The Bible often talks about believers being set apart, called to live differently from the world around them. This concept of holiness and distinction is central to the Christian faith, encouraging followers of Christ to reflect God’s character in their lives. Let’s explore what it means to be set apart and how we can live out this calling.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being Set Apart
Leviticus 20:26
“You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of living a holy and separated life. As believers, we are called to be distinct from the world and to reflect the character of our holy God. God has chosen us and set us apart for His purposes.
Living a life of holiness means we must reject and abstain from the sinful patterns and practices of the world around us, and instead, pursue righteousness and godliness. Our separation from the world should display our identity as children of God and draw others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.”
This verse emphasizes the call for believers to separate themselves from the ways and influences of unbelievers. It reminds us that we are in the world, but not of the world. Our association with unbelievers should not compromise our faith or compromise the purity of our lives.
To be set apart, we must guard ourselves against participating in ungodly activities and avoid being entangled in worldly values that contradict the teachings of Scripture. Our separation allows us to maintain integrity and purity, and it also opens the door for God’s blessings and His presence in our lives.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
This verse highlights the identity and purpose of believers as being set apart by God. We are chosen, called, and commissioned to declare God’s praises. We are a royal priesthood, representing God’s kingdom on the earth.
Our lives are to reflect the transformation that has taken place as we have been called out of darkness and into God’s marvelous light. As a special possession of God, we are to walk in obedience to Him, being a shining example of His love, grace, and truth to a watching world.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse exhorts us to resist the pull and influence of the world and instead, allow our minds to be transformed by the truth of God’s Word. Our thoughts, attitudes, and actions should be in alignment with God’s will.
Being set apart requires a constant renewal of our minds through the study and application of Scripture. This renewing process enables us to discern and understand God’s perfect will for our lives. As we conform to God’s standards rather than the world’s, we become effective vessels for His kingdom purposes.
John 17:16
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”
Jesus, in this verse, is praying to the Father about His disciples. He is acknowledging that they are not of this world, just as He is not of it. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a manner that distinguishes us from the world and its system.
This verse serves as a reminder that our values, priorities, and goals should reflect the character of Christ rather than conforming to the values of the world. Our heavenly citizenship should supersede any earthly identity, and our lives should reflect the transformative power of the Gospel.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
James cautions believers against aligning themselves too closely with the values and practices of the world. Choosing to be friendly with the world can lead to compromising our relationship with God.
Being set apart requires us to separate ourselves from the world’s ungodly influences and instead pursue a close and intimate relationship with God. We cannot serve two masters; we must choose to prioritize our devotion to God above conformity to the world’s ways.
1 John 2:15
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”
This verse urges believers not to have an excessive affection for the world and the things that it offers. Our love and devotion are to be directed towards God alone.
Being set apart means that we prioritize our relationship with God over pursuing worldly gain or indulging in sinful desires. Our love for God and our desire to live in accordance with His will should surpass any love we have for the temporary pleasures and pursuits of this world.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
This verse instructs believers to fix their minds and thoughts on heavenly things rather than being preoccupied with earthly matters. It is a reminder to keep an eternal perspective.
Being set apart requires a shift in our focus and priorities. We are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, setting our affections on heavenly treasures rather than the temporary riches of this world. By keeping our minds set on things above, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and live with an eternal mindset.
Titus 2:11-12
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”
This passage emphasizes the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives. Through His grace, we are not only saved but also taught to live in a way that is set apart from the ungodliness and passions of the world.
God’s grace empowers us to resist the temptations and pressures of the world, enabling us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to reflect His character and bring glory to Him in everything we do.
1 Thessalonians 4:7
“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”
This verse reminds us that God’s calling on our lives is not to live in impurity and sin but to pursue a holy and righteous life. God desires that we reflect His holiness and purity.
Living a life set apart involves actively pursuing holiness and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, enabling us to overcome sin and live in accordance with God’s commands. We are to strive for purity in our thoughts, words, and actions, seeking to honor God in all areas of our lives.
