Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian tradition, the family of saints is often understood as the community of believers who are called to live in holiness and truth. The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of maintaining purity and integrity within this spiritual family, emphasizing the need to distance oneself from deceivers and liars.Biblical Foundation The call to separate from deceitful individuals is rooted in the desire to preserve the sanctity and unity of the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns against the influence of false teachers and those who practice deceit. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 , Paul writes, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?" This passage underscores the necessity of maintaining a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the potential harm that deceitful individuals can bring to the community of believers. New Testament Warnings The New Testament contains several admonitions regarding the presence of deceivers within the church. In 1 John 4:1 , believers are instructed, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This directive emphasizes the need for discernment and vigilance in identifying those who may lead the faithful astray. Furthermore, in Titus 3:10-11 , Paul advises, "Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned." This instruction highlights the importance of addressing deceit and division promptly and decisively to protect the integrity of the church. Old Testament Precedents The Old Testament also provides examples of the consequences of deceit and the necessity of removing liars from the community. In Proverbs 6:16-19 , the writer lists seven things that the Lord detests, including "a lying tongue" and "a false witness who pours out lies." These verses reflect the consistent biblical theme that deceit is incompatible with a life of righteousness. Practical Implications for Believers For believers, the call to remove deceivers and liars from the family of saints is both a protective measure and a call to personal holiness. It serves as a reminder that the community of faith must be characterized by truth and integrity. In Ephesians 4:25 , Paul exhorts, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." By adhering to these biblical principles, the family of saints can maintain its witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel through lives marked by honesty and sincerity. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 101:7He that works deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that tells lies shall not tarry in my sight. Nave's Topical Index Library Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... part i Resources What does the Bible say about family? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about family conflict? | GotQuestions.org How does the Bible define a good Christian family? | GotQuestions.org Family: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Family of Saints: Be Duly Regulated Family of Saints: Deceivers and Liars should be Removed From Family of Saints: Live in Mutual Forbearance Family of Saints: Live in Unity Family of Saints: Punishment of Irreligious Family of Saints: Rejoice Together Before God Family of Saints: should be Taught God's Word Family of Saints: Warned Against Departing from God Family of Saints: Worship God Together Family: Good: Jailor of Philippi Family: Good: Lazarus of Bethany Family: Infelicity in David and Michal Family: Infelicity in Elkanah, on Account of Bigamic Feuds Family: Infelicity in Moses and Zipporah Family: Infelicity In of Abraham, on Account of Hagar Family: Infelicity In of Isaac, on Account of the Disagreement Between Jacob and Esau Family: Infelicity In of Jacob, the Bigamic Jealousy Between Leah and Rachel Family: Persian, Domestic Customs Related Terms |
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