Live Normally But With Christ In Mind

A Christian should just live life normally, like everyone else, but with Christ in mind. How do we live with Christ in our mind? Two things - give glory to God and give thanks to Him.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)

Before we do anything, we ask, does it glorify God? If we always ask ourselves this question each time before we do anything, it will help to put a lot of things into its proper perspective.

And for everything that happened to us, we give thanks to God. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), the great Bible scholar who wrote a six-volume commentary on the Bible, was once robbed of his wallet. Knowing that it was his duty to give thanks for everything, he found, not one, but four reasons to give thanks to God for being robbed. He recorded in his diary the following:
"Let me be thankful, first, because he never robbed me before; second, because although he took my purse, he did not take my life; third, because although he took all I possessed, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed."

When we live our lives in this manner, we will be gradually transformed to be like Christ.

We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 CSB)

Christian Living - Two Things

After we are saved, how should we live our Christian life?
Two things - give glory to God and give thanks to Him.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)

What happen to people who do not give glory to God nor give thanks to Him?

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21 NIV)

Church versus Bar

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 ESV)

Happen to see this on the internet by chance:

QUOTE
A man went to church. He forgot to switch off his phone and it rang during prayer. The pastor scolded him. The worshippers admonished him after prayers for interrupting the silence. His wife kept on lecturing him on his carelessness all the way home. One could see the shame, embarrassment and humiliation on his face. After all this, he never stepped foot in the church again.

That evening, he went to a bar. He was still nervous and trembling. He spilled his drink on the table by accident. The waiter apologized and gave him a napkin to clean himself. The janitor mopped the floor. The female manager offered him a complimentary drink. She also gave him a huge hug and a peck while saying, "Don't worry man. Who doesn't make mistakes?" He has not stopped going to that bar since then.
UNQUOTE

Profit motivation seems to work better than gratitude-motivation.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Colossians 3:12-13 ESV)

We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19 ESV)

Successful Believer Looks Like a Failure in the Eyes of the World

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. (2 Corinthians 11:25 BSB)

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. (Hebrews 11:24-25 ESV)

A successful believer may not look like a successful person in the eyes of the world. Let us look at the examples of Moses and Paul.

If you were an observer during the times of Moses, would you not think that Moses was stupid to reject Egyptian royalty? Paul could have been a famous rabbi, like his teacher Gamaliel.

Examples - Bible vs Koran

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV)

The apostle Paul urged Christians to follow his example, just as he follow the example of Jesus.

Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad SAW) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. (Surah 33:21 Muhsin Khan version)

Allah urges Muslims to follow the example of Mohammed.

If Jesus Paid It All, Why Do We Have To Count The Cost?

But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:12 CSB)
Jesus paid it all.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23 KJV)
Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? (Luke 14:27-28 ESV)
Why do we have to count the cost?

I have heard how some pastors explain in this way, salvation is free but discipleship is costly. So is God a wicked fisherman who hide the sharp hook of discipleship within the free bait of salvation? Or are there two classes of believers, ordinary believers and disciples?

When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, I did not count the cost. Neither I did I do a cost benefit analysis. I did not know what a wonderful benefit eternal life is. I could not fully understand that I have escape eternal damnation. I did not know much. I did not have the Bible. I just accepted blindly.

Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4 CSB)

Looking back, I saw the wonderful grace of God working in me, walking with Him for more than forty nine years. If there had been any earthly cost, I think I have reaped more earthly benefit, and that is not counting the eternal gain that I will be having.

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24 ESV)

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. (Romans 4:20-21 KJV)

Don't count the cost. Believe God. Whatever He had promised, He is able to deliver.

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)

Brethren, pray for us. (1 Thessalonians 5:25 KJV)

The Empire Paul Built Through Christ - 2

For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:18-19 NASB)

I stand amazed at what Paul the apostle had accomplished during his times when transportation was primitive and a day's journey by foot was probably about 40 km. Yet he was able to spread the gospel in about 12 years from Jerusalem to Illyricum (modern day Serbia / Croatia) via Syria and Galatia.

Seven Reasons Why God Makes a "Crook" in a Christian's Lot

Found this interesting article, "7 Reasons Why God Makes a "Crook" in a Christian's Lot - Beautiful Christian Life":

QUOTE
"Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked?" -  Ecclesiastes 7:13
You may be wondering why God has allowed various afflictions in your life. In an introduction to eighteenth-century Scottish pastor and theologian Thomas Boston's book The Crook in the Lot, J. I. Packer describes a "crook" this way:

But in Thomas Boston's usage the crook is the crooked, that is the uncomfortable, discontenting aspects of a person's life, the things that the Puritans called losses and crosses, and that we speak of as the stones in our shoe, the thorns in our bed, the burrs under the saddle, and the complaints we have to live with; and the lot is the providentially appointed path that God sets each of his servants to travel. (Thomas Boston, The Crook in the Lot: Living with That Thorn in Your Side, pp. 7-8)

