Unlimited: The Pattern of This World
Jul 3, 2023 495
Do not conform to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2a).
Paul has just told us that true worship is the worship of our whole lives. Now he tells us what the opposite of worshipping God looks like: “anti-worship.” This is the worship of the world; when we conform our lives to how the world tells us we should live. We should not allow this to happen to us.
The word translated “conform” here is a manufacturing term. It has to do with how a craftsman pours material into a mould, to create the desired shape. That’s why Phillips’ paraphrase renders this as,
Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould…
In contrast “to the pattern of this world” is the “pattern of teaching” that you have received, which refers to the Gospel.
The world is constantly applying pressure to squeeze you into its mould: to look, think, and act in a certain way. Its message is that if you do this, you will be accepted and successful, but if you don’t, then you will be rejected. The pressure is constant, from mainstream media, social media, entertainment, and all the sources of information and opinions which constantly bombard us.
In contrast “to the pattern of this world” is the “pattern of teaching” that you have received, which refers to the Gospel. The principles of the Gospel are entirely antithetical to the principles of this world. It is into this pattern of the Gospel that our lives are to be transformed.
Spiritual Application
As you were growing up as a little child and into your teenage years and young adulthood, what pressures did you face to conform to the pattern of this world? What pressures do you face today? How can you help others struggling with the same pressures?
Tobias Bendabenda
Jul 3, 2023
Wonderful message for this morning... Pray for me that my spiritual bars doesn't fall.
Olivia Jeter
Jul 3, 2023
If it wasn't for God in the name of Jesus I would have had a mind breakdown cause of the stress and stressful mental and emotional drain me so much yes dealing with a love one who had a stroke it's hard but what makes it harder when you got kids that thinks we owned them something God has blessed me with such a beautiful and very loving man and I'm happy and most of all I'm grateful and thankful for Anthony Williams evening being in my life for the God 🙏we serve though Jesus Christ 💞 amen
Arnold G. Valle
Jul 3, 2023
In my child hood I was pressured to work with my own to be able to finish my studies. I was worked as a convent boy when i was a high school and in college i only depend on the allowance on my sister who is national scholar grantee and the salary of my sister who is also working in the convent I am one of those who are really influence by the wold in the sense that what ever the majority instead of basing our life to what the bible says. Now that I'm already 60 years old I I was save this is the time that I realized that i need to convince my 3 Children to be save also and this is one of the pressure that I'm carrying at the moment. This time, I'm the lord let me enrolled in free online bible study since i don't have sufficient amount to pay my tuition fee. I don't know yet the plan of the Lord God to me, I just enjoy learning the bible.
ROWLAND HELEGBE.
Jul 3, 2023
Hi Rev. It’s been a while and it’s got to do with my Phone. Thank you for today’s words. The pressures I encountered when I was growing up are just misbehaving and disrespectful, however it got to a point when the realization dawned on me and no one told me to change my ways. At the moment, I don’t think there’s any form of pressure that disturbs me again for now. Now, if you are there today struggling with such pressures, please tell it to the Lord in your prayers and he will surely take it off you. Amen.
Martinluther
Jul 3, 2023
Awesome message, a word in season. The word of God alone makes the healthy difference in our world of today. Bless you Sir