A Call to Holiness: Living Set Apart for God

Devotional

Day 1: A Call to Holiness: Be Holy as God is Holy

God calls each of us to a life set apart, not as an option but as a divine directive rooted in His own nature. Holiness is not about outward appearances or following trends, but about reflecting the sacred character of God in our daily lives—living in such a way that others sense something different, something sacred, in us. To be holy is to be chosen, equipped, and empowered by God to represent Him on earth, letting His love, mercy, and grace shine through our actions and attitudes. [55:16]

Leviticus 19:1-4 (NLT):
The Lord also said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy. Each of you must show great respect for your mother and father, and you must always observe my Sabbath of rest. I am the Lord your God. Do not put your trust in idols or make metal images of gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.”

Reflection: In what specific way can you set yourself apart today—at home, work, or in your community—to reflect God’s holiness to those around you?

Day 2: Respect and Honor in the Family

God’s call to holiness begins at home, where we are instructed to show great respect for our parents and live in harmony within our families. This respect is not just about obedience, but about fostering unity, love, and right relationships that mirror God’s own heart. Even when family relationships are strained or broken, God invites us to be agents of reconciliation and peace, demonstrating His holiness through forgiveness, kindness, and respect. [58:32]

Ephesians 6:1-3 (ESV):
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Reflection: Is there a family member you need to reach out to today with a word of respect, forgiveness, or love to restore harmony and reflect God’s holiness?

Day 3: Rejecting Idols and Trusting God Alone

God warns us not to put our trust in idols—anything that takes His rightful place in our hearts. In a world full of distractions and false securities, we are called to examine what we truly rely on and to cast aside anything that competes with God’s presence and authority in our lives. Only God can save, guide, and sustain us, and our trust in Him is a mark of our set-apart, holy identity. [01:04:13]

Psalm 115:4-8 (ESV):
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.

Reflection: What “idols” or distractions might be taking God’s place in your life, and how can you intentionally put your trust in Him alone today?

Day 4: Living as God’s Representatives: Love in Action

Holiness is not just a private matter; it is lived out in how we treat others, especially those who are hurting, marginalized, or in need. God calls us to be His representatives—agents of love, kindness, and reconciliation—so that others may see Jesus in us and be drawn to Him. Our daily acts of compassion, encouragement, and service are tangible expressions of God’s holiness at work in the world. [01:06:15]

Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV):
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Reflection: Who is one person outside your immediate circle that you can show God’s love to today through a simple act of kindness or encouragement?

Day 5: Saying Yes to God’s Call

God’s call to holiness is for everyone, and He invites us to respond with a willing heart—saying “yes” to His will and His way. This means surrendering our own plans, listening for His voice, and being ready to obey, even when it stretches us beyond our comfort zones. When we say yes to God, we become vessels for His purpose, and our lives become a testimony to His transforming power. [01:12:11]

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV):
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Reflection: What is one area where God is prompting you to say “yes” to Him today, and how will you take a step of obedience in response?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate the God who is our miracle worker, destiny changer, and healer—Yahe, the Lord who is worthy of all praise. We lifted our voices in worship, giving thanks for God’s goodness and faithfulness, and we were reminded that our God is not only powerful but also intimately involved in our lives, turning lives around and mending every heart. As we sang and prayed together, we acknowledged that God is the way maker, the promise keeper, and the light in our darkness.

Our focus was on the call to holiness found in Leviticus 19:1-4, where God commands, “You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” This is not a suggestion but a directive for all of us. Holiness means being set apart—hagios—sacred and distinct, reflecting the very character of God in our daily lives. God’s holiness is incomparable, and as His people, we are chosen and equipped to represent Him on earth. This call to holiness is not about outward appearances or following trends, but about our character, our actions, and our relationships.

We reflected on the importance of respecting our parents, keeping the Sabbath, and rejecting idols—both ancient and modern. God’s commandments are given not to restrict us, but to bring order, peace, and love into a world filled with chaos and division. Holiness is lived out in the way we treat one another, in acts of kindness, in forgiveness, and in being set apart for God’s purposes. We are called to be God’s representatives, to let others see His love and holiness through us.

I challenged everyone to examine their lives: How are we demonstrating God’s holiness? What have we done this week that reflects His character? God is always watching, not to condemn, but to lovingly guide us into deeper relationship and service. The call to holiness is for everyone—no one is left out. When we say “yes” to God, we become instruments of His love and grace in the world.

