As believers, we are called to live a life of separation and holiness, set apart from the world and its sinful ways. In Psalm 1:1, the psalmist writes, "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers." This passage emphasizes the importance of avoiding fellowship with sinful men, and instead seeking to walk in the ways of righteousness and holiness.
The Biblical Warning Against Fellowship with Sinful Men
The Bible provides numerous warnings against fellowship with sinful men. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, the apostle 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? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'" This passage emphasizes the importance of separating ourselves from unbelievers and avoiding fellowship with those who do not share our faith.
The Consequences of Fellowship with Sinful Men
The Bible also teaches that fellowship with sinful men can have serious consequences. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, the apostle Paul writes, "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This passage emphasizes that associating with sinful men can lead to corruption and a decline in our moral character.
_In Proverbs 22:24-25, the wise writer warns, "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared." This passage emphasizes that associating with sinful men can lead to learning their ways and getting ensnared in their sinful behavior._
Practical Ways to Avoid Fellowship with Sinful Men
So how can we avoid fellowship with sinful men and maintain a life of separation and holiness? Here are some practical steps:
1. Seek to Walk in the Ways of Righteousness: Seek to walk in the ways of righteousness and holiness, recognizing that this is the key to avoiding fellowship with sinful men. In Psalm 1:3, the psalmist writes, "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."
2. Avoid Associations with Sinful Men: Avoid associations with sinful men, recognizing that this can lead to corruption and a decline in our moral character. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, the apostle Paul warns against being yoked together with unbelievers.
3. Seek Fellowship with Believers: Seek fellowship with believers, recognizing that this is essential to our spiritual growth and development. In Hebrews 10:24-25, the writer encourages us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
4. Cultivate a Spirit of Discernment: Cultivate a spirit of discernment, recognizing that this is essential to avoiding fellowship with sinful men. In 1 Corinthians 2:14-15, the apostle Paul writes, "The person without the Spirit cannot accept or understand the things of God, because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments."
5. Seek Guidance from God's Word: Seek guidance from God's Word, recognizing that it provides wisdom and insight into God's plan for our lives. In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist writes, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of avoiding fellowship with sinful men. As we seek to live a life of separation and holiness, may we remember to seek to walk in the ways of righteousness, avoid associations with sinful men, seek fellowship with believers, cultivate a spirit of discernment, and seek guidance from God's Word.
