Definition:
Living set apart refers to the Christian calling to live a life distinct from worldly values and behaviors, dedicated to God and His purposes. This concept is rooted in the biblical principle of holiness, which means to be "set apart" for God's use.

Biblical Foundation:
The call to live set apart is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, God commands the Israelites to be holy as He is holy, setting them apart from other nations (Leviticus 11:44-45). This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament for believers in Christ.

Key Scriptures:

1. Romans 12:1-2 :
"Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."

· This passage emphasizes the transformation of believers through the renewal of their minds, leading to a life that is not conformed to worldly patterns but is dedicated to discerning and doing God's will.

2. 1 Peter 1:14-16 :
"As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

· Peter exhorts believers to live in holiness, reflecting the character of God in their conduct, as a response to their calling.

3. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 :
"Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

· This call to separation underscores the relational aspect of living set apart, where God promises a familial relationship with those who pursue holiness.

Theological Implications:
Living set apart involves both a positional and practical aspect of holiness. Positionally, believers are sanctified through faith in Christ, set apart as God's people (1 Corinthians 1:2). Practically, this sanctification is worked out in daily life through obedience to God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application:
1. Moral Purity:
Christians are called to abstain from sinful behaviors and to pursue righteousness. This includes maintaining purity in thoughts, words, and actions (Philippians 4:8).

2. Distinctive Lifestyle:
Believers are to live in a way that visibly reflects their faith, serving as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel (Matthew 5:16).

3. Community and Fellowship:
Engaging in Christian community and fellowship is vital for encouragement and accountability in living a set-apart life (Hebrews 10:24-25).

4. Mission and Witness:
Living set apart is not about isolation but about being a light to the world, actively engaging in the mission of making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

Challenges:
Living set apart can lead to tension with cultural norms and may result in persecution or misunderstanding. However, believers are encouraged to persevere, knowing that their ultimate reward is with God (Matthew 5:10-12).

Conclusion:
The call to live set apart is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, requiring intentionality and reliance on God's grace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to live lives that honor God and reflect His holiness to the world.