Set Apart for Holiness

When the Bible calls God ‘holy’ it means He is ‘other than’ or totally unlike humans, set apart from us in all ways. Even though we are made in His image and are to reflect His likeness, we fall short of His glory because of our sin.

‘Sanctification’ is a term meaning ‘set apart’ for God. It is like designating a china bowl only for one use; it cannot be used for any other purpose. God sanctifies those who put their faith in Christ, and for the rest of our lives, He perfects that sanctification.

Holiness and sanctification come from the same Greek root word. Its usage shows that God’s desire for me is to be like Him and be ‘other than’ I once was and ‘other than’ those who do not know or believe in Him. While the Bible clearly shows this is His desire for all that I am and all that I do, many passages focus on some of the major issues. This is one of them . . .

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. (1 Thessalonians 4:1–8)

I notice the words “just as you are doing” and “that you do so more and more.” Christians are set apart for God, yet being restored to what God intended in creation is a process. He encourages what I’ve learned and obeyed thus far, but we are not to stop growing and changing.

One big area of human life is our sexuality. God’s Word clearly describes what this means for us, and contrasts it here with what it does not mean. I’m not to be controlled by passion and lust like those who do not know God. Living like them exploits and manipulates people and God will avenge those who become impure in this way. Sexual immorality not only disregards others, but disregards God.

The last phrase shows how doing what unbelievers do is a rejection of God. He “gives his Holy Spirit to you.” The Spirit of God is holy, unlike any other spirit, set apart to serve the glory of God and has been given to God’s people so we can be like Him.

I cannot think of any deep illustrations for the seriousness of this, only trivial examples such as: this is like driving an old rusty and worn-out car when I have a Lamborghini Veneno sitting in the garage, filled with gas, and ready to go. Living by my own strength is bad enough, but when offered the strength of Almighty God to live a ‘set apart’ life only to refuse it so I can go on a joy ride in a junk heap is more than a slap in God’s face; it is irrational and totally foolish.

Making that choice not only hurts others and harms me, it rejects with contempt the only One who loves me with an everlasting love and sacrificed His own life that I might forever live a holy and sanctified life with Him in eternity.

This passage is about one kind of sin, but it is true of everything that is contrary to holiness. No matter what I do, God has set me apart for His own — and I’m to live that way!

To Live is Christ — reflecting His image

Yesterday’s newspaper carried a story about a prominent female singer who said, “God put me on Earth [sic] for three reasons: To make loud music, gay videos, and cause a damn ruckus.” I had to think that this person knows very little about God.

Actually, God has nothing against loud music. The Bible says, “Praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals!” (Psalm 150:5). However, I don’t think this entertainer intends to praise God using the noise she creates.

As for the rest of her statement, debate rages about what God says concerning the gay lifestyle. Many of those engaged in this argument do not know what the Bible says, only what they want it to say. One thing is clear to me — God doesn’t put anyone on earth to make videos about something He condemns.

As for making a ruckus, most of what this person does is sexual in nature. Here, the standards of God are so clear and so superior that even some automobile commercials are likely obscene in His eyes. This does not mean sex is sin. God created it — for married people — not for exploitation, prostitution, selling products, or any of the baggage now attached to what is supposed to be “pure and undefiled.”

Today’s devotional reading shows the contrast between what God is like (and what God sends His people to do) and the outlandish idea that God puts people on this earth just to create a commotion. 

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:1–4, NIV)

When I first read this, I wondered why “greed” was tossed into the mix, but as I think about the way sex is used today (and by this entertainer), the connection is obvious. Sex is used to make money. Greed rather than need is behind the drive for wealth. When greed rules, the other rules are thrown out. Instead of saying no to impurity and the things that God (and even much of society) condemns, these are arrogantly claimed as a divine purpose for existing. Hogwash!

God says to imitate Him and love others. His love is illustrated by Jesus Christ, showing that true love is sacrificial. His love wants the eternal best for others. Love never exploits people or uses sinful things for self-gain.

God also says there should not even be a hint of any kind of impurity in the lives of His people. We should never tell off-color jokes, talk foolishly, or be guilty of any obscenity. This short list is part of many descriptions that show the standard of God. It is high. No one can reach it; we have all fallen short. Our only hope is being invaded by the life of Christ, the one who can transform the blackest soul and bring into human hearts the purity spoken of in these verses.

Purity involves saying no. It also involves having a thankful heart. This is impossible in someone who is greedy, and only for those who recognize that they fall short of the glory of God and repent. He can wash away our sin, including greed and lust.

The elements in these verses from Ephesians are interconnected. Greed, lust, impurity, all of whatever God is not — are part of the package called human sinfulness. Instead of living with that package, God asks me to  humbly acknowledge my sin, repent, put my faith in Him, and be thankful for the good things. Any good I have is from Him and far more than I deserve.

I am not here to do whatever I want or go wherever my sinful self leads me. I am here to show others the love and purity of Christ, reflecting the image of the One who created me. Actually, this is God’s purpose for everyone, including that singer. May she recognize her error and experience a change of heart.