Bad company corrupts good character. Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Company: Homillee-ah=companionship, to be friends with, partnership (strongs)
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers.
How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols?
For we are the temple of the living God.
As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them.
I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,
and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD.
Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you
And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty. 2 Cor 6:14-18
If God is walking with you, does He approve of the company you are with? The words spoken? The places you go?
We are 4 given commands:
1. Come out from unbelievers
2. Separate yourself from them
3. Do not touch or get near their filthy things
4. Do not team up with unbelievers
I Considered the questions Paul asked…
1. Can righteousness partner with wickedness?…well…no
2. Can light live with darkness? Uhmmm impossible
3. Can there be harmony with Christ and the Devil? Never
4. Can there be union between God’s temple and idol? No way!
5. Then why do you think a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? Because I’m wrong
This verse reminds us:
1. You are the temple of the Living God
2. He is your Father
3. You are His sons and daughters
Separate yourselves and you shall be my sons and daughters.
They can “shipwreck you”
When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. 13 They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness. Jude 1:12
Enjoy the company of those who call on the Lord with Pure hearts
If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22
Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they receivedfrom us. For you know that you ought to imitate us. 2Thes 3:6
Stay away from them, but warn them as you would a brother or sister
Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. 15 Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister 2 Thes 3:6
“Stay away from people like that…. “
in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence ofvulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 7Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 9 But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres
I call it “Keeping a healthy distance” 1 Cor 5:9-13
When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.
Associate: soon-an-am-ig-noo-mee: means to mix with, associate with, and keep company.
This is different from the meaning of words used in other scripture (1 Cor 15:33/ Ps 106). which implies creating friendships, marriage, partnerships with unbelievers and those living in sin. It would be impossible to avoid every non believer. We do associate with them, but the scripture warns us not to joined in a relationship that could destroy our walk with the Lord. Be an example of the love of Christ and remember the people that Jesus came for – the sick, the lost, the captive, the sinners- be an example of Christ – but stay away from the sin that binds them. Putting all the scripture together, we can see that there is a line we are not to cross. We can associate with non believers living in sin, but we are not to team up with them or mingle to the point where we corrupt ourselves. Now about the believers who live in sexual sin- what would that say to the world if you were to form a partnership with them? Just think about it..on to the rest of my post…..
I teach my children that if their friends choose to be bullies and hurt others, they need to back away and find new friends to associate with. They still associate with them at times and are nice, but they are not to take part in the things they do.
What about marriage??? 1 Cor 7:12-23
Now, I will speak to the rest of you, though I do not have a direct command from the Lord. If a Christian man has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her. And if a Christian woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy. (But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace.) Don’t you wives realize that your husbands might be saved because of you? And don’t you husbands realize that your wives might be saved because of you? Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches. For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments. Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you.
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Prov 13:20
You must influence them; do not let them influence you! Jeremiah 15:19
But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works Psalm 106:33-42
Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips. They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them: But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, and shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood. Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance. And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.
Mingle : aw-rab – to intermix, have fellowship with, mingle, partnerships
What was the trap? The snare that destroyed them? They were mingled among the heathen and learned their works.
What were the sins that they learned and lived? (nlt version)
1. They learned and adapted their evil customs
2. they worshiped their idols (worshipping things of this world –Eph 5;7-11)
3. sacrificed their sons and daughters to demons
4. shed innocent blood
5. polluted the land with murder
6. defiled themselves by their evil deed
7. adultery – their love of idols.
As a Christian, I find that sometimes I have to step back and stay away from certain circles of people even though I like them and enjoy their company. I cannot stand with them when they make fun of others, when they mock the weak, gossip about friends, get drunk, use filthy language, live promiscuous lives or hurt others with their words. At times I can feel sad about this and feel left out, but Psalm 1 encourages me. The words remind me of His promises for me and lead me along the path that pleases Him. My life goal is to live a life pleasing to Him. When I stop to remember 2 Cor 6:14- that He walks me, it makes me really consider the people I mingle with – would the Lord approve of this conversation?
Psalm 1- Blessings for obedience
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. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 1 instructs us:
1. Do not walk with the ungodly
2. Do not stand in the way of sinners
3. Do not sit in the seat of the scornful
Don’t participate in the things these people do Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them Eph 3-11
Don’t participate and don’t have it AMONG YOU –OR AROUND YOU.
What should you keep away from? What is not for you?
1. obscene stories
2. foolish talk
3. coarse jokes
4. impurity
5. greed (idolater)
6. sexual immorality
Here’s our warning: Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do.
Warning: Some want to lead you astray from your fellowship with the Father and the Son 1 John 2:24-27
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul Prov 22:24
Instructions:
1. Love others. 1 J 2:9 If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates another brother or sister is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.
2. Be careful that we don’t fall into idolatry and begin to worship the things of this world. 1 J 2:15-17: Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
3. Be Patient with others Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.Eph 4:2
4. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection,and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Romans 9:12-16
Hear the Word of the Lord
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Prov 13:20
So this is what the LORD says to his people: “You love to wander far from me and do not restrain yourselves. Therefore, I will no longer accept you as my people. Now I will remember all your wickedness and will punish you for your sins.” Jeremiah 14:10
The LORD has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. Make the LORD of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. Isaiah 8: 11-13
Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness. Prov 12:18-23
All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. John 3:20-21
Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it. But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted. Proverbs 2:20
If you have ever had to separate yourself from certain things, events or people because of your beliefs, you can understand how Jeremiah felt: Jeremiah 15: 15
I said “LORD, you know what’s happening to me.
Please step in and help me. Punish my persecutors!
Please give me time; don’t let me die young.
It’s for your sake that I am suffering.
When I discovered your words, I devoured them.
They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name,
O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies.
I never joined the people in their merry feasts.
I sat alone because your hand was on me.
I was filled with indignation at their sins.
Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable?
Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook,
like a spring that has gone dry.”
This is how the LORD responds:
“If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you! They will fight against you like an attacking army, but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze. They will not conquer you, for I am with you to protect and rescue you. I, the LORD, have spoken! Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men. I will rescue you from their cruel hands.”
But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.
Dear children,
Don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God. o you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us.
May the grace of the Lord be with you. May He fill you with all knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Be a light in this world. Work hard to please Him. He loves you.
Ancient Paths 