Philippians 3:20
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This verse reminds us that our true citizenship is not of this world but in heaven. As believers, our ultimate allegiance and loyalty are to Christ and His kingdom.
Being set apart means that our lives are defined by the values and principles of the heavenly kingdom rather than the shifting values of the world. We eagerly anticipate the return of our Savior and strive to live in a way that honors Him, knowing that our true home is in heaven.
Hebrews 13:14
“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.”
This verse reinforces the truth that this earthly life is temporary, and our true home is in eternity with God. It reminds us that our focus should not be on the things of this world but on the promises and blessings of our eternal destiny.
In light of this truth, we are called to set our hearts and minds on heavenly things, investing our time and resources in eternal pursuits rather than temporary worldly gain. Our longing for our heavenly home should motivate us to live in a way that honors God and prepares us for the life to come.
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy because I am holy.'”‘
In this passage, Peter reminds believers that God, who has called us, is holy. Therefore, we are called to live a life of holiness in every aspect of our lives.
Being set apart means that we strive to emulate the character of our holy God. Our conduct, speech, and attitudes should reflect His holiness, serving as a testimony to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We should endeavor to live in a way that is pleasing to God and aligned with His standards of righteousness.
Ephesians 4:22-24
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
This passage speaks to the process of transformation that occurs when we become followers of Christ. It calls us to put off our old sinful selves and to be renewed in the attitudes of our minds.
Being set apart involves a continual process of sanctification, as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and conform us to the image of Christ. We are to put on the new self, which reflects the righteousness and holiness of God. This transformation should be evident in our thoughts, words, and actions, as we seek to live in accordance with God’s will.
Isaiah 52:11
“Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the articles of the LORD’s house.”
This verse calls for a separation from anything that is unclean or defiled. Believers are urged to live lives of purity, reflecting the holiness of God.
Being set apart means that we distance ourselves from anything that would compromise our purity and devotion to God. This includes avoiding sinful behaviors, influences, and environments that would tarnish our walk with the Lord. By intentionally keeping ourselves pure and undefiled, we are better equipped to fulfill the purposes God has for our lives.
Psalm 4:3
“Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.”
This verse illustrates that God sets apart His faithful servants for a special relationship and purpose. He is attentive to their prayers and calls to Him.
Being set apart means that we are chosen by God and set apart for His purposes. As His children, we have the privilege of an intimate relationship with Him, and He listens when we call upon Him. This knowledge should motivate us to live in a way that pleases Him and brings glory to His name.
Romans 6:11
“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
This verse reminds us that through our identification with Christ’s death and resurrection, we have been set free from the power of sin. As believers, we are considered dead to sin and alive to God.
Being set apart means that we no longer have to succumb to the dominion of sin. Instead, we can embrace the new life and freedom we have in Christ. It is through His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit that we can live victorious lives, making choices that honor God and align with His purpose for us.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This verse underscores the importance of protecting our hearts, for our actions and life flow from the condition of our hearts. Our hearts are the wellspring of our thoughts, emotions, and desires.
Being set apart involves guarding our hearts against the influences and temptations of the world that can lead us astray. We should cultivate a heart that is yielded to God, allowing His Word and Spirit to transform and guide our actions. By diligently guarding our hearts, we can ensure that everything we do is in line with God’s will.
Matthew 5:13-14
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
In this passage, Jesus addresses His disciples, calling them the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He exhorts them to maintain their distinctiveness and shine their light brightly before others.
Being set apart means that we are called to make a difference in the world around us. We are to bring flavor, preservation, and illumination to a dark and decaying world. Our lives should be characterized by righteousness, love, and compassion, drawing others to the saving knowledge of Christ.
2 Timothy 2:21
“Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”
This verse speaks to the importance of personal purification and consecration for God’s special purposes. When we cleanse ourselves from sin and worldly influences, we become vessels that are set apart, holy, and useful to God.
Being set apart means that we are prepared and available for God to use us for His kingdom purposes. By living lives that are consecrated and surrendered to Him, we position ourselves to be instruments through which He can work and bring about lasting impact.