What Paul is outlining here is that separation from our former selves is for a purpose that goes beyond your salvation. He is saying that we are separated to carry out The Gospel in the earth, which is the will of the Father. Not only have you been saved from spiritual death, but you have been empowered to call others to Jesus through The Gospel- The Good News of Christ.

This is Not a New Concept

God has been separating things since the beginning of time. When the Spirit of the Lord was moving over the face of the waters in Genesis, He spoke light into existence and separated light from the darkness, ”And God saw that the light was good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it; and God separated the light from the darkness”. Genesis 1:4 AMPC. This is the same light that dwells in us through Jesus. Praise God – we are separated to be light in a dark world! Jesus explains this to us in the Gospel of Matthew,

“You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. [15] No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

God reconciled us to himself through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, so that we can be separated to do the works that He has ordained in us. Jesus gave us the template of how to operate in this world and now we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do so. Furthermore, the apostle Paul, explains why we are to be separate in the world.

“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT

What Are the Keys to Being Separate?

Firstly, the love of God is key to everything that comes from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are separate because we love just like our Heavenly Father. The same love that sent His only begotten Son for us, is to be the hallmark of our separation, as we go into the world.

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. [29] To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. [30] Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. [31] And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” Luke 6:27-31 NKJV

Another way that we are to be separate is by operating in the power of God. Knowing, believing and living in the love of God gives us access to the power of God. As new creations we are ,“..to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. [20] Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ” Ephesians 3:19-20 NKJV Why does God want us to be separate? Well,  God wants all men to be saved according to, I Timothy 2:4 He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. This means that being separated unto God has given us all a ministry! We have been commissioned as believers to go into the all world and preach the gospel to every living creature. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation! (2 Corinthians 5:17-19 NKJV)

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; [18] they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:15-18 NKJV

How Do We Live in the World as Spirit-filled Believers?

How do we conduct ourselves and be who Christ has called us to be, when there is so much opposition to God in the world today? Well, Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church is just as powerful today as it was then, in which he states, “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? [15] What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?” 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 NLT

God has called us to go into the world and be separate in Him– In what we believe, how we conduct ourselves and how we demonstrate His power. We are separated to demonstrate the “God kind of Faith” in the earth. This is what Jesus did – he went about teaching, preaching, healing and loving people he met. He didn’t separate himself from people, he showed us how to use our faith to separate light from darkness in the world. Praise God for this amazing contradiction of being separated from darkness, to be light in the world!

As you recite the memory verses, purpose to be separated in Him by the Word of God and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stand on the Word of God to build your faith for what God has called you to, knowing that you are “dearly loved by God the Father”

Memory Verses

1. I am able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think according to the power that works in me. Ephesians 3:19-20
2. I have been separated to go into the world and preach the Gospel to every creature according to Mark 16:15-18
3.  According to 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, I have the ministry of reconciliation, just like Jesus!