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DAY 3 |

Set Apart for God

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” -2 Timothy 1:7

Easter is a time to examine ourselves in the matters of sin, the flesh, and temptation. That’s why many Christians observe Lent, a 40-day season of prayer and fasting leading up to Resurrection Sunday. It emulates Jesus’s 40-day temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), with the aim of true inner conversion of the heart and following Christ’s will more faithfully.

It’s no surprise, then, that self-control is a popular topic in this period of abstinence. Greek philosophers described self-control as enkrateia (internal power) and sophron (a healthy, balanced, sane mind). In the New Testament, the value of self-control emphasised to Greek and Roman cultures that Christians were responsible citizens of internal self-mastery and special wisdom.

But self-control is not about becoming meek and nondescript, living within the accepted lines. In fact, Christians are to be distinctive and powerful citizens of our time and culture. We are called to be holy (Hebrew, kadash), meaning different and set apart, because God is holy, different and set apart (1 Peter 1:16).

Pursue a life that pleases God, that walks with Him faithfully each day.

Here, the apostle Peter is not calling us to perfectionism; nor is he setting us up for failure, because who could ever be 100% holy like God? Instead, Peter is telling us to pursue a life that pleases God, that walks with Him faithfully each day, that draws on His strength and wisdom through the trials and circumstances we face in life.

To express this commitment to be holy like God, Easter Sunday is often celebrated with the observance of baptisms. Jesus’s forty days in the wilderness began with His baptism in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17), because water represents the way God cleanses a person’s soul in response to heartfelt repentance.

During Lent, we recall the waters of baptism in which we were baptised into Christ’s death. We died with Christ, we “died to self” and began a new life in Him. We set aside our personal desires to become shining examples of His life-altering power to the world. This is part of our walk with Jesus toward Holy Week: a desire to be cleansed and made new.

Reflection

  • Do you remember the day you were baptised? Reflect on your journey with God since then, and His faithfulness throughout the ups and downs.
  • What areas in your life do you struggle to bring under self-control? Take this directly to God and ask Him for help, knowing that in Christ, there is neither shame nor condemnation, but forgiveness and new life.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for the new life that baptism represents. Help me come to grips with self-control and to stand apart from the world and the culture of sin. Help me to draw from your strength in living my life every day. Help me to seek you in all aspects of my life.

- Read More -

Day 2: Agreeing with God

Easter is a season of meditation and confession, so take this time to agree with God on His Word, His love, and His truth

Day 4: Return to the Cross

As we look the Cross, may we find a humble heart to turn our lives around and renew our understanding of Jesus’ suffering for us

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