Set Apart

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.

Day 2

Romans 7:21–25, Philippians 3:20, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Hebrews 11:12–16, Psalm 119:18–20

“Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” What or where do you consider “home”? Maybe it’s the neighborhood you grew up in, the city you and your family relocated to, or a nation you had to leave behind unexpectedly. Sojourners and exiles have a unique relationship to “home.” Sojourners are travelers who pass through a place for a short time until they reach a specific destination. Exiles are those who have been sent away or even banished from their homelands. By calling his readers “sojourners” and “exiles” in 1 Peter 2:11, Peter challenges their sense of home. He’s being clear— they’re temporary residents in this world, living in a place that’s not really their home. Until Christ returns, they must live as redeemed and holy people in a fallen world. Peter instructs them “to abstain from the passions of the flesh,” sinful desires that are rebellious and even hostile to God. We must hold tight to God’s call to holiness as these passions wage war against our souls. God gives us mercy and grace to abstain from these desires. He’s given us his Word to renew our minds. He puts us in spiritual community to strengthen and encourage us. Even in moments when we feel weak or have failed, the gift of repentance allows us to turn back to God in grace and without shame. As we read this passage centuries after it was written, we can identify with feelings of spiritual alienation, dissatisfaction, and longing that Peter’s original readers may have felt. This is the challenge. As exiles, we live in a temporary home, but it can be tempting to live as if this is where we belong. We must decide, day in and day out, to deny self and obey God’s calling to be holy. “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” Reflection: 1. Does the idea of being a “sojourner” or “exile” change your perspective of the world around you? 2. Are there practical things you can do today to abstain from the passions of the flesh? Faith Step: Talk to a prayer partner about what “passions of the flesh” you both may be dealing with. Spend time in prayer, repenting and asking the Holy Spirit to renew and strengthen you. Pray: Jesus, thank you that you’ve made a way for me to be holy, even when I struggle with unholy desires. You’ve placed me as a sojourner and exile in this world, but I pray that you would reign over my heart and renew my inner self day by day. Help me to accept the challenge of holiness and choose righteousness daily, even when I’m tempted to follow my flesh. Change me from the inside out so that I may be a light in this world. In your name I pray, amen.

Day 3

Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:14–16, Romans 12:1–2, 2 Corinthians 9:13, Galatians 5:16–24

“Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep you conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. — 1 Peter 2:10–12 Peter instructs his readers that as they abstain from temporal passions, they must also strive to do good. There are things not to do and also things they should do. He tells them to live in a way that is respectable, even by nonbelievers, and, as they see God’s people doing good deeds, they might come to worship God. But what does this kind of gospel-centered good conduct look like? Even people who don’t follow Christ can do things that are considered “good.” What sets apart the conduct of a believer from that of a nonbeliever is the holy example of Christ. We must look to Jesus as the model for how to live out holiness through our conduct. His example and teachings are applicable in any culture at any point in time. Why? Because God’s character is immutable—he never changes. Moreover, Christ shows us that holy conduct is more than just random acts of kindness. It refers to a lifestyle that is consistent in both public and private spaces. Jesus teaches his disciples how to treat others, manage money, live compassionately, respect authority, and submit to God. He demonstrates how to see the world through holy eyes and respond in a way that reflects God’s unchanging, holy character. As we strive to live out holy conduct, we must remember the cross. The gift of salvation and knowledge of God’s holiness lead us to do good deeds. Those deeds could never bring about atonement for our sins. Rather, our works flow out of a revelation of God’s goodness and holiness. We have an opportunity to live out a missional mindset through our action, behavior, attitude, speech, and thoughts. Our conduct should stand out against the background of the world because Christ’s holiness has set us free and set us apart. “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” Reflection: 1. How does your lifestyle consistently honor God in both public and private spaces? 2. How has your conduct been a reflection of God’s holiness to others around you? Faith Step: Take time to meditate on the gospel and ask God how you can live out holy conduct in your community. Write down what God speaks to you, and talk with a prayer partner about actionable next steps you will take. Pray: Jesus, thank you for being the perfect example of holy conduct. Help me to know how to be righteous and holy in my actions, speech, and thoughts. Empower me to do good deeds from a genuine heart. God, help me to live so that others may see my good works and give you glory. Your gospel has changed me from the inside out; help me to be more like Christ so that others may know you. Strengthen me with your joy as I reflect your goodness to the earth. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Day 4

