BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD

By David J. Riggs

I. Rom. 12:1-2
   A. This instruction given to the saints at Rome is sorely needed
      by Christians today. We live in a world which subjects us to
      various pressures, calling upon us to "conform."
   B. Because "every one else" dresses immodestly, uses vulgar
      language, is involved in the mad pursuit of material things, is
      intent on the things of this life that are pleasurable, etc.,  
      etc., Christians are under heavy temptation to do likewise.

II. The word "transformed is the Greek word "metamorphose" which
    means "to change into another form, transfigure, transform."
   A. The metamorphose is often illustrated in high school biology
      by the changing of a green worm into a butterfly.
   B. The word is found only four times in the N.T. - Matt. 17:2;
      Mark 9:2; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18
   C. It is used of Christ to describe His transfiguration.  Matt.
      17:2; Mark 9:2
      1. As Christ was transformed into a divine radiance,
         Christians are to be transformed into the image of Him
         who created him.  Col. 3:8-11
      2. It is a transformation from within, which exemplifies itself
         from without.

III. When many excuse sin by saying: "when in Rome, do as the
     Romans do," remember that Paul wrote to those who were in
     Rome and told them to not do as the Romans do.
   A. No matter how popular and widespread sin and ungodliness
      may be, it doesn't excuse it or make it more acceptable.  Ex.
      23:2

IV. Titus 2:11-13
   A. Thus, Christians are called upon to deny ungodliness and
      worldly lust and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in
      this present world.
   B. This we must do, regardless of what those about us do.

V. Matt. 5:14-16
   A. The life of the Christian is to be different - a pure, clean,
      wholesome kind of difference that others may see.
   B. It's sad, indeed, when our conduct can't be distinguished from
      that of the worldly people around us.

Concl.
   A. How about all of us? Are we careful to conduct ourselves
      correctly in all our relationships in life?
   B. Do we keep our lives clean and pure?
   C. Let us not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
      into the image of God.  2 Cor. 3:18