God's People: Set Apart for His Purpose and Glory

God Has a People for His Name

As Christians, we are called to be a part of God's people, those who are set apart for His purpose and glory. This truth is magnified throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

In Acts 15, the apostles and elders met to discuss the issue of Gentile believers being required to keep the law of Moses. The apostle James spoke up and said, "Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name" (Acts 15:13-14 ESV).

This statement by James highlights an important truth that is reiterated throughout the Bible: God has a people for His name. In this article, we will explore what it means to be a part of God's people and how we can live out this truth in our lives.

What Does it Mean to be a Part of God's People?

Throughout the Old Testament, God's people were the Israelites, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were chosen by God to be His special people, set apart from the other nations. However, even among the Israelites, there were those who were truly God's people and those who were not.

In the New Testament, the people of God are those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. The apostle Peter writes, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9 ESV).

Being a part of God's people means that we have been chosen by God to be His own possession. We have been set apart for His purpose and glory. We are no longer slaves to sin and death, but we have been set free by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Living as Part of God's People

As part of God's people, we are called to live in a way that reflects our status as His own possession. We are called to live holy and blameless lives, to love one another, and to share the gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus Christ.

In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul writes, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV).

We are called to imitate God and to walk in love, just as Jesus Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. This means that we are to love one another as Christ loved us, sacrificially and unconditionally.

In addition to loving one another, we are also called to share the gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus Christ. Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission, saying, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV).

We are called to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded. This is the mission of the church, to make disciples of all nations and to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.

The Importance of Unity

As part of God's people, we are also called to unity. The apostle Paul writes, "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV).

We are called to walk in humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love, and maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This means that we are to put aside our own selfish desires and preferences and strive for the good of the body of Christ as a whole.

The Importance of the Local Church

Being a part of God's people also means being a part of a local church. The apostle Paul writes, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV).

We are called to meet together regularly with other believers, to encourage one another and to stir one another up to love and good works. This is why the local church is so important. It is a place where we can grow in our faith, be held accountable, and serve one another.

Conclusion

In conclusion, God has a people for His name. As Christians, we are called to be a part of this people, set apart for His purpose and glory. We are called to live holy and blameless lives, to love one another sacrificially, to share the gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus Christ, and to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

As we strive to live out this calling, let us remember that we are not alone. We have the Holy Spirit living within us, guiding and empowering us to live for God's glory. And we have the local church, a community of believers who can encourage and support us as we seek to live out our faith.

Let us then be faithful to this calling, and let us strive to live in a way that brings honor and glory to our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.