As we closed, I invited all to come empty before God, to be filled anew, and to leave ready to serve, love, and walk in holiness. Our homework is to honor this call in tangible ways this week—through love, kindness, and being set apart for God’s glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Holiness is a Divine Mandate, Not an Option God’s command to “be holy because I am holy” is not a suggestion or a cultural tradition—it is a non-negotiable directive rooted in God’s own nature. Holiness means being set apart, reflecting God’s sacredness in our character and conduct. This call is for every believer, regardless of background or circumstance, and it requires intentional obedience and surrender. [55:16]
2. Holiness Begins at Home and in Relationships Respect for parents, honoring the Sabbath, and living in harmony within our families are foundational expressions of holiness. God’s instructions are not just about personal piety but about how we treat those closest to us. True holiness is seen in the way we love, forgive, and reconcile with others, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. [59:12]
3. Rejecting Idols: Modern and Ancient God warns against putting trust in idols, whether they are physical objects or the more subtle idols of our time—status, possessions, or self-reliance. Idolatry distracts us from God’s presence and purpose. Holiness requires a continual turning away from anything that competes with God for our trust and affection. [64:13]
4. Holiness is Demonstrated Through Action Being set apart is not just a spiritual status but a lived reality. Each day offers opportunities to reflect God’s holiness through acts of kindness, service, and love. Our lives should prompt others to sense something different—a divine presence—so that even before we speak, people encounter the love and character of God in us. [66:15]
5. The Call to Holiness is a Call to Community and Mission God’s call is not for a select few but for the entire community. We are chosen, set apart, and sent to be instruments of God’s love in the world. When we say “yes” to God, we become part of His mission to heal, restore, and draw others into His holiness, making our lives a testimony that inspires others to seek Him. [71:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:20] - Worship: Miracle Worker, Destiny Changer
[06:14] - Giving Thanks and Praise
[11:40] - Opening Prayer
[13:56] - Praise Him: Jesus is Worthy
[19:38] - Scripture Reading: Leviticus 19:1-4
[22:39] - Greeting Visitors and Members
[27:11] - Announcements and Youth Ministry
[33:30] - Worship Through Giving
[37:59] - Way Maker: God’s Presence and Power
[48:41] - Pastoral Prayer and Preparation
[53:06] - Scripture Focus: Call to Holiness
[55:16] - What Holiness Means
[59:12] - Holiness in Daily Life and Relationships
[64:13] - Rejecting Idols and Reflecting God
[71:25] - Responding to the Call: Living Set Apart
[77:16] - Using Your Gifts for God
[79:10] - Homework: Honoring the Call to Holiness
[80:35] - Community Prayer and Benediction
[86:56] - Sending Forth: Go in Peace

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “A Call to Holiness”

---

Bible Reading

Leviticus 19:1-4 (ESV)
> And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God. Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal: I am the Lord your God.”

---

Observation Questions

According to Leviticus 19:2, what is the reason God gives for commanding His people to be holy?
What specific instructions does God give in verses 3 and 4 about how holiness should be lived out in daily life?
In the sermon, what does the word “hagios” mean, and why is it important for understanding holiness? [[55:16]]
What examples did the preacher give about how family rules and God’s commandments help bring order and peace? [[59:49]]

---

Interpretation Questions

Why does God connect holiness to His own character (“for I the Lord your God am holy”)? What does this say about the kind of relationship He wants with His people? [[55:16]]
The sermon says holiness is “not a suggestion but a directive for all of us.” Why do you think God makes holiness non-negotiable for everyone, not just leaders or “super-spiritual” people? [[55:16]]
How does respecting parents, keeping the Sabbath, and rejecting idols show what holiness looks like in real life? [[59:12]]
The preacher mentioned that God’s commandments are not meant to restrict us, but to bring order, peace, and love. How does this change the way we view God’s rules? [[01:01:34]]

---

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to examine our lives: “How are we demonstrating God’s holiness? What have we done this week that reflects His character?” Think back over your week—can you name a specific action or decision that showed God’s holiness to someone else? [[01:06:15]]
Holiness begins at home and in relationships. Is there a relationship in your family or close circle that needs healing, forgiveness, or more respect? What is one step you could take this week to move toward reconciliation or show honor? [[59:12]]
The preacher talked about “modern idols” like status, possessions, or self-reliance. Is there something in your life that competes with God for your trust or attention? What would it look like to “turn away” from that this week? [[01:04:13]]
The call to holiness is for everyone, not just a select few. Do you ever feel like you’re “not holy enough” or that this call doesn’t include you? How does knowing God chose and equips you change your perspective? [[57:14]]
The sermon said, “Our lives should prompt others to sense something different—a divine presence—so that even before we speak, people encounter the love and character of God in us.” Can you think of a time when someone noticed something different about you because of your faith? How can you be more intentional about letting God’s love show through your actions this week? [[01:06:15]]
The preacher gave “homework” to honor the call to holiness in tangible ways—through love, kindness, and being set apart for God’s glory. What is one practical thing you will do this week to live out holiness in your home, work, or community? [[01:19:10]]
The sermon invited everyone to “come empty before God, to be filled anew.” Is there something you need to let go of or surrender to God so you can be filled and ready to serve? What would it look like to do that today? [[01:20:35]]

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for God’s help to live out holiness this week, to be set apart for His purposes, and to be instruments of His love and grace in every relationship and situation.

