Set Apart: The Way to Holiness

Objectives

At the end of the session, the participants are expected to:

1. Understand the Christian call to holiness and what it means to be set apart for God as guided by the book of our founder.

2. Recognize the hindrances to holiness, especially worldliness, pride, and unforgiveness.

3. Apply Christian virtues by living with holiness, compassion, humility, forgiveness, gratitude, and wisdom.

Expanded Outline

I. Introduction

“The most distinctive attribute of an authentic Christian is holiness. 

We are to be holy because our God is holy.” – Frank Padilla, Set Apart

“As he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct,

 for it is written, ‘Be holy because I am holy.’” 1 Pt 1:15-16

We are called to holiness. In this chapter teaching, let us learn from the book of our Founder Brother Frank Padilla, entitled Set Apart. As also stated in our covenant: “I shall live as a follower of Christ. Pray and read the Bible daily. Strive for holiness and Christian perfection.” Let’s grow deeper rooted in Christ through formation.

St. Paul exhorts believers: “Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, making holiness perfect in the fear of God.” (2 Cor 7:1) Holiness is not optional for the Christian. It is God’s plan for His people and the path toward becoming more like Christ. Yet this call is not without challenges. Living a holy life requires resisting the forces that continually pull us away from God.

II. Three Hindrances to Holiness and Being Set Apart

1. Worldliness

Conforming to the values, desires, and culture of the world instead of God's will keeps believers from living as people set apart. Worldliness promotes sin, liberal ideologies, modernism and self-centered living rather than holiness.

“Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Rom 12:2

2. Pride

Pride causes us to rely on ourselves rather than on God. It seeks recognition, superiority, and self-sufficiency, preventing the humility through which God forms us into His likeness.

“God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.” 1 Pt 5:5

3. Unforgiveness

Holding on to resentment, bitterness, or hatred hardens the heart and hinders spiritual growth. Christians are called to extend the same mercy and forgiveness they have received from God.

“Forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance.” Mk 11:25

III. Being Set Apart

What does it mean for us to be holy? The Hebrew word for holy is qodesh, which means "set apart." To be holy is to be separated from what is sinful and dedicated completely to God. Christians are called to live differently, not according to the standards of the world, but according to the will of God. Though we live in the world, we are not to belong to it. Instead, our lives should reflect Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions. To be set apart, there should be:

1. Holiness amidst evil

“come forth from them and be separate” 2 Cor 6:17a

We Christians are called to live holy lives despite living in a sinful world. As God's chosen and redeemed people, temples of the Holy Spirit, and freed from sin, we must reject worldly values, pursue purity, and continually grow in holiness through obedience, self-discipline, all by God's grace. By remaining faithful, we become more like Christ and are prepared for eternal life.

2. Compassion amidst animosity

“be… compassionate, forgiving one another” Eph 4:32b

We Christians are called to respond to others with compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, even when they have been hurt or wronged. Following Christ's example and God's mercy, we are to overcome anger, hatred and revenge by loving our enemies, helping those in need, and becoming instruments of God's peace in a hurting world.

3. Humility in greatness

“Humble yourselves before the Lord” Jas 4:10a

While the world measures greatness by pride and achievement, God calls His people to humility. Recognizing that every gift comes from Him, Christians honor others above themselves, imitate Christ's servant-hearted example, and rely completely on God. True greatness comes through humble dependence on the Lord, who alone deserves the glory.

4. Forgiveness despite grievances

“forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance” Mk 11:25a

Because conflicts are inevitable, we Christians are called to forgive as God has forgiven us in Christ. Forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing but chooses mercy over revenge, leaving judgment to God. By following Jesus' example and remembering our own need for forgiveness, we believers reflect God's love, restore relationships, and grow in faith.

5. Gratitude despite deprivation

“In all circumstances give thanks” 1 Thes 5:18a

We christians are called to remain thankful in every circumstance because of God's unfailing love, faithful provision, perfect plan, and constant presence. Through prayer, trust, and a life rooted in Christ, we can see both blessings and trials from God's perspective, knowing that He works all things for our good and eternal salvation.

6. Wisdom amidst folly

“become a fool so as to become wise.” 1 Cor 3:18c

True wisdom comes from God, not from human knowledge or worldly values. We Christians are called to seek God's wisdom through prayer, reverence for the Lord, obedience to His Word, and spiritual discernment. By building our lives rooted in Christ and rejecting the world's false wisdom, we can live according to God's truth and receive the blessings of genuine wisdom.

IV. Conclusion

“We are called to holiness. To be holy is to be set apart. It is to be different from others. It is to be in the world but to be not of the world.” Frank Padilla, Set apart

This means pursuing holiness amidst evil, showing compassion instead of hostility, choosing humility over pride, extending forgiveness despite grievances, remaining grateful in every circumstance, and seeking God's wisdom rather than the wisdom of the world.

This is a challenging calling because it requires going against the current of a culture that often opposes God's ways. Yet by God's grace, believers can remain faithful, becoming living witnesses of Christ in the world while keeping their hearts fixed on heaven. Though we are in the world, we are called to be not of the world, living lives that reflect the holiness of the One who has called us.

Source: Set Apart – The Way To Holiness, Frank Padilla

Discussion Question

In what areas of my life am I still being influenced by the world, pride, or unforgiveness, and how is God calling me to become more holy and set apart for Him?