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.