Judges 18:28 (KJV)
And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Bethrehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein.
The chapter begins, Judges 18:1 (KJV) — “In those days there was no king in Israel…” This ties directly to the issue of human government. For Israel, that King should have been (and could have been) the Lord. Had they followed the instructions of the Word of God, they would have had leadership, guidance, and protection from their enemies. They would have enjoyed unity, and they would have been safe from threats both foreign and domestic.
Human governments, though imperfect, serve to unify a people around the shared need for safety through strength in numbers. An isolated people may believe they are secure, but they are ripe for the picking by any stronger group willing to take what they have.
God never intended for people to live in isolation. We are designed for fellowship with Him and to dwell together. “It is not good that the man should be alone.” This principle applies not only to nations, but to believers as individuals.
1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” A solitary Christian is a Christian positioned to be devoured. Without the fellowship of like-minded believers, the isolated Christian becomes easy prey. Satan places his forces strategically to find and consume those who separate themselves from the flock.
The same principle applies to local churches. Each congregation is to be independent, with only one Head—Jesus Christ. Even so, the New Testament clearly shows an interrelationship among the churches:
- They shared Scripture.
- They cooperated in giving to the needs of the saints.
- They received and supported itinerant preachers.
- They were aware of one another’s spiritual condition.
- Members who relocated were received into the fellowship of other churches.
Churches tied too closely can drift into a denominational hierarchy that usurps Christ’s headship. But churches that isolate themselves can become rogue, losing accountability and doctrinal grounding.
The spirit of hyper-independence is a spirit of rebellion. Scripture likens us to sheep, and sheep belong in a flock.
#BiblicalUnity #LocalChurchLife #SpiritualAccountability #SheepNeedAShepherd #StandingTogetherInChrist
God Never Designed Lone Believers: Hyper-Independence in Church Life
Looking for clear Bible answers and real help for the Christian life? Don’t walk alone. God designed believers to stand together, grow together, and stay protected from the enemy’s attacks. 🐑📖
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