InstaStudy

A Call to Purity: Understanding and Embracing a Separated Life

This Bible study explores the biblical call to live a life of separation from worldly influences and false doctrines, emphasizing the singular truth of God and the power available to believers for holy living.

1. The Foundation of Our Faith: One God, One Lord

1.1 The Singular Nature of God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6; Mark 12:29
  • God is one, not divided into multiple persons.
  • There is no other God besides Him, He is the sole Creator and Redeemer.

1.2 Jesus Christ: The Fullness of the Godhead Bodily

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 1:1; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • Jesus is God manifested in flesh, the complete revelation of the Father.
  • All the attributes and power of God reside fully in Jesus Christ.

1.3 The One Name for Salvation

Verses: Acts 4:12; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5
  • Salvation is exclusively found and administered through the name of Jesus.
  • Water baptism is to be performed in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

2. Avoiding the World's Influence

2.1 Separation from Worldly Desires

Verses: 1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4; Romans 12:2
  • Believers are commanded not to love the world or the things that are in the world.
  • Worldly desires and affections are contrary to the love of God and lead to spiritual compromise.

2.2 Avoiding Ungodly Practices

Verses: 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 5:3-5
  • We are called to flee from sin and all forms of unrighteousness.
  • A life of holiness and purity is essential for those who belong to Christ.

2.3 The Danger of Compromise

Verses: Matthew 6:24; Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21
  • A divided heart cannot fully serve God, leading to spiritual instability.
  • Complete commitment to Christ requires a clear choice to serve Him alone, without wavering.

3. Avoiding Spiritual Deception

3.1 Guarding Against False Teachings

Verses: 1 John 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Galatians 1:8-9
  • Believers must be discerning and test all spirits to ensure they align with truth.
  • We are to hold fast to sound doctrine and reject teachings that deviate from the apostles' message.

3.2 The Importance of Apostolic Doctrine

Verses: Acts 2:42; Acts 2:38; Jude 1:3
  • Adherence to the original teachings and practices of the apostles is crucial for true faith.
  • The pattern for salvation and Christian living established by the early church remains the standard.

3.3 Recognizing the Spirit of Error

Verses: 1 John 4:2-3; 2 Peter 2:1-3
  • False spirits often deny the full deity of Jesus Christ or His singular authority.
  • Such deceptive spirits lead people away from the foundational truths of the Gospel.

4. Empowered to Avoid: The Holy Spirit and the Name of Jesus

4.1 The Indwelling Power of the Holy Spirit

Verses: Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16; John 16:13
  • The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin and live righteously.
  • He guides us into all truth and provides strength to resist temptation.

4.2 Victory Through the Name of Jesus

Verses: Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17; Acts 3:6
  • The name of Jesus carries all authority and power over evil and every opposing force.
  • We are strengthened and enabled to live a victorious life by invoking and living in His name.

4.3 Living a Consecrated Life

Verses: Romans 12:1; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16
  • Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice is an act of worship and commitment to God.
  • We are called to actively pursue peace and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.