Two Kingdoms in Conflict

UNIT 1: SPIRITUAL FOUNDATIONS FOR SEPARATION
Lesson 1
TWO KINGDOMS
IN CONFLICT
RELATED SCRIPTURES
Genesis 3 Daniel 10:11-14 Romans 6:5-23
Leviticus 11:44, 45 Zechariah 3:1, 2 1 Peter 1:12-16
Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6 Matthew 4:1-11 Revelation 12:7-17
Isaiah 14 John 8:39-47
Ezekiel 28 John 14:30
LESSON AIM
To realize we cannot be neutral, but must choose sides, in the
conflict between Christ and the kingdom of Satan.
In a painting of an early American pioneer home, the artist

pictured a family calmly kneeling in prayer, unaware of Indian
warriors outside. The family is obviously trusting Divine Provi-
dence to keep them from danger, though peacefully unaware of
how near danger actually is.
The painting contains a beautiful symbolism, perhaps even
beyond what the artist intended. For the Christian is surrounded
1
SEPARATION AND NONCONFORMITY
by the powers of evil, often without even knowing it. Of course

these powers are not human enemies but the spiritual powers of
darkness. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against . . .
powers, . . . against spiritual wickedness in high places [in the
heavenly realms]” (Ephesians 6:12).
There are two kingdoms in this world: the kingdom of “the
prince of the power of the air,” and the everlasting kingdom of
the Son of God. These two kingdoms are in continual warfare.
The stakes are the souls of men. However, the outcomes of spiri-
tual battles are not decided by the strength of the opposing
forces, but by us in whom and around whom the battles are
fought.
God’s people must take sides with the truth and with their
leader, Jesus Christ. We must take a clear-cut stand. There is no
middle ground, and no room for wavering or doubting (James
1:6-8). We are either on the side of sin and Satan, living for self, or
we are on the side of Christ, living in selfless obedience to Him.
Either we are sliding toward an eternal Hell with Satan, or
marching toward eternal glory with Christ.
Our stand for Christ accents the need for separation and non-
conformity. We cannot do battle on the Lord’s side unless and
until we separate ourselves from Satan’s side.
The words separation and nonconformity are often used almost
interchangeably in the writings of those who practice these Bibli-
cal teachings. The two are as inseparable as the proverbial horse
and carriage—you cannot have one without the other. Neverthe-
less there is a distinction between the two terms.
Separation has to do with a clear-cut division between sin and
the follower of Christ. In separation, we establish a barrier or put
distance between evil and ourselves. Being separated unto Christ
means becoming separated from sin. Any attempt to live close to
2
Lesson 1, Two Kingdoms in Conflict
the Lord while participating in some of the world’s pleasures and

sins is futile. We cannot serve two masters.
Nonconformity is a Scriptural word derived from Romans
12:2—“Be not conformed to this world.” This phrase means “Be
not fashioned according to this world or the ungodly influences
around us” or “Be not poured into the same mold.” The Greek
word here translated conformed refers to outward appearance or
expressions, not only an inner conformity. Peter used the same
word when he wrote: “As obedient children, not fashioning your-
selves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he
which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of con-
versation” (1 Peter 1:14, 15).
Separation involves our attitudes and our spiritual desire to
put distance between sin and us. Nonconformity refers more to
the outward expressions of inward separation. Scriptural non-
conformity is a result of separation from sin. It is true, a person
can manifest marks of outward nonconformity without really
being separate in mind and heart—just as a person can claim to
be a Christian and yet not obey Christ. For the Christian who has
a heart conviction and desire to be holy and separated wholly
unto Christ, nonconformity will be a joy.
THE CONFLICT
Genesis 3:15. And I will put enmity between thee and the
woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise
thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
The concept of separation appears very early in God’s Word. In
Genesis 1:4, a physical separation occurred when God divided the
3
SEPARATION AND NONCONFORMITY
light from the darkness. That separation hints of a far greater

separation in the spiritual realm. The forces of spiritual light and
darkness are at war. The forces of truth are opposed to the forces
of error. The kingdom of Christ is diametrically opposed to the
kingdom of Satan.
The first opportunity for a human to choose to be separate
from evil came to Adam and Eve. They were already totally sepa-
rated from sin, but God allowed them to choose whether to
maintain this perfect separation. They chose to sin. We call this
choice and its immediate result, which so altered the course of
history, the Fall of Man.
This brings us to the wonderful promise of Genesis 3:15. Here
is the continuing struggle between the descendants of woman
(Eve) and Satan. Lest this struggle dishearten us, God includes a
promise of the coming Messiah. This great Deliverer would make
it possible to live a life separated unto God. Eventually He would
destroy the works of the devil. According to 1 Corinthians 15:22,
in the first man, Adam, all die; but in the second Man, Christ,
“shall all be made alive.”
In Genesis 3:15 the word enmity (literally a “blood feud”)
speaks of the conflict between good and evil, Christ and Satan.
No human can declare himself neutral in this conflict. “No ser-
vant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and
love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the
other” (Luke 16:13). Jesus also said, “He that is not with me is
against me” (Luke 11:23).
Therefore this matter of separation is not optional for the
Christian; it is essential for eternal life! Our attitudes and actions
in separation and nonconformity will reveal whose side we are
on.
4
Lesson 1, Two Kingdoms in Conflict
THE CHOICE
Ephesians 2:1. And you hath he quickened, who were
dead in trespasses and sins; 2. Wherein in time past ye
walked according to the course of this world, according to
the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now work-
eth in the children of disobedience: 3. Among whom also we
all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our
flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and
were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4. But
God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he
loved us, 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quick-
ened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6. And
hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in
heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
The conflict between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of
darkness is raging all around us. Have we made the all-important
choice to walk in the light? Ephesians 2 calls the results of that
choice being quickened (made alive) after having been dead.
Verse 2 explains the paradox of the walking dead. Men and
women who choose not to separate themselves from Satan’s
kingdom may be active and ever so religious, but they are walk-
ing dead people!
The walking dead trudge in the course of this world. Many of
the Scriptures in this study on separation and nonconformity
employ the word world. Thus a logical and exceedingly important
question is: What is this world we are to shun so wholly? The word
world in the New Testament is often used to describe the earth on
which we live. Another frequent meaning is the evil found on this
earth. Not loving the world or the things in it (1 John 2:15, 16)

Two Kingdoms in Conflict

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Two Kingdoms in Conflict

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Two Kingdoms in Conflict

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

UNIT 1: SPIRITUAL FOUNDATIONS FOR SEPARATION

In a painting of an early American pioneer home, the artist

by the powers of evil, often without even knowing it. Of course

the Lord while participating in some of the world’s pleasures and

light from the darkness. That separation hints of a far greater

You might also like