Isaiah 53:3–7, Luke 15:1–7, John 10:11, Romans 6:10–11, Galatians 3:13

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” The cross of Christ is essential to the gospel message. We thank Jesus that his death on the cross reconciled us to God. For us today, crucifixion is an unfamiliar practice. In Jesus’ culture, crucifixion was a shameful and tortuous way to die. It was a method the Romans used to torment and humiliate perpetrators, and they used their victims as a forewarning to others. At face value, Christ’s death was supposed to be a warning—“If you live the way this man lived, you will die.” But in reality, it was freedom—“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” Crucifixion represented unholiness, yet Christ took our sins upon himself so that we could be holy. His death is the centerpiece of our holiness, his sacrifice the starting point of our new identity. It’s not our works, our family background, our financial situation, or our societal status that saves us to righteousness. All of our spiritual blessings, including the basis of our holiness, hinge upon the cross of Christ. His life, death, and resurrection impact every part of our lives. He offers salvation for our souls, healing for our bodies, peace and wisdom, and reconciliation into the family of God. All of these gifts have been freely given, and we receive the fullness of our salvation only by grace through faith. Christ’s sacrifice bridged the gap between God and us. He laid a firm foundation to build our lives upon, and we can rest in his complete work that makes us righteous before God. Through the power of the resurrection, we can live holy. The basis for our holiness is the cross of Christ. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Reflection: 1. Reflect on the significance of the cross and Christ’s sacrifice for you. 2. What does it mean for your faith journey knowing that holiness hinges upon the cross of Christ? Faith Step: Write down the names of people you are hoping will come to faith. Pray that God would give you an opportunity this week to preach the gospel to them. Pray: Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross. I deserved death for my sins, but you gave me the free gift of eternal life. You ransomed me from darkness and have made me holy. Thank you that my holiness does not rest on me but on your life, death, and resurrection. May I remember the goodness of your gospel all the days of my life. Lord, I give you glory for bridging the gap between us, and I pray that I would be bold in sharing your goodness with those around me. Amen.

Day 5

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.

Conclusion

John 15:18–21, Acts 5:40–42, Psalm 34:19–22, Zechariah 13:9, Matthew 5:10–12

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. . . . Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christain, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” Gold is one of the most valuable metals on earth, but when it’s first mined, it often contains hints of other minerals. For it to be at its highest value point (pure gold), it must be refined with intense heat to melt and separate it from any impurities that would taint its value. As precious as gold is, our faith is even more precious and goes through a similar refining process. 1 Peter 1:7 tells us that our faith will endure tests of genuineness. Throughout this letter, Peter teaches that the call to holiness involves a gathered Christian community, presents an internal challenge, requires correct conduct, is built upon the crux of the cross, and demands commitment. In chapter 4, he reveals holiness will lead you to a crucible. Being a Christian does not shield us from fire, but the hope of the gospel makes us fireproof. As we face trials, we’re drawn closer to Christ and find comfort because he also suffered. If we face suffering because our lives are set apart for God, we ultimately will receive a blessing. It may be in this life or it may be in the next, but God always keeps his promises. Although culture, media, our friends, or even our family might sway us in what’s “normative,” we must persevere to live set apart and renew our minds daily to live the call to holiness that God has set before us. Even in our sufferings, we can rejoice “because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” As God’s consecrated people, we will no doubt find ourselves in the crucibles of life that purify our faith. Let us fix our eyes on the blessing that awaits us and trust that God is at work even amid our suffering. May we find strength in Christ, knowing we will share in his eternal joy and glory. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” Reflection: 1. What kind of crucibles have you faced in your walk with Christ? Are you grateful for them? 2. How have you felt God strengthen you through suffering? Faith Step: Take time to thank God for any trials you may be facing. Praise him now for strength and guidance through any trials that may come up in your life. Pray: God, thank you for walking with me through every trial. You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. You provide peace in the midst of my suffering and strengthen me to persevere. When doubts arise, fill me with the assurance of your faithfulness. I will rejoice in suffering, knowing that it leads to endurance, character, and hope. I trust that as I participate in Christ’s sufferings, I will share in his eternal joy and be made holy to glorify his name. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.