept as we live among different people. The Lord and the saints lived in such a manner. It is our responsibility to know well of our standard from the word of God and take a stand.