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Knowledge of evil, along with continual
exposure to Satan's ways, will lead many from the path of faith and obedience.
Lot found this out to his deep sorrow when he lost his family (Genesis
13:12-13; 19:1-38). Scripture warns that ...evil communications corrupt
good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33), and that Jesus Christ ... Who
gave himself ...that he might deliver us from this present evil world...
(Galatians 1:3-4). Those who advocate exposing children to an ungodly environment
and/or influence are in danger of violating Jesus' warning in Matthew 18:6.
Believers should do all in their
power to keep their children from being exposed to sin's deceitfulness
and the perverseness of this generation. To refuse to protect our children
disregards the Holy Spirit's desire that they be innocent about what is
evil.
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 (Psalms 1:1). Parents bless
their children by keeping them away from "the counsel of the wicked" and
"the way of sinners."
Don Stamp's commentary in the Full
life Study Bible stated the following in his note on this verse:
The concept of separation from evil
is fundamental to God's relationship with His people. According to the
Bible, separation evolves two dimensions-one negative and one positive:
(a) separating yourself morally and spiritually from sin and everything
that is contrary to Jesus Christ, righteous and God's Word; (b) drawing
near to God in a close intimate fellowship thorough dedication, worship
and service.
In the Old Testament, separation
was an ongoing requirement for God's people (Exodus 23:24; Leviticus 20:22-26;
Isaiah 52:11). They were expected to be holy, different and separated from
other peoples in order to belong to God as His very own. In the New Testament,
God commanded separation of the believer (a) from the corrupt world system
and from unholy compromise; (b) from those in church who sin and refuse
to repent (Matthew 7:15; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11); and (c) from false teachers,
churches or cults that teach theological error and deny Biblical truths
(Matthew 7:15; Romans 16:17).
Our attitude in separation must
be one of (a) hatred toward sin, unrighteousness and the corrupt world
system, (b) opposition to false doctrine, (c) genuine love towards whom
we must separate from, and (d) fear of God.
The purpose of separation is that
we as God's people might (a) persevere in salvation (1 Timothy 4:16; Revelation
12:14-17), faith (1 Timothy 1:19; 6:10; 20-21), and holiness (John 17:14-21;
2 Corinthians 7:1), (b) live wholly for God as our Lord and Father (Matthew
22:37; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18), and (c) convince the unbelieving world of
the truth and blessings of the gospel (John 17:21; Philippians 2:15).
If we separate ourselves properly,
God Himself rewards us by drawing near with His protection, blessing, and
Fatherly care. He promises to be everything a good Father should be. He
will be our Counselor and Guide; He will love and cherish us as His own
children (2 Corinthians 6:16-18).
The refusal of believers to separate
themselves from evil will inevitability result in loss of: fellowship with
God (2 Corinthians 6:16), acceptance by the Father (6:17), and our rights
as children (6:18 Romans 8:15-16).
In the "world," believers are aliens
and strangers. They must come out of the world, not be conformed to the
world, not love the world, overcome the world, hate the world's evil, die
out to the world, and be delivered from the world (1 John 2:15).
We must separate ourselves completely
from the world and purify ourselves ...from all filthiness of the flesh
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).
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