What Does the Bible Say About Being Set Apart?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

In a nutshell, the Bible talks about being ‘set apart’ in the sense of living a life that reflects God’s purposes and values. This doesn’t mean isolating ourselves from the world, but rather living in it with a different perspective. Being set apart is about aligning our lives with God’s will and standing out in our actions, thoughts, and words. It’s a calling to live a life that is distinct in its dedication to God, marked by love, service, and a commitment to what is good and right.

The Bible encourages us to be different in ways that count – in compassion, integrity, and faithfulness.

Ever wondered what it means to be ‘set apart’ according to the Bible? It’s not about being better than others, but about being different for a purpose. Dive in to discover how this ancient concept is surprisingly relevant today.

What Does the Bible Say About Being Set Apart?

The idea of being ‘set apart’ is a recurring theme in the Bible. It’s about living in a way that’s distinct from the norms and expectations of society, not for the sake of being different, but to reflect God’s character and principles.

From the Old Testament to the New, the Bible calls believers to a life that’s different from the world around them. This isn’t about physical separation or looking down on others. Instead, it’s about a spiritual and moral difference. The Bible makes it clear: God’s people are called to stand out, not blend in.

In God’s view, being set apart is deeply connected to holiness. But holiness here doesn’t mean perfection or a sin-free life. It’s about striving to live according to God’s will, making choices that align with His values, and being a light in a sometimes-dark world. It involves turning away from sin, not because we’re forced to, but because we choose to.

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Jesus, in the New Testament, exemplifies this. He was in the world but not of it. His teachings, actions, and life were radically different from the societal norms of His time. He showed love to the unloved, forgave the unforgivable, and challenged the status quo. Following Jesus’ example means being set apart in how we love, forgive, and treat others.

Being set apart also has a communal aspect. It’s not just an individual endeavor but a collective calling. The early church, for example, was known for its distinct lifestyle. They shared their possessions, cared for the needy, and lived in a way that was noticeably different. Their distinctiveness wasn’t in their rituals or religious practices but in their everyday actions and relationships.

Today, being set apart means making choices that may go against the grain. It could be in the way we conduct our business, in our approach to relationships, or how we handle conflict. It’s about showing integrity, kindness, and justice in situations where these qualities are rare.

In essence, being set apart is about living a life that is noticeably different in its dedication to God and His ways. It’s a lifelong journey of aligning our actions, words, and choices with the values of the Kingdom of God, thus becoming a reflection of God’s love and grace in a world that desperately needs it.

Bible Verses About Being Set Apart

  1. 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 our identity as chosen by God and set apart to showcase His glory.
  2. 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.” It encourages believers not to blend in with the world but to be different, guided by God’s wisdom.
  3. 2 Corinthians 6:17 – “Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” This verse calls for a distinct separation from practices and lifestyles that are contrary to God’s standards.
  4. 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.” Here, God speaks to the Israelites, emphasizing the idea of being set apart for a specific, divine purpose.
  5. John 17:16-18 – In Jesus’ prayer, He says, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” This reflects the concept of being in the world but not of it, living with a different purpose and perspective.
  6. Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This verse speaks to the transformative nature of being set apart in Christ, indicating a life that is fundamentally changed and dedicated to Him.
  7. Titus 2:14 – “Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” It emphasizes Jesus’ role in setting us apart, purifying us for His purposes and encouraging us to engage in good deeds.
  8. Philippians 2:15 – “So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” This metaphor of shining like stars suggests that being set apart involves living in a way that is visibly different and positively impactful.
  9. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This passage highlights the idea of being set apart as God’s temple, encouraging a life that honors Him in every aspect.
  10. Deuteronomy 14:2 – “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.” From the Old Testament, this verse again speaks to the idea of being chosen and set apart by God as a treasured possession.
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These verses collectively paint a picture of being set apart as a call to a distinct way of life, marked by a commitment to God’s values and purposes. It’s about living out our faith in tangible ways, being different not just in beliefs but in actions and attitudes. The Bible encourages us to embrace this calling, assuring us that while it may set us apart from the world, it aligns us more closely with God’s heart and His vision for humanity.