Separated for a Purpose

Separated for a Purpose

2 Corinthians 5:18-20
¹⁸ And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹ to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. ²⁰ Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

God’s Purpose for All People

From the beginning of time, it has been God’s purpose to make a way for every person to know Him. The Bible is God’s story of how He interacts with His creation. How through His grace and His mercy, He defeats the power of death, Hell, and the grave. This story tells us of how Jesus Christ became flesh and walked among men, with a purpose, to bring salvation to all people. To separate us from sin and to save us from Hell, and to bring us through death. As we walk in newness of life, He calls us to live a life of holiness and a life of separation.

Throughout the Old Testament God continually called people to separate themselves to Him. Isaiah [52:11], Ezekiel [20:39], and Nehemiah [13:3] all repeatedly urged Israel to “come out from among them” [2 Corinthians 6:17] and to “purify their hearts” [James 4:8].

In the New Testament, Romans 3 explains that the law of Moses was designed to emphasize the sinful nature of humanity and the need for a redeemer. We can not separate ourselves unto God on our own, for the power of sin is too great. Only Jesus, who has the authority to overcome sin and death, could break the power sin held over creation and begin the process of restoring relationships and separating humanity back to Himself.

Ephesians 1:9-10
⁹ having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: ¹⁰ that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Our new lives are the result of God’s grace and the work of Calvary. His sacrifice on Calvary is what destroys the yoke of sin. By this we can walk in newness of life, and we should strive to pursue holiness and separation.

This life is not a solo journey. Since His desire is to save all people, our life of holiness and separation should serve a purpose. That purpose is to point others to the gracious God who saved us.

Separated For God’s Purpose

So, the question is, “how are believers supposed to be involved in being separated for God’s purpose?” To answer that, let’s look at it from three perspectives.

First, we must believe the gospel message. We must believe that Jesus is the Messiah. That His death, burial, and resurrection are the foundation of our redemption. From this we model our lives and we crucify our flesh through repentance. We are buried with Him in baptism. [Romans 6:4-10]. And we are raised to new life in Christ by being filled with His Spirit [Colossians 2:12-14].

Second, separating ourselves for God’s purpose involves transformation and renewing of mind [Romans 12:2]. Living under the power of sin influences the way we think. When we give our life to God, we MUST change the way we think. But God does not expect us to change alone. If we allow Him to, He will change the way we think through His Word.

Philippians 4:8
⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

When our minds are focused on the things of God, His purpose becomes our focus and our desire.

Third, asking right questions focuses our decisions on God’s purpose. Consider this Psalm.

Psalm 119:5-7
⁵ O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! ⁶ Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. ⁷ I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 

David understood the importance of asking the right questions. He asked that his actions reflect God’s desire. How do you think your life would change if you asked the same? Developing the practice of asking questions about the direction of our lives and where and what our focus should be will separate us for God’s purpose. Doing so will make us aware of our own personal desires, temptations, and pride that will, if left unchecked, take precedence over God’s will.

Pursuing Holiness

Romans 6:20-22
²⁰ For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. ²¹ What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. ²² But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

God has called us to a life of holiness, which is a part of His purpose in restoring our relationship with Him. So, rejecting the pursuit of holiness is truly a rejection of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
⁷ For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. ⁸ He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

Holiness is not about us. Holiness is not a religion or denomination, nor is it a human invention to convince people to follow a set of rules. The purpose of true holiness is to reflect God’s image. Holiness is being separated to God for His purpose. Our focus is not on what we or others are separating from, but rather who are we separating to? It’s not about what I “can’t” do to be more like Christ, but rather about what I “can” do to be more like Him.

Continually Separated to God’s Purpose

Understanding God’s purpose, learning to separate ourselves for that purpose, and pursuing holiness should influence our lives daily. But we must ask this question, “What is our ultimate goal?”

God’s purpose is to restore wholeness to a broken world, reconciling the world to Himself [2 Corinthians 5:19]. So, our ultimate goal then should be to be the reflection of God that others see.

Matthew 5:14-16
¹⁴ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Our actions should draw others to our Savior and help prepare a path for them to follow.

Have you ever heard this said or have you ever said this about the ocean, the mountains, or the Grand Canyon? “How can anyone say there isn’t a God, look at that creation!” Well, you need to realize that we are God’s creation just as much as the ocean, the mountains, or the Grand Canyon (or anything else for that matter), so our lives should speak to others the very same way. And they will if you truly reflect His image. Why? Because when we truly reflect His image, others will see Him instead of us.

When we pursue the purpose that God has for us, we will reflect His image, and that reflection of holiness will spark a flame of hope and faith. The light of our Savior reflecting through us can shine brightly and lead those who are searching to find their Creator. And they too, can be redeemed from sin and death, into new, eternal life.