DO NOT CONFORM TO THE WORLD

PROCLAMATION

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  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.”  Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Here Paul encourages the believers to live a different life than the people around them.  He wanted them to live in a manner that was pleasing to God.  He wanted them to refresh their mind with The Word of God. (Romans 12:1-2)  He encouraged them not to think too highly of themselves. (Romans 12:3)  He told them that just as we have many different parts to our body, that we are different but collectively they make up the body of Christ. (Romans 12:4-5)  He said that each of us have different gifts which have been given to us by God.  Then he goes on to tell them how to use their gifts, ad how to behave towards one another. (Romans 12:6-16)  He ended this chapter by telling them not to repay evil for evil. (Romans 12:17)  Vengeance belongs to The Lord God and He will repay those who have wronged them. (Romans 12:19)  They were to treat their enemies with kindness, and The Lord God would deal with them. (Romans 12:20)  Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

 

APPLICATION

As believers we are to behave and conduct ourselves in a Christ-like manner.  Just as Christ was, we are in this world but not of it. (John 8:23)  We are to act differently from the unsaved people of the world.  We are not to act pious or put on a false perfect face.  We are to let the light of Christ which is within us shine so that the world can see The Christ in us. (Matthew 5:16)  We need to renew our mind daily with The Word of God.  Do not think that you know The Bible so well that you don’t have to reread it.  Humble yourself, and don’t think higher of yourself than you ought to think. (Romans 12:3)  The more you read and study The Bible, the more you will get out of it, especially if you pray first.