Summary of my sermon, based on Romans 12:2. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto (Family Camp) on July 7, 2024.
This morning, our focus is on Romans 12:2, a verse that challenges us with a powerful command: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2, ESV). The theme of “Renewal” is not just for today but for the entire year at GCF Toronto. Yesterday, Pastor Ed spoke on the transformation of our minds and how this leads to a distinct Christian community. He emphasized the importance of the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—as markers of this distinction.
Today, I want to back up a little and focus on the beginning of verse 2: “Do not be conformed to this world.” This phrase directs us to what we, as believers, should be distinct from. But what does it mean to “not be conformed to this world”?
To answer this, let’s consider the concept of the “Zeitgeist,” a term rooted in 18th-century German philosophy. The word “Zeitgeist” is defined as “the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.” It is the prevailing attitude that shapes how most people in society think, act, and believe at a given moment.
Now, if the Zeitgeist is what motivates the world, it is precisely what should not motivate us as followers of Christ. The Apostle John warns us in 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. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”
This passage serves as a biblical definition of the Zeitgeist—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life. These worldly motivations stand in stark contrast to what comes from the Father and are fleeting, destined to pass away with this world.
So, what is the Zeitgeist of our time? What is it that we should not love? The answer may surprise you—it’s individualism. While you might have expected me to point to hot-button issues like abortion, medical aid in dying, or gender and sexuality, the truth is