SET-APART

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people…(1 Peter 2:9).

The term “chosen generation” comes from the Greek “Genos Eklekton,” meaning an elect or chosen race, breed, or stock. The word “chosen” implies being separated or set apart. It’s the same root word from which we get “sanctified” or “sanctification.” So, 1 Peter 2:9 isn’t merely telling us that we’re a choice amongst many; rather, it emphasizes our unique, distinct lineage. You’re of a peculiar lineage; it’s got something to do with your birth, your nature!

It’s like someone trying to select a particular stock of chickens; his aim isn’t just to select the best-looking chickens but a specific breed, a chosen breed. There’s something inherent in their nature that he wants. In the same way, you’re not like everyone else who was born naturally; you’ve been born again—born of the Spirit and born of the Word. This makes you a different stock, a different race, a set-apart breed.

You have an inherent peculiar nature in Christ. It’s about the breed—how you were born. Your ancestry is divine. Everywhere you go in this world, keep in mind that you’re one of a kind. You’re not like everybody else. You’re God’s choice.

The Bible says He gave Himself for you, cleansed and purified you unto Himself to be His peculiar treasure, zealous of good works (Titus 2:14). Then James 1:18 says, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” “Firstfruits” means the first and the best, the cream of the crop. That’s who you are.

The Greek word translated “sanctification” could also mean the sanctifier.” Christ, the sanctifier, has come to live in you! He’s not in you trying to sanctify you; He has already sanctified you. He’s your “separator” from everything evil, and He sets you apart from the world, sanctifying everything you do. He has separated us to Himself, from sin and evil to righteousness.

So, as one who is separated and sanctified by the Lord, what are you expected to do? Hebrews 2:11 says, “Jesus and the people he makes holy all belong to the same family. That is why he isn’t ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters” (CEV). The Bible says He isn’t ashamed to call you his brother or sister; therefore, you shouldn’t be ashamed to confess Him to the world as your Big Brother.

When you see yourself as His brother or sister, and you’re not ashamed of Him, nothing can stop you from walking up to people to tell them about Jesus. You must desire for everyone around you to hear the Gospel, receive Him, and be made holy. You’ve been distinguished and chosen of God unto His glory and created for His pleasure. Think about and contemplate this all the time.

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth (John 17:19).

There are Christians who don’t have the reverential fear of God; they think they’re at liberty to live the way they choose.

But that’s dangerous. There’s a way of life that’s not right for a Christian, and if you’re going to fulfil the purpose of God for your life, then you’ve got to have purity of heart; you must live according to your nature of righteousness and true holiness in Christ.

In Joshua 3:5, we read something striking that Joshua said to the children of Israel. He said, “… Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” Joshua understood the power of sanctification; the power of separating yourself from the wrong things; the power of purifying your mind and your life.

You’re God’s vessel, sanctified to be in fellowship with Him through the Holy Spirit. Don’t jeopardize that communion because of a bad attitude or worldly lifestyle. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves….”

Use the Word to purge and examine yourself always. 2 Timothy 2:21 says, “If a man, therefore, purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

Do you want to continually experience the supernatural in your life? Then, keep yourself in the purity of the Spirit; don’t live the wrong life. Don’t get yourself entangled with the things of this world, for the Bible says, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life…” (2 Timothy 2:4).

You were separated from the World through the Gospel, but you’ve got to take the world out of you, through the sanctification of your mind and soul.

This happens as you yield to the authority and lordship of the Word and guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life. Hallelujah!

The psalmist, in Psalm 135:4, makes a remarkable declaration: “For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.” This is your present-day reality. You’re God’s peculiar treasure; chosen, consecrated, and glorious. He set you apart for His glory and divine purpose.

Ephesians 1:4 says, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” Think about that! You’re blessed beyond what you presently know; therefore, value who you are and what you have. Never belittle yourself or see yourself as ordinary. The Lord has ordained your greatness.

There are no two fingerprints alike in the whole world. No two people are exactly the same, and what God wants is to manifest Himself in and through you in a way that He has never done through anyone else. You’re utterly unique and gloriously distinguished.

1 Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” And guess what? His glory in you is ever increasing. That’s one of the beautiful things the Word of God accomplishes in your life. As you study it, as you listen to it, as it’s ministered to you, you’re like gold being refined, like precious metal being polished, shining ever more brilliantly.

The more you meditate on the Word, the more glorious you are. Hold that image, that glorious image of you that you see in the Word. That’s the real you: holy, excellent, washed, sanctified, and justified. Hallelujah!

-GSW-