Introduction:
1 John 2:15 - Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
2 Timothy 4:10 - For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.
Three Truths About Separation: (Judges 13:1-25):
Romans 12:1-2 - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
- Separation is NOT about focusing on External things.
- Separation is a Reality and a Process.
Galatians 6:14 - But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
- Separation was Modeled perfectly by Jesus Christ.
John 17:15-17 - I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!
Small Group Discussion
Read Judges 13
What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
In thinking of “separation from the world”, do you tend to be more of a hermit or a chameleon? Why?
How can you recognize when “worldliness” creeps into your life, that you are “drifting away” in your walk with Christ?
You can “crowd out” worldliness by filling your affections with the cross of Christ. Specifically, how can you actively do that?
Romans 12:1-2 tells us to “renew our minds”. Explain what this means, and how you renew your mind.
Breakout
Pray for one another. How can we, as individuals and a church, strive to be in the world but separate from the world?