Set Apart for God’s Purpose

Do you ever wonder what it means to be set apart? As Christians, we are called to set ourselves apart for God, to be used for His purposes. Another word for being set apart is consecration. The process of consecration is a continuous one, involving a gradual transformation into becoming more like Christ. It is a lifestyle.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”. When we accept Jesus Christ in our lives as Lord and Savior, we become a new creation. There are some things we may need to stop doing. For example, things that do not glorify God or are contrary to His word.

Some of these things are mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21. “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God”. Once we recognize that we are a new creation in Christ, it is worthwhile to examine our lives to identify if any acts of the flesh may still be present in our lives. Once we identify them, we are called to confess our sins so that God can forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:9). We may struggle to leave some habits. But as we practice daily repentance, the Holy Spirit will help us to turn away from our sins. As we seek the Lord and forsake the ways that are not pleasing to Him, He will be compassionate and forgive our sins.

Our work is to surrender to God and ask the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our ‘acts of the flesh’. Does God deal with it instantly? No, sometimes it’s a gradual process. It may include renewing our minds, setting boundaries, and obeying God’s word. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewal of our mind, that by testing we may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The aim is not to condemn ourselves. The Bible says that “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). The Holy Spirit is our helper. Firstly, the Holy Spirit teaches us and reminds us of Jesus’s teachings (John 14:26) so that we can apply them to our lives. Secondly, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13), who guides us into all truth. God’s word is truth, and we apply it in our lives through obedience.

The Journey of Consecration

Consecration or being set apart requires us to adopt a lifestyle that is different from when we did not know Christ. Below are 3 key areas that will help us to live a consecrated life, with a list of relevant Bible verses.

1.      Living a Life of Repentance

Repentance involves a process of examining ourselves and identifying areas or habits in our lives that are contrary to God’s word. It includes acknowledging our wrongdoing, repenting before God, seeking forgiveness, and turning away from the wrongful behaviors and attitudes. Most importantly, it involves turning back to God through commitment to a new relationship with Him.

Relevant Bible verses on repentance

Matthew 3:2

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”.

Luke 15:7

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Acts 2:38

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Proverbs 28:13

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

2.      Living a life of obedience

Obedience to God enables us to be blameless as we come before him. This also means we do not give the accuser of the brethren any reason to accuse us as described in Revelation 12:10. Instead, we overcome the accuser by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. This is through accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and testifying of what He has done in our lives.

Relevant Bible verses on obedience

Luke 11:28

But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

John 14:15

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Acts 5:29

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men”.

James 1:22

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

1 Samuel 15:22

And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”

Isaiah 1:19

If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.

Jeremiah 7:23

But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.

3.      Tarrying in the Presence of God

We tarry in God’s presence through praise, worship, and prayer. This becomes a lifestyle. It is how we live every day. Praise, worship, and prayer are conscious acts that require one to set a time for them. Sometimes it involves giving up something else, such as watching television or spending less time on social media. Allocating time for tarrying in God’s presence requires consistency. Over time, this becomes a habit.

Relevant Bible verses on tarrying in God’s presence

Luke 4:8

And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”

John 4:24

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Hebrews 13:15

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

Psalm 100:1-5

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God. It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Psalm 150:6

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!

Revelation 14:7

Saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

4.      Living a Life of Sacrifice

Being set apart for God includes living a life of sacrifice. It may not always be convenient. There are times you will have to sacrifice something to live for God. This may even mean becoming unpopular among your peers since you would be considered the odd one out. In such circumstances, it is important to remember the reasons for your decision to follow the Lord. Psalm 103:1-5 summarizes the benefits of following the Lord so well:

 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's”.

These benefits are worth holding on to, especially in difficult times when we are facing challenges in our Christian walk.

Relevant Bible verses on living a life of sacrifice

Mathew 19:21

Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

Mark 10:45

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Luke 9:23

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me”.

Romans 12:1

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Hebrews 13:16

But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.