Sermon Clips

We’re to turn off the noise of the world. We are to hear from God. Again, reflecting, studying his word, praying over it. What is holiness? Wow. But I'm, you know, but Reverend Allen, I'm set in my ways. H will you stay set in your ways? And please don't be mad at God Almighty when he let you continue to be set in your ways and come back at you another time. [01:01:10]

So in the holiness of God, you are you you you those online as well called to holiness. And God's holiness is a fundamental distinction of his nature. That's just the way he is. Yes. It's incomparable. It's nothing like any great great great person that you know. My mama was great. My daddy was great. Pawpa and everybody and them and the other, they were great in my eyes. But God stands above them all. [00:56:04]

But there might be someone along your path who needs to see Jesus in you and glean from that. That looks like Yeah. I want Oh, Beth. Well, oh no, no, no. When when do you have another service? People should come running because of you and because of the God in you. Remember that surveillance camera we talked about. So, let's go back to being set apart. [01:09:01]

And so my call to holiness is to live righteously, reflect the character of God, and righteous in right standing. I want God to be pleased. Raise your hand. Anybody want God to be pleased with what you say and what you do? Yes. Is God's wrath will come down? Yes, it will. Read your read the word. Many of things happened. Couple plagues, people put in exile, you name it. [01:03:19]

So when we go back to respect our parents, remember when God gave us the parents that we have and we were given to the parents born from our mothers and the family unit. We're supposed to be in harmony with God and in step with where we're going. So holiness needs to be about my character. [00:58:48]

And if you look at the reflection of God. God is holy. God in all of his majesty, power, splendor, his character. We couldn't even write them all down. So in the holiness of God, you are you you you those online as well called to holiness. And God's holiness is a fundamental distinction of his nature. [00:55:53]

So raise your hand if you felt any time ever in your life that you were ra used by God. Come on, let me see. Let me see. Let me see. There you go. There you go. And was there any given time that you felt a little uh I'm I'm I'm kind of short so I was trying to make give myself an extra 10 inches. And you felt high and tall because God raised you up to do a certain thing. stay there. [00:59:47]

God is saying, "I I I’m called you out, separated you. You are set apart for his works and holy and above." God has been faithful. Hasn't God been faithful to you? As they say, on time God. Yes, he is. So, let me ask you this. H, in what way are you demonstrating God's holiness and the holiness of God that's down in you? [01:05:39]

But yet that was going on back then and there you go still happening. But but my covering, my direction, my love on you, my forgiveness, mercy, grace, whatever I'm showing you reflects the God in me. And I want you to be able to say even before I open my mouth, I feel some love. I feel love coming from my brother, my sister. [01:04:47]

And we want to remember the a call to holiness. I encourage you to go ahead and read the whole chapter. There's a list of conducts. one right after another in the book of Leviticus. As a matter of fact, in Leviticus, the whole book in its uh in its entirety, but I want you to find out. Check in with yourself. Check in. Come on. Come on. Come on. Do it. Take take the pulse. [01:06:37]

So, your homework is, and you can't say you don't want to do it. Sorry, cuz I have to grade you the following this coming week. Honor that call to holiness. The essence of God. How will you love on somebody? The essence of God. How will you draw close to someone? How will you act different set apart? [01:19:16]

We are God's representatives here on earth. Do your part. Do your part. Don't depend on your neighbor. It's nothing but love. Nothing but love. Nothing but love. Nothing but love. Nothing but love. Because I love you. God loves you. and we need to get this thing together. [01:19:54]

So God is talking to Moses at Mount Si and the Israelites, they're camped somewhere down in the basin, you know, down a little bit away he's from. And so we we we we we heard it underscored in verse two. You must it's non-negotiable. Must that's a directive or think about it and if you feel like it or if you want to if it registers with you go ahead. No, you must be holy because what I the Lord your God is holy. [00:54:53]

And in our steps of holiness, those who you come in contact with should feel something different about her, something different about him because humanity was created to be used by God. God needs representatives here on earth. [00:57:48]

So, let me first start by thanking Pastor Williams. When he text me and said, "Reverend Allen, can you bring the word for next Sunday?" And he put the date on it just in case, you know, I think it's another Sunday down the road. But right after I answered and said I would be honored, delighted to bring the message, opened my Bible, read the scripture reference for the message for today. [00:51:07]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does holiness mean according to biblical standards?

How can believers demonstrate God's holiness daily?

What are the consequences of neglecting God's call to holiness?

A Call to Holiness: Living Set Apart for God

Devotional

Day 1: A Call to Holiness: Be Holy as God is Holy

Day 2: Respect and Honor in the Family

Day 3: Rejecting Idols and Trusting God Alone

Day 4: Living as God’s Representatives: Love in Action

Day 5: Saying Yes to God’s Call

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

A Call to Holiness: Living Set Apart for God

Share