It is helpful to consider God's purposes in your adversities so that you can respond in a manner that brings glory to him. Here are seven reasons  according to Boston why God makes a "crook" in a person's lot, along with related Bible passages:

1. The trial of one's state, whether or not one is in the state of grace.
   Even though we know from reading the book of Job that God allowed Satan to tempt Job to curse God through all the calamities Job faced, including the loss of his children, his wealth, and even his health, Job was not privy to that knowledge:
   And the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" Then Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face." (Job 1:8-11; see also 1 Pet. 4:12)
2. The excitation to duty, weaning one from this world, and prompting him to look after the happiness of the other world.
   The apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, came to a place in his life where he knew it was better to be with the Lord when his work in this world was finished:
   For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. (Phil 1:21-24)
3. The conviction of sin.
   Joseph's brothers were convicted of the sin they thought had been hidden for years when coming before the governor of Egypt (Joseph, although unbeknownst to them) to buy grain because of the famine.
   Then they [Joseph's brothers] said to one another, "In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us." (Gen. 42:21)
4. The correction, or punishment, for sin.
   While God forgave the repentant David for his sins of adultery and murder, David still faced consequences for his actions.
   "Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife." (2 Sam. 12:9-10)
5. The prevention of sin.
   Joseph had cause to be prideful when he was young because his father favored him, and dreams indicated that his brothers would bow down to him (Gen. 37:1-11). Although his years spent as a slave and a prisoner were great trials for Joseph (Gen. 39-40), he learned humility of spirit during that time, which would be needed for the work the Lord had for him to save God's people from the famine to come. After Joseph asked Pharaoh's chief cup bearer to speak to the ruler about his unjust imprisonment, he still remained in prison for two more years:
   "In three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office, and you shall place Pharaoh's cup in his hand as formerly, when you were his cupbearer. Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house. For I was indeed stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the pit"….Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. (Gen.40:13-15; 23)
6. The discovery of latent corruption, whether in saints or sinners, for the due humiliation of sinners.
   Even Moses, who spoke with God face-to-face, failed to obey perfectly. After Moses struck the rock at Meribah to bring forth water instead of speaking to it as God commanded him to do, God did not allow Moses or Aaron to enter the promised land (Num. 20:7-11):
   And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them." (Num. 20:12).
7. The exercise of grace in the children of God.
   Paul had a crook in his lot that he asked the Lord to take away, but God refused in order to show the power of Christ in Paul's weakness:
   So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Cor. 12:7-9)

Christians do not need to fear the "crooks" God allows in their lives but can instead rest in God's faithfulness. Boston reminds us to keep our focus on God's grace, even in our suffering:
The truth is, the crook in the lot is the great engine of Providence for making men appear in their true colours, discovering both their ill and their good. And if the grace of God is in them, it will bring it out, and cause it to display itself. It so puts the Christian to his shifts, that however it makes him stagger for awhile, yet it will at length evidence both the reality and the strength of grace in him.

While we will not always know why God has made a crook in our lot, we can always trust that he is using it for good and his glory in the lives of his beloved children.
UNQUOTE

The Two Witnesses - Israel And Church

"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. (Isaiah 43:10 NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8 NIV)

Paul versus Mao

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17 ESV)

"A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery; it cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous. A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another." Mao Tse-tung

How different is Paul from that evil man, even as both talked about not eating and drinking. One is about peace and joy, the other about insurrection and violence. Woe to those who believe in violence and class struggle. They do not want peace and shall not have any.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)

The Sons Of Jacob

The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob's firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. The sons of Bilhah, Rachel's servant: Dan and Naphtali. The sons of Zilpah, Leah's servant: Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Paddan-aram. (Genesis 35:23-26 ESV)

These sons of Jacob, other than Joseph, were no exemplary characters. The Bible wrote these about the sons of Jacob:

1. Reuben slept with his father's concubine Bilhah (Genesis 35:21-22).
2. Simeon and Levi are violent characters who killed men in anger (Genesis 34:25-26) and tortured animals for fun (Genesis 49:5-6).
3. Judah looked for prostitutes after his wife passed away (Genesis 38:15-19).
4. Jacob's sons also sold Joseph to the Midianites (Genesis 37:28) and took part in looting Shechem (Genesis 34:27-29).

What can we learn from all these bad examples?

The first thing we learn is that God's will cannot be stopped by the sin of men. The success of Israel is never dependant on the goodness of Israel, but on the faithfulness of God.

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6 KJV)

The next thing we can learn from these bad examples are there is no one is so bad that he cannot be saved. Hell is reserved for those who think that they are good, not for those who know that they are bad. Whosoever who know that they are bad and believed that Jesus can save them will be saved.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

All And Everything

Seek God at all times!
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:6 NLT)

Thank God for everything!
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)

Praise God for everything!
I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. (Psalm 34:1 NLT)

Glorify God in all you do!
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)

Saved By Grace; Live By Faith

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 ESV)

How shall one live after becoming a Christian? He or she must live by faith in Jesus. We cannot depend on ourselves. The world teaches us to depend on ourselves. "Don't depend too much on anyone in this world. Even your shadow leaves you when you are in darkness." The Bible teaches us to depend on God. We live our lives in flesh by trusting in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us.

