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Speaking Sound Doctrine |
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Romans 12:1, 2 says:
I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will
of God.
The original word
rendered "transformed" is the origin of our word "metamorphosis,"
which denotes a change in an animal's form or structure during its lifecycle. The spiritual applications are apparent. However, let us now consider another key word
in this text, where it says, "do not be conformed…."
The word translated
"conformed" {SUSCHEMATIZO (soos-khay-mat-id'-zo)}, means: "to conform one's self (i.e.
one's mind and character) to another's pattern, (fashion one's self according
to)" (JHT). In essence, it means
being with the same perceptible figure or manner as another {SUN (soon) + SCHEMA
(skhay'-mah)}.
From the root of this
word, we get in English the words "scheme" and "schematic,"
which indicate a plan of action or a pattern for construction.
In the fabrication
industry, a metal casting is made from a mold that is typically made of sand formed
from a pattern. The pattern is typically
made of wood, which has virtually the same shape and features as the intended finished
metal part. Intuitively, if the wooden
pattern is correct according to the specifications, the metal casting should be
also, but if the pattern is flawed, so will be the final result.
In the process,
molten metal is poured into the hollow mold.
The metal flows by the effect of gravity, following the internal pathways
of least resistance until it conforms to the shape of the mold cavity.
Like molten metal
flowing through a casting mold, conforming to the world is the easiest, most
mindless thing we can do. It is notable
in this text that the word translated "conformed" appears in the
passive voice, meaning that a person conforms to the world by allowing it to
happen to him. All we have to do is go
with the flow, follow the crowd on the easy path, and allow the pattern of the
world's behavior in thought and action to become our pattern.
Matthew 7:13 For wide is the gate and broad is the way
that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
When we talk like
the world, dress like the world, drink like the world, and dance like the
world, we fit their mold, not God's.
1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the
world. If anyone loves the world, the
love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world –
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of
the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away,
and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
This original word
translated "conform" appears in one other place in the New Testament:
1 Peter 1:13-19 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind [in other words, roll up your sleeves], be
sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at
the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming
yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as
He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct…. 17 And if you call on the Father,
who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves
throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you
were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your
aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with
the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Therefore, in whatever
you are doing at any moment throughout each day of your life, ask yourself
whether you would be fearful, if this is what the Lord finds you doing when He
returns or when your life is ended.
The form, fashion,
and features of a thing reveal to us what it is, so how are we perceived by God? If conformity to the world is our character,
then the fearful judgment of God will be ours when this life is over.
God is imploring us
to think seriously about this and let Him transform us. By the precious and pure blood of Christ, He
will renew our minds and prove His acceptable and perfect will in us, if we let
Him. Jesus says:
He who believes and is
baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (Mark
16:16)
Romans 6:3, 4 Or do you not know that as many of us as were
baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore
we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was
raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
newness of life.
If you need to repent
and be baptized – immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins – or if you
seek the prayers of the congregation concerning your repentance for some sin in
your life, please do so now.
All scripture quotations are from the NKJV.
Greek definitions are from J. H. Thayer
(JHT).
Copyright 2021, Speaking Sound Doctrine