Separating Yourself from Worldly Influences Biblically
Biblical Foundations for Separating from Worldly Influences
The concept of separating oneself from worldly influences is rooted in various biblical passages that caution against the corrupting effects of worldly values and behaviors. In Colossians 2:8, Paul warns the Colossian church to beware of "philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ" [1]. This warning underscores the importance of discerning between teachings that align with Christ's teachings and those that stem from worldly or humanistic origins.
The early Christian church faced challenges in defining the boundaries between their faith and the surrounding pagan culture. The Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15:20, advised Gentile converts to "abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood" [2]. This directive was aimed at helping the early Christians maintain their distinct identity and avoid practices associated with idolatry and immorality.
The Call to Holiness and Separation
The biblical call to holiness involves a process of separation from practices and influences deemed unclean or contrary to God's will. In Joshua 3:5, the Israelites are instructed to "purify yourselves" before entering the Promised Land, indicating a need to separate themselves from anything unclean that could bar them from God's presence [4]. This theme of purification and separation is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are exhorted to live a life distinct from the world's values.
Paul's writings emphasize the importance of this separation. In 2 Corinthians 6:17, he quotes Isaiah 52:11, saying, "Come out from among them and be separate...touch no unclean thing" [5]. This call to separation is not about physical isolation but about spiritual distinction, urging believers to avoid practices and associations that could lead to spiritual contamination.
Practical Applications
The New Testament provides various practical instructions on how to maintain this separation. In 1 Timothy 4:7, believers are advised to "have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness" [3]. This involves rejecting teachings or practices that are not grounded in scripture and instead pursuing a life of spiritual discipline and godliness.
Jesus' prayer in John 17:15, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil," highlights the balance between being in the world and being kept from its evil influences [7]. This petition underscores the importance of spiritual protection and the need for believers to navigate the world without succumbing to its corrupting influences.
Historical and Theological Perspectives
Throughout Christian history, the concept of separating oneself from worldly influences has been interpreted and applied in various ways. The early church fathers, such as John Chrysostom, emphasized the need to seek the "new things of grace" rather than adhering to outdated practices or traditions [6]. In the Reformation era and beyond, theologians like those represented in the Presbyterian and Nonconformist/Puritan traditions continued to stress the importance of living a life distinct from worldly values.
Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist/Puritan commentator, notes on Psalm 37:1 that believers are cautioned against envying the prosperity of the wicked, indicating a need to maintain a spiritual perspective that is not swayed by worldly success [8]. Similarly, in his commentary on Matthew 6:25, Henry discusses Jesus' warnings against the distracting and distrustful cares of this life, emphasizing the need to prioritize spiritual concerns over material ones [9].
Conclusion
The biblical call to separate oneself from worldly influences is a multifaceted concept that involves both a theological understanding of holiness and practical applications in daily life. By examining the scriptural foundations and the historical interpretations of this concept, believers can deepen their understanding of what it means to live a life distinct from the world while still being present in it. As reflected in the various traditions represented in the sources, this call to separation remains a vital aspect of Christian discipleship, urging believers to navigate the complexities of living in the world without being conformed to its values.
Sources
- Colossians “Colossians 2:8 (BSB) — See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.”
- Acts “but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood. -- Acts 15:20”
- 1 Timothy “1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB) — But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;”
- Joshua (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Joshua 3:5: 3:5 Purify yourselves: They had to separate themselves from anything unclean that would bar an Israelite from coming into God’s presence (cp. Exod 19:9-20; Lev 11:44).”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 6:17: Quoted from Isa 52:11, with the freedom of one inspired, who gives variations sanctioned by the Holy Spirit. be ye separate--"be separated" (Hos 4:17). touch not the unclean thing--rather, "anything unclean" (Co2 7:1; Mic 2:10). Touching is more polluting, as implying participation, than seeing. receive you--The Greek implies, "to myself"; as persons heretofore out of doors, but now admitted within (Co2 5:1-10). With this accords the clause, "Come out from among them," namely, so as to be received to me. So Eze 20:41, "I will accept you"; ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: heaven and the earth, and all the creation, shall with our bodies be translated into incorruption. Tell me not then, he says, of circumcision, which now availeth nothing; (for how shall it appear, when all things have undergone such a change?) but seek the new things of grace. For they who pursue these things shall enjoy peace and amity, and may properly be called by the name of “Israel.” While they who hold contrary sentiments, although they be descended from him (Israel) and bear his appellation, have yet fallen away from all t”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 17:15: I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world--for that, though it would secure their own safety, would leave the world unblessed by their testimony. but . . . keep them from the evil--all evil in and of the world.”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 37:1: The instructions here given are very plain; much need not be said for the exposition of them, but there is a great deal to be done for the reducing of them to practice, and there they will look best. I. We are here cautioned against discontent at the prosperity and success of evil-doers (Psa 37:1, Psa 37:2): Fret not thyself, neither be thou envious. We may suppose that David speaks this to himself first, and preaches it to his own heart (in his communing with that upon his bed), for the suppressing of those corrupt passions which he found working there, and then ”
- Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 6:25: There is scarcely any one sin against which our Lord Jesus more largely and earnestly warns his disciples, or against which he arms them with more variety of arguments, than the sin of disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the things of life, which are a bad sign that both the treasure and the heart are on the earth; and therefore he thus largely insists upon it. Here is, I. The prohibition laid down. It is the counsel and command of the Lord Jesus, that we take no thought about the things of this world; I say unto you. He says it as our Lawgiver, and”