In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, understanding the centrality of God is crucial for grasping truth, humanity, and purpose., and how this impacts our understanding of human nature, morality, and the meaning of life. As believers, we are called to live in the world but not be of the world (John 17:14-16). This means separating ourselves from the corrupting influences of the world and living according to God's standards. We will explore the importance of separation from worldly influences.
God's Centrality in Truth
* God is the source of all truth (Gen 1:1; Ex 20:2; Ps 24:1-2)
* Truth is discovered through revelation (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:21) and serious inquiry into God's Word (Heb 11:6; John 5:39)
* God's truth is authoritative and absolute (2 Tim 3:16)
Humanity's Creation and Fall
* Human beings were created in God's image (Gen 1:26-28) with individuality, power, and freedom
* The fall of Adam and Eve resulted in a bent toward evil (Gen 3; Rom 5:12) and the curse of death
* Humanity is a constant struggle between good and evil.
Redemption and Purpose
* Only Christ can rescue us from Satan's grasp (Rom 7:24,25; 8:1)
* The Christian's moral order centers in God, not humanity (Ten Commandments; Jesus' two greatest commandments)
* The knowledge of God provides purpose and meaning for life (John 12:46; 15:5-7)
* Events are moving toward God's climactic intervention to eliminate evil and restore perfection (2 Cor 4:17-18; 1 Cor 15:24-26).
The Need for Biblical Counselling
* 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 & 7:1 emphasizes the importance of separating ourselves from unbelievers and idols
* 2 Corinthians 11:3 warns against being corrupted by the simplicity of Christ
* Colossians 2:8 cautions against being taken captive by hollow and deceptive philosophy
As believers, we are called to present the truth of God's Word to others, but we must also be mindful of the potential for rejection and the importance of separating ourselves from worldly influences. In this article, we will explore the Bible's guidance on biblical counselling, the dangers of compromising with godless therapy, and the need to guard ourselves from false knowledge and worldly philosophies.
The Dangers of Compromise
* Psalm 1:1-3 highlights the blessings of meditating on God's law and avoiding the counsel of the ungodly
* 1 Timothy 6:20,21 advises us to turn away from godless chatter and opposing ideas falsely called knowledge
* 2 Timothy 3:1-7 warns against people who are lovers of themselves and have a form of godliness but deny its power.
The Foundation of Jesus Christ
* 1 Corinthians 2:11 reminds us that Jesus Christ is the foundation, and no other foundation can be laid
* Matthew 11:28,29 invites us to come to Jesus and take His yoke upon us, learning from Him and finding rest for our souls.
Separation from World
Separation from the world is not a suggestion, but a commandment. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Paul writes, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?"
This separation is not just physical, but also spiritual. In 1 John 2:15-17, we are warned, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world."
The consequences of not separating ourselves from worldly influences are severe. In James 4:4, we are told, "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."
On the other hand, the benefits of separation are numerous. In Psalm 1:1-3, we read, "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."
In conclusion, separation from worldly influences is a crucial aspect of the Christian life.
By guarding our hearts and minds from the corrupting influences of the world and living according to God's standards, we can experience spiritual growth, prosperity, and a deeper relationship with God. As we strive to live a life pleasing to Him, let us remember the importance of separation and the promises that come with it.
As we present the truth of God's Word to others, let us remember the importance of separating ourselves from worldly influences and guarding ourselves from false knowledge and philosophies. May we stand firm on the foundation of Jesus Christ and find rest in His yoke, as we continue to share His love and truth with others.Amen.
