Separation or Isolation

2 Corinthians 6

1. The example of Paul (1-13)

2. The need for separation (14-18)

 

    These passages call for separation, but not isolation. Separation has nothing to do with your distance from worldly individuals. We would find our Lord right in the middle of harlots and common thieves and yet he was totally separated. Separation will gain you the respect of the lost, where isolation will keep you from ever influencing the lost. If you are separated you will stand out in a crowd, if you are isolated you will never be noticed by the crowd.

    I realize that most of us have not ran off and started our own commune, but in a way our churches have become our commune. We spend hours per week there and then we fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, all of which is not bad in and of its self, but when do we spend time with lost people and seek to affect them? Be separated in deed. I am sure Jesus stuck out like a sore thumb in those crowds. But don't chose isolation, because the lost world is counting on you.

2 Corinthians 7

1. Rejoicing in their relationship (1-7)

2. Godly sorrow (8-16)

Godly sorrow=repentance=salvation

Worldly sorrow=death