Set Apart
Believers are called to be set apart for holy service and to prioritize spiritual service in their lives.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that believers are spiritually designated as priests of the Lord, called to live distinctly for God and engage in holy service. He encourages Christians to prioritize their spiritual duties over worldly distractions, presenting their lives as a continuous offering of prayer, praise, and testimony. Spurgeon reminds us that while we may participate in everyday activities, our true calling is to serve God and reflect His holiness in all we do. He urges believers to embrace their sacred duty and adorn themselves with holiness as they minister before the Lord.
Text
Ye shall be named the priests of the Lord. (Isaiah 61:6)
This literal promise to Israel belongs spiritually to the seed after the Spirit, namely, to all believers. If we live up to our privileges, we shall live unto God so clearly and distinctly that men shall see that we are set apart for holy service and shall name us the priests of the Lord. We may work or trade as others do, and yet we may be solely and wholly the ministering servants of God. Our one occupation shall be to present the perpetual sacrifice of prayer, and praise, and testimony, and self-consecration to the living God by Jesus Christ.
This being our one aim, we may leave distracting concerns to those who have no higher calling. "Let the dead bury their dead." It is written, "Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vine-dressers," They may manage politics, puzzle out financial problems, discuss science, and settle the last new quibbles of criticism; but we will give ourselves unto such service as becomes those who, like the Lord Jesus, are ordained to a perpetual priesthood.
Accepting this honorable promise as involving a sacred duty, let us put on the vestments of holiness and minister before the Lord all day long.
Sermon Outline
- The Promise of Priesthood
- Living Up to Privileges
- Leaving Distracting Concerns
- Prioritizing spiritual service
- Leaving worldly concerns to others
Key Quotes
“Ye shall be named the priests of the Lord.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Let the dead bury their dead.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vine-dressers,” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Prioritize spiritual service in your life and leave worldly concerns to others.
- Present the perpetual sacrifice of prayer, praise, and testimony to God.
- Be set apart for holy service and live unto God so clearly that others see it.