Day 5

Every Nation

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Day 5

The Commitment of Holiness

Laud Allotey • 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 2:24–26, Proverbs 16:7, Psalm 34:13–14, Colossians 4:5–6

“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”

Peter encourages his readers to stay committed to faith in the midst of criticism and persecution. He tells them not to bend to the pressures of the culture around them, maintaining a heart that reveres Christ as Lord. Remarkably, he states that their trials could even be used for good and draw people to Christ. When others ask about their unwavering faith, they should be ready to share the message of salvation with gentleness, respect, and clarity.

The commitment to holiness is an inward devotion to Christ resulting in an outward expression. As we draw near to God and allow his Spirit to change us from the inside out, he fills our hearts and minds with his wisdom, strength, and love. He empowers us to respond to challenges and defend our faith with gentleness and respect.

When opposition comes your way, how do you react? It can be tough to look past any embarrassment or frustration it brings us, but in everything, God has a purpose. These oppositions can lead to opportunities to share our faith.

Despite the pressures we encounter from the world, moments of criticism or persecution allow us to serve as witnesses for God. If we are dedicated to holiness, how we live our lives will reflect him to the world and could lead to an opportunity to preach the gospel.

A commitment to holiness is expressed through our conduct, character, and attitude. It’s a dedication to honoring God and bearing witness to the hope we have in him. May we stay committed to the call to live set apart, bringing glory to our Lord and drawing others close to him.

“. . . in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect . . .”

Reflection:

1. What responses have you given in the past when others have criticized or questioned you about your faith?

2. Ask God to fill you with wisdom, gentleness, and respect so you will be “prepared to make a defense” to those who ask about your faith.

Faith Step:

Think about people you know who might bring opposition to your faith or testimony. Pray for them, and pray that God would give you an opportunity to boldly share your faith with them.

Pray:

Lord, thank you for the gospel; I am not ashamed of it, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

I submit myself to you and trust that you are with me. Empower me to show kindness to everyone and patiently endure evil, and help me see opposition as opportunities to share your good news.

Thank you, Jesus, for being my example in this. You are worthy of my commitment and devotion. Fill me with your compassion and grace for others. Amen.

Why Set Apart

The goal of this year’s theme is for people to have a more thoroughly biblical view of holiness that glorifies God, transforms their heart, and increases missional passion.

Introduction

Isaiah 6:1–7, Matthew 22:34–40, Leviticus 11:45, Numbers 15:37–41, Deuteronomy 6:4–9

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” — 1 Peter 1:13–16 God is holy in all his ways, completely set apart in his essence and character. So what does it mean for us to be holy? As twenty-first-century readers, we’re quick to define “holy” as behavior God expects us to achieve. However, the Hebrew word for holy, “qadosh,” means consecrated, sanctified, dedicated, set apart, and separated from the world. God’s call to holiness is more than simply changing our actions or something to achieve: it’s a call to set our hope on the grace of God through Jesus to be fully transformed and to live set apart. In his letter, Peter is writing to Christians dealing with persecution. Many people viewed Christians as dangerous because they didn’t follow the conventional behaviors of the world and lived counter to the culture around them. Despite what is happening to and around them, Peter’s encouragement is to be holy, hold on to faith, and continue living in a manner that sets them apart. In verse 14, he reminds them that they, too, once lived in darkness, but Christ has ransomed them, changing their identity. They are now set apart, called to be sanctified and to live dedicated to Christ. Jesus truly changes our identities and enables us to live holy. We should aspire to be holy; however, it’s not merely aspirational. It’s obtainable when we put our hope in Christ. It’s only through Jesus that our identity can be changed, and we can live genuinely different than the world around us. Answering the call to be holy is not easy, but it is necessary. It’s a call to accept the grace of God through Jesus and allow ourselves to be transformed. Holiness is not merely something to achieve but is an inherent aspect of our identity as believers. We are called to be set apart. “. . . but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” Reflection: 1. Think of the moment when you were first aware of God’s grace and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. 2. Are there areas in your life where you have trouble living “set apart” from the world? Faith Step: Spend time in prayer to thank God for his grace and the call to be holy. Pray: Heavenly Father, you are worthy of my praise and worship. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are your ways higher than my ways and your thoughts higher than my thoughts. I consecrate myself to you, remembering the works of your hands and the beauty of the gospel. Thank you for setting me apart as your own and calling me to be holy. Lord, help my heart revere you so that I may reflect your glory to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Day 1

Deuteronomy 7:6, Isaiah 28:16, Hosea 2:23, Malachi 3:16–18, Exodus 19:5–6

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. . . . But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” In the Old Testament, the temple was the dwelling place of God. It was set apart and consecrated for worshiping Yahweh, but Peter is showing us that we, the people of God, are now set apart and consecrated for the worship of God. We are being built together as a spiritual house, a royal priesthood that ushers in the presence of God wherever we are. The community of holiness is God’s consecrated people, filled with his presence to declare his perfect goodness. Since we are now holy and set apart by God, he calls us to live in such a way that others can see his transforming power in us. As his “spiritual house,” we are expected to live and act differently so that we can be a witness of God’s goodness and call people out of darkness, not just through our individual lives but also as the Church. If we’re to fulfill this calling, being part of a local church is vital. In 1 Peter 1:22–23, Peter tells his readers to love one another and reminds them of the importance of abiding in the Word together. Just as separate stones are joined to form a sturdy structure, we as believers are called to support and build each other up. Through our unity, we display the love of Christ to the world. To be set apart means that we’re different than the world around us, and as the Church, a body of believers, we should stand out in our communities. Each local church should be a beacon of hope because of what God has done within us. When believers gather to worship and pray, we should expect to see families, cities, and nations changed by the gospel. God has chosen his Church to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation. We are set apart for his divine purpose. Our role is to declare his goodness to a world longing for hope and purpose. Through our transformed lives, we become living testimonies of God’s power and goodness. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Reflection: 1. Think of believers in your life that have been integral to your walk with Christ. Spend time thanking God for placing them in your life. 2. How can you use your God-given gifts and talents to serve your local church? Faith Step: Write down a few ways you could actively participate in your local church. Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing us and setting us apart for your purposes. Thank you for the privilege of being part of your Church. Help us appreciate each member’s unique role and work together in unity. Move our hearts so that we would continue gathering together and stirring up on another to love and good works. Work through us to bring your hope, healing, and transformation to the world. You have sent us as a light in the darkness; may we continually proclaim your praises and draw others to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.