The Seed of Israel Separated Themselves.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of separation in the Christian life as a path to holiness and fulfilling God's purpose.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of separation in the life of believers, drawing parallels from the creation story where God distinguished light from darkness and land from sea. He highlights that God's call to holiness involves a deliberate separation from the world, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Abraham and the Israelites. Meyer urges Christians to cleanse themselves from impurities and to pursue a life that reflects their commitment to Christ, encouraging them to live in a way that honors their divine calling. The sermon calls for a conscious effort to follow Christ and to embody His teachings in every aspect of life.
Text
The seed of Israel separated themselves. Neh. ix. 2.
THIS is the beginning of the true life. Turn to the story of creation, and you learn, first, that God divided the light from the darkness; next, the waters of the clouds from those on the earth; and next, the seas from the land. It was only thus that He could effect his purpose of substituting kosmos for chaos. So, in the development of the inner life, there must be separation and judgment; the discrimination of the false from the true, the evil from the good." Separate Me . . . for the work whereunto I have called them."
When God put his hand to man's highest culture, He separated Shem from his brethren; Terah's house from other kindred clans; and Abraham from his people. What weight this gave to those solemn words, "I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people. And ye shall be holy unto Me; for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people that ye should be mine" (Lev. xx. 24, 26). It was not that God had no care for the great world; but that He desired to concentrate his attention on a few, that when they had fully caught his thought they might pass it on to mankind.
This accounts for the cry of the Holy Ghost through the Apostle, "Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing." We must be separate in our practices, cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit; in our pursuits, going with Christ without the camp; in our pleasures; and in our alliances. "Follow the Christ ‑‑ the King! Live pure! Speak true! Right wrong! Follow the King! Else, wherefore born! "
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to separation in creation
- God's purpose in dividing light from darkness
- The necessity of separation for true life
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II
- Historical examples of separation in the Bible
- Shem's separation from his brethren
- Abraham's call to leave his people
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III
- God's desire for holiness among His people
- The significance of being chosen and separated
- The call to be holy as God is holy
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IV
- The Holy Spirit's call for separation
- Practicing separation in daily life
- The importance of purity in actions and alliances
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V
- The call to follow Christ
- Living a life of truth and righteousness
- The purpose of our existence as followers of Christ
Key Quotes
“Separate Me . . . for the work whereunto I have called them.” — F.B. Meyer
“I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people.” — F.B. Meyer
“Follow the Christ -- the King! Live pure! Speak true! Right wrong! Follow the King!” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Reflect on areas of your life where you need to practice separation from worldly influences.
- Commit to pursuing holiness in your actions, relationships, and choices.
- Embrace your identity as a chosen person of God, living out His purpose in your daily life.