Author’s Note on Big Bible Words
Every once in a while, a pastor or teacher will use a big word to describe a biblical or theological concept. These words are usually at least three syllables and almost always end with the sound of /chun/ or /shun/ such as redemption, salvation or sanctification. There are two dangers in using words such as these. First, new believers may not understand what they mean; second, longtime believers may be overly familiar with the words, thus rendering them meaningless clichés.
However, these are important words. As we better understand these words, the better we understand what God has done for us. This devo, consequently, is one in a series of Big Bible Words. We’ve looked at salvation and redemption; today, sanctification. That’s a five-syllable word!
Quick Backdrop
From the very beginning and throughout the Old Testament, the Bible uses a cool Hebrew word to describe the act of God setting apart something for His service or making something holy. This word is translated in most cases as “sanctify.” Then, to help us understand this process of being sanctified or set apart in the era of Jesus, the New Testament uses a cool Greek word that we translate as sanctification. That’s a big Bible word.
The concept of sanctification has many aspects and can get a little complicated at times. So to simplify, we’re going to dive into just one aspect of sanctification: the idea of being set apart as holy, which may be the most important aspect in that God has been setting things apart since day one…Well, actually since day seven.
The What
The passages below represent a cross section of instances when something or someone was sanctified or made holy by God. As you read these passages, look for anything God made holy. Then look for as much detail as you can about being made holy.
“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day, God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done” (Gen. 2:1-2).
“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” (Lev. 20:26). (God, addressing His people, Israel)
“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work” (2 Timothy 2:21) (Paul, addressing Timothy)
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit” (1 Thess. 4:3-8 ). (Paul, addressing believers)
“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. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (2 Peter 2). (Peter, addressing believers)
After you’ve read these passages, think about the whole idea of God setting something apart to be used for His service. Meditate for a few minutes on all that you just found in the passages you read. Then journal your thoughts regarding the questions below.
• What explanations do these passages give as to why God would set something apart?
• What do these passages tell us are the benefits of being set apart?
The So What
These verses clearly show there is to be a noticeable difference between God’s people and the rest of the world. Through the centuries, this difference has been interpreted in various ways, many of which focus on external behavior such as how we dress, whether we dance, etc.
What if we turned the focus on internal behavior? What if there was a noticeable difference in how Christ followers reacted to life’s ups and downs, its victories and defeats? What if there was a noticeable, positive difference in how believers treated other people—friends, non-friends, fast-food clerks, teammates, classmates. Much of the New Testament is devoted to coaching us on how to react to life. Virtues such as patience, kindness, humility, selflessness, gentleness and self-control are to be the first-line traits the world sees in God’s people. That’s what is to set us apart.
What internal behavior or attitude would you like God to sanctify or set apart as holy so it reflects His holy nature? Below is a list of emotional circumstances in which we often find ourselves. Evaluate how you typically react in these circumstances. Would you describe your reactions as holy, as different from the rest of the world?
What’s your first reaction when you are:
• Frustrated?
• Disappointed?
• Rejected?
• Overwhelmed?
• Successful?
Now look at those circumstances again and write out a sentence that describes how a believer who is “set apart” might react.
Seal the Deal
The passages below contain virtues and traits that are to set God’s people apart from the rest of the world. Read each of these as a prayer, asking God’s Spirit to infuse your heart and mind with this holy behavior. Then spend the next 24 hours gauging your reactions to what life throws your way. Wear a reminder—on your wrist or clothes—that prompts you to react in a holy way.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Galatians 5:22-26
Colossians 3:12-14
Related Devos:
(1 of 4) Youth Group Devo: Big Bible Word: Salvation.
(2 of 4) Youth Group Devo: Big Bible Word: Redemption.
