Vs20-24
Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them instantly.” But they fell on their faces and said, “O God, God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the entire congregation?” Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the congregation, saying, ‘Get away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan and Abiram.’”
If we want to be spared God's wrath, then we must separate ourselves from evil. Imputed righteousness won't save us, if it's not backed with sanctification. Romans 6:11, "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." God never only justifies, but he gives holiness too. This is the true gospel of grace. He's sin's double cure: He saves from wrath, and from sin's power.
Thank God the gospel is complete, and use it. Don't be punished with the wicked.
First, "tell the community." We must tell them what they must do to be saved. They have to be separated from sin. 2 Corinthians 6:17, "Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you."
This is the danger of one sided preaching. If we don't tell people about forgiveness and cleansing, then we err. If we don't preach holiness, then we butcher souls. If we only preach forgiveness, then people will not live right, and they'll perish. We've perverted the gospel.
Imagine Moses saying, "Everything is OK. Just believe God loves you. Just believe a forgiving God." No, he must say, "Get away from sin. Flee from unrighteousness. Repent, believe, and live holy."
One man told me this week that we don't need the Lordship of Christ to be saved, but we do. We must confess him Lord or there's no saving faith. Romans 10:9, "If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Secondly, "get away." Flee from sin to Christ, and from Christ to good works. He'll go with us in cleansing power. He'll give the Spirit to subdue our flesh, and he'll enable us to follow him!
Therefore, let us cleanse ourselves from all unrighteousness, and be a loving people. Let us walk in mercy and compassion! Treat people how God has treated you. Ephesians 5:1-2, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." He's been kind, patient, and loving. He's forgiven our sins, and he helps us up. He gives grace in our time of need.
Thank God by how you treat others. Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Christianity isn't sound doctrine only. Truth and love show the real fruit of faith.
Thirdly, "Get away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.” Moses told them specifically what they must do! He wasn't vague. He was personal. He didn't talk about sins in general but specific sins, like filthy talk, and sexual immorality. He tells us to reject the deeds of darkness, and walk in the light. We're to reprove others by our holiness.
Ephesians 5:3-6,
"But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed [sexual boundary breaking], must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. Entirely out of place is obscene, silly [sexual], and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient."
Few seem to want holiness. We don't want the stigma of hating sin, and worshiping in reverence. We back off the fear of God. Instead, let us be all out holy and uncompromising, knowing that it includes love. Let's bear the stigma of following Christ in all things. Let's make no apologies but proclaim God's love, wrath, and obedience to him, preaching the whole counsel of God.
Finally, Moses is an example of faithfulness. He told the people what God says!