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32 ESV)

Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NASB)

For we are saved by grace to live by faith.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

Note:
In Galatians 2:20, do we live by faith "in the Son (most modern translations)" or "of the Son (KJV)"?
Here are two articles that commented on the above:
Question: Based upon Gal 2:20 ("I live by the faith of the Son of God"), some teach that Christ had to have faith in God...but
Some "Greek", The Faith of Christ in Galatians 2:20 | The Evangelical Calvinist

Good Verses For 2018

God is faithful.
But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NLT)

His Word is alive.
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NASB)

Going To Miss A Sermon On Romans 16

There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after. (Ecclesiastes 1:11 ESV)

This morning, I am going to miss the sermon on Romans 16:12-16 by Rev Dr Tang Tuck Keong because I am overseas.

Volumes had been written on the rest on Romans, but to me, it is Romans 16 that is the most touching part of the whole epistle. It is one of the best parts of the Bible and it makes the Bible different from other books. It is the part that make the epistle real by writing about real people in the church. Imagine these were the ordinary people who lived 2000 years ago and their names and relationships are preserved for us till today, just like our names, which will be preserved because they are written in the Book of Life for eternity. When we are gone, nobody will know us. But that is not important. Because we know God and we know Jesus whom He had sent, we will be remembered by the One who will not die.

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3 ESV)

Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. (Romans 16:12-16 ESV)

Too Many Words Mars One's Testimony

When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19 HCSB)

Even a fool who remains silent is considered wise, and the one who holds his tongue is deemed discerning. (Proverbs 17:28 NET)

But let your word 'yes be 'yes,' and your 'no be 'no.' Anything more than this is from the evil one. (Matthew 5:37 HCSB)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20 ESV)

Walk to Know, Know to Trust

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

Saw this UOB video about building trust.

We need to build our trust (or faith) in God. To trust in God, we must know God. When we know that someone is reliable, we will trust him. Likewise we also have to know God before we can trust Him. To know God, the only way is to walk with Him. To walk with Him means to keep His commandments. When we keep His commandments and apply them to our daily living, we will see that they are true and good. Then our faith in Him will increase.

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8 ESV)

Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. (Deuteronomy 8:6 KJV)

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 ESV)

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3 KJV)

Gentleness

A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. (Isaiah 42:3 KJV)
A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. (Matthew 12:20 KJV)

During the Wednesday night prayer meeting, elder Cheong shared on "Kindness & Gentleness". An act of kindness has a three-way effect, on the helped, the helper and the observers.

Definition
Gentleness - power under perfect control;

Example
God has great power, but He exercise it with great gentleness. And Jesus is our great example in gentleness.

Application
Especially to our loved ones and family, where we normally show our true colour.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 KJV)

In the World But Not of the World

And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." (John 8:23-24 NASB)

Naturally separated
If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:19 ESV)

But not taken out of the world
I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 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. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. (John 17:14-19 ESV)

So as to be a witness
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 KJV)

Therefore interaction is still needed
I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people - not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. (1 Corinthians 5:9-10 ESV)

But we do not conform to this world
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. (Romans 12:2 ESV)

Remaining separated
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 ESV)

Lest we become the enemy of God
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:4 KJV)

For we worked against spiritual wickedness in high places
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12 KJV)

And our adversary is like a lion seeking to devour us
Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. (1 Peter 5:8 HCSB)

But we are not fearful, for we have the right Man on our side
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. (John 10:28-29 ESV)

Biblical Separation

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3 KJV)

Separation is natural, and sometimes, necessary.

Examples of natural separation

1. Truth from lies;
2. Light from darkness;
3. Sick from healthy (especially in hospitals).

Christians also need to separate, based on scriptures, to God and holiness.

Separation from sin
Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV)

Separation from the world
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 ESV)
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:4 KJV)

Separation from immoral brethren
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17 ESV)
I wrote to you in a letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. I did not mean the immoral people of this world or the greedy and swindlers or idolaters; otherwise you would have to leave the world. But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer who is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbally abusive, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. (1 Corinthians 5:9-11 HCSB)

Separation from brethren who believe in false doctrines

Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned. (Titus 3:10-11 HCSB)
Anyone who does not remain in Christ’s teaching but goes beyond it, does not have God. The one who remains in that teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home, and don't say, "Welcome," to him; for the one who says, "Welcome," to him shares in his evil works. (2 John 1:9-11 HCSB)
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17 ESV)

Effects of non-separation

1. Separation from God
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2 KJV)
2. Infection
Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV)
Leaven - false doctrine
A little leaven leavens the whole lump. (Galatians 5:9 ESV)
Leaven - immorality
Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? (1 Corinthians 5:6 ESV)

3. Destruction
Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. (Numbers 16:21 KJV)
But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. (Revelation 2:14-16 ESV)
Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. (Revelation 18:4-5 ESV)