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Preaching the Living WORD through the Written WORD - 2 Tim 4:2 - |
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2007 GBC THEME “Renewing Our Lives
And Minds In Christ” - Part 2 (Rom 12:1-2) Pastor I.
THE BELIEVER’S LIVING SACRIFICE (1a) II. THE BELIEVER’S SPIRITUAL
SERVICE OF WORSHIP (1b) III. THE BELIEVER’S
NON-CONFORMITY TO THE WORLD (2a) A. The
Understanding of Non-Conformity to the World 1.
In vs. 2, Paul teaches how to be a living and holy
sacrifice unto God. It begins with not being conformed to this world. If a
believer is conformed to the world, then he is not being the holy sacrifice
that is acceptable to God. 2.
Therefore, Paul commands the believer not to be
“conformed” (pres imper - suschêmatízō)
to the world. a)
Paul commands the believer not to be conformed to the
world because it is a contradiction to be a holy sacrifice and a worldly
sacrifice. b)
The word “conform” (suschêmatízō)
is only used two times in the NT (Rom 12:2, 1Pe 1:14) and means to fashion an
object by using a shaped form or mold. Metaphorically, it means to change
one’s behavior according to a particular pattern. J. B. Phillips translates
this phrase as, “Don’t let the
world around you squeeze you into its own mold.” c)
An additional insight is gained by understanding the
present tense with the Greek negative mê.
It carries the idea that Paul is commanding the Romans to stop being
conformed to the world. The world has such a strong influence upon everyone
that they must make a conscious and continuous effort not to allow themselves
to be patterned after it. Hendriksen & Kistemaker translate it, “…and stop allowing yourselves to be
fashioned after the pattern of this (evil) age.” B. The Explanation
of the “World” (aiṓn) 1.
The Definition of World (aiṓn) a)
The word translated “world” in this instance does not come
from kósmos but from aiṓn. Typically, aiṓn refers to an age or
time in contrast to kosmos, which
refers to people or space, though they can be synonymous. b)
Aiṓn
is
used to represent eternity, i.e. “forever” (tous aiṓnas - Rom 1:25) or “forever and ever” (tous aiṓnas tōn
aiōnōn - Rev 1:6). c)
Aiṓn
is
also used for particular ages or dispensations (Eph 1:21; Eph 2:7). d)
The significance of aiōn
here is that it is referring to the present earthly age under which a worldly
system exists and dominates. e)
Several versions literally translate it, “age” (NAB, YLT,
and GLT). 2.
The Biblical Concept of the World (aiōn) a)
“World” (aiṓn)
is sometimes characterized in the Bible as the present age in which there are
cares, concerns, and temptations (Mt 13:22). b)
However, quite frequently this present age (aiṓn) is characterized as
evil and wicked. (1)
It is an evil age (Gal 1:4 - aiṓn ponêroú cp. Eph 6:16) (2)
It is under the dominion of Satan (2Co 4:4). (3)
It is a system (aiṓn)
in this world (kósmos) (Eph
2:2). (4)
It includes an earthly wisdom (1Co 2:6, 8). 3.
The Temptations in the World a)
The Temptation of Eve (1)
John teaches that the other Greek word for “world” (kósmos) can also be characterized
as evil (1Jo 2:16-17). The sinful elements are described as: (a)
“Lust of the flesh” - Lust (epithumía - Rom 1:24) here is the strong cravings for evil
things. In this case, it is the evil cravings for things of the flesh (Gal
5:19-21 cp. Gal 5:16, 24). (b)
“Lust of the eyes” - The same word (epithumía) is used for the sinful cravings of covetousness,
materialism, and sensuality through the eyes (Mk 7:21-23; Mt 5:27-29). (c)
“Boastful pride of life” - Boastful pride (alazoneía) is the arrogant
elevation of man’s powers and glory (Jam 4:16). (2)
These same three elements could be said to be in the
temptation of Eve in the garden (Gen 3:6). (a)
“Lust of the flesh” - “the tree was good for food.” (b)
“Lust of the eyes” - “it was a delight to the eyes.” (c)
“Boastful pride of
life” - “was desirable to make one wise.” b)
The Temptation of Christ (1)
Though Satan was challenging Jesus’ position as the Son of
God, general analogies could be made regarding the temptation of Jesus using
the same elements. (a)
“Lust of the flesh”
- “command that these stones become bread” (Mt 4:3) (b)
“Lust of the eyes”
- “showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory” (Mt 4:8). (c)
“Boastful pride of
life” - “YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE” (Mt 4:6) (2)
Jesus’ answer to each of these temptations was to respond
using specific Scriptures to direct his thoughts and actions (Deut 8:3; 6:16;
10:20). Man only has true spiritual life through the Word of God (Mt 4:4). (3)
This introduces the next point in Rom 12:2, which is, “but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” C. The
Believer’s Victory Over The
Temptations Of The World 1.
Believers are not to be of the world nor molded by the
world even though they live in the world (Jn 17:14-16). 2.
Believers cannot be a worldly sacrifice and still be an acceptable
sacrifice to the Father (1Jo 2:15). 3.
Believers will have an ongoing struggle with the world,
the flesh, and the devil. However, , by renewing their lives to God as living
and holy sacrifices through his power and by renewing their minds in His Word,
they can live victoriously in the world (Jn 17:17; Ps 118:27). |
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