Yes—obedience to the Word of God necessarily separates us from the world and leads to opposition from it.
According to Les Feldick, the more we obey Scripture, the more we are out of step with the world's values and practices. This separation is not about isolation but about not being 'of the world' while still living in it, and it inevitably brings opposition because the world is diabolically opposed to God's truth.
2 Corinthians 6:17 — This verse commands believers to come out from among the world and be separate, directly addressing the call to obedience and its relational impact.
The Bible teaches that believers are to be separate from the world. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, Paul instructs, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" He further urges, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." This separation is not about physical removal but about a distinct identity and allegiance. Romans 12:2 reinforces this: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." The believer's mind and behavior are to be transformed, not molded by the world's patterns. Moreover, James 4:4 warns, "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." Thus, obedience to God’s Word naturally puts the believer in opposition to the world's system.
Les Feldick emphasizes that obedience to the Word of God leads to a deliberate separation from the world's values and practices. He teaches that just as God separated Israel from Egypt, He separates believers from the world today (Clip 1). This separation is not about being odd or inviting persecution unnecessarily, but the world should know where we stand (Clip 1). Les explains that the term 'world' in Scripture refers to the 'cosmos' or the 'age'—the system controlled by the god of this age—and we are not to be molded by it (Clip 2). We are in the world but not of it, rubbing elbows with people but not being part of their ungodly system (Clip 3). Furthermore, Les points out that the world is 'diabolically opposed' to what we believe, and therefore we are to 'come out of it' (Clip 4). This separation is not retreat into monasteries, as that led to the Dark Ages when the Word was confined; rather, we are to remain engaged while maintaining distinctiveness (Clip 4). Les also notes that the unbelieving world is more critical of believers than God is, so we must be careful not to cause offense even in matters of liberty (Clip 5). Obedience to the Word also imparts divine wisdom that the world lacks (Clip 6), and it keeps us in a place of service and holiness (Clip 7).
Les Feldick clarifies that being separated from the world does not mean isolating ourselves or being oddballs. We are to be in the world, interacting with all kinds of people, but not be of it—not adopting its values or behaviors. This separation is a matter of allegiance and lifestyle, not location. The world should know where we stand, even if we are not constantly seeking persecution by our actions.
Les teaches that the world is 'diabolically opposed' to everything believers hold dear. Therefore, the more obedient we are to the Word, the more we conflict with the world's system. This opposition is inevitable because the world's values are contrary to God's. Even our liberties can cause offense to unbelievers who are critical and judgmental of us, so we must sometimes limit our freedom for their sake.
Obedience to the Word gives believers a wisdom that the world does not have, as Paul argues in 1 Corinthians. This wisdom enables us to judge matters correctly and to rule in the future. Moreover, obedience keeps us in a place of service and holiness, as we are cleansed by the Word and strive to be without spot or wrinkle, bringing glory to God.
The Weapons of Our Warfare — 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Explained
is writing to the Corinthians and to us about, were not the material and the physical, but the spiritual. And so yes, he says, I'm walking in the flesh, I'm an ordinary human being. But where was the warfare? In the spiritual realm. And we're going to see it more and more.
Separation from the World
Les explains that God separates believers from the world just as He separated Israel from Egypt, and that the world should know where we stand, without being oddballs or seeking persecution.
Not Conformed to This World
Les breaks down the meaning of 'world' as the cosmos or age, and teaches that we are not to be molded by the god of this age.
In the World but Not of It
Les emphasizes that we must interact with all kinds of people but remain separate from the ungodly world system, being in the world but not of it.
Come Out of the World
Les teaches that the world is diabolically opposed to our faith, so we are to come out of it, but not retreat into monasteries—rather, we stay engaged while not conforming.
Avoiding Offense
Les points out that the unbelieving world is more critical of believers than God is, so we should be willing to limit our liberties to avoid causing offense to others.
Divine Wisdom
Les teaches that believers have a wisdom from God that the world lacks, enabling us to judge even the smallest matters and to rule the world in the future.
Cleansed by the Word
Les explains that obedience to the Word keeps us in a place of service and holiness, as we are cleansed by Scripture and strive to be without spot or blemish.
2 Corinthians 6:17: Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
This verse directly commands believers to separate from the world, highlighting the relational change obedience brings.
Romans 12:2: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Shows that obedience involves non-conformity to the world's patterns, which inevitably affects our relationship with the world.
James 4:4: Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Explains the inherent opposition between allegiance to God and friendship with the world.
1 Corinthians 6:2: Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
Shows that believers, through obedience, have wisdom to judge the world, indicating a higher standing.
Ephesians 5:26-27: That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Refers to the cleansing power of the Word, which keeps believers holy and separate.
Les Feldick indicates that the world is diabolically opposed to believers' faith, so increased obedience will lead to opposition. However, this does not mean we should deliberately provoke persecution. Instead, we are to be separate in our values and actions, and the world will often react negatively.
Les teaches that we are in the world but not of it. We interact with all kinds of people, but we do not adopt the world's ungodly practices or beliefs. This separation is about allegiance, not physical distance, and we are to remain engaged to be a witness.
The Word cleanses believers, keeping them in a place of service, and helps them present themselves holy and without blemish. Obedience to Scripture is essential for a life that glorifies God.
Watch the Teaching: The Weapons of Our Warfare — 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Explained