Home > Short Studies > Standing apart from the world (Rom 12:2)
Standing apart from the world
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. — Romans 12:2
An objective look at the world clearly reveals its fallen, sin-afflicted state. Throughout human history, man’s natural tendencies are constantly at odds with the holiness of his Creator. The disobedient society we live in today is no different and likewise headed for God’s wrath.
Despite knowing this, Christians often have to struggle against the pull of the world and its temptations. Having been set apart by God and no longer ignorant of His expectations, believers know they are to separate themselves from their former sinful ways. Through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit they are increasingly equipped to do so, but it is still a difficult task. Christians are not to be “conformed to this world,” but are left to grapple with its influence every day.
Conformity is something that people naturally do. We are social creatures, easily influenced by our environment, and there is a kind of security and justification that we feel in going along with the crowd. The problems with this are that mankind is corrupt and people put their faith in the flawed wisdom of the crowd instead of the perfect
wisdom of a righteous God. Scripture tells us that none are righteous, not even one, and this is demonstrated through the values and actions of a culture that validates sin in order to satisfy its depraved appetites.
Christians are to stand in contrast to that culture and set themselves against the grain of society as a reflection of their Savior and a restraining influence against sin. God charges them to think and live differently that they might glorify Him and reflect His holy standard for living, a standard by which He will ultimately judge the world. It is a responsibility that requires great faith and endurance in the face of constant earthly temptation, and indeed some professing believers can’t separate themselves from the world and eventually fall away. Through the gift of faith and the promise of salvation God strengthens true believers to persevere, and this is necessary because they will face persecution. The world wants its own way, and hates those who stand in the way.
Again, Jesus sets the example. As the awaited Messiah, He didn’t conform to Israel’s expectations and this is why He was rejected by the very people He came to save. The self-serving, flawed wisdom of the world may see things one way, but it is God’s perfect intent and purpose that actually matters and will ultimately carry the day.
When it comes to taking a stand against the world and for God, a good way for a Christian to ensure that they are on the right track is to compare their values and actions with that of the general culture around them. If there is a sharp contrast, then most likely the believer is exactly where he should be.
In this world, sin is pervasive. As sinful beings, we have to work against our very nature to stand apart from it, but as saved beings, we know that we are empowered to
endure to the end, shining as the light of truth in a fallen world.
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Most scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB)
