Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good… I. WHAT IS THE WORLD? The mass of unrenewed men as distinguished from the people of God. It is Satan's kingdom. It has laws and maxims. Its manners and customs are determined by its reigning spirit. It has its consummation, which is perdition. II. WHAT IS IT TO RE CONFORMED TO THE WORLD? 1. To be inwardly like men of the world in the governing principle of our lives, i.e., to have a worldly spirit, a spirit occupied with worldly things, mercenary, earthly. 2. To be so ruled by the world's maxims that the question is not what is right or wrong, but what is the custom of society. What is the public sentiment? 3. To be indistinguishable from men of the world in our — (1) Objects. (2) Amusements. (3) General conduct. III. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS CONFORMITY. 1. The destruction of all spirituality. It is impossible to live near to God and yet to be conformed to the world. The Spirit is grieved and quenched. 2. The obliteration of the distinction between the Church and the world, and the consequent enervation of the former. What becomes of Christian profession when Christians are as sordid, gay, and unscrupulous as other men? 3. Identity of doom. They who choose the world will perish with it. IV. BY WHAT RULE ARE WE TO DETERMINE WHAT IS AND WHAT IS NOT SINFUL CONFORMITY. This is more a theoretical than a practical difficulty, and will not trouble a man who is filled with the Spirit of Christ and devoted to His service. 1. We must avoid sinful things. 2. With regard to things indifferent. (1) One man should not judge another, but determine for himself what is and is not injurious to his spiritual interests. (2) We should avoid things which are injurious to others though harmless to ourselves. (3) We should shun things innocent in themselves, but which are connected in fact, or in the minds of men with evil, as cards, dancing, the theatre, etc. (4) The same rule as to dress and modes of living does not apply to all persons and places. It depends on usage, rank, etc. There is great danger of becoming pharisaical, and making religion consist in externals. (C. Hodge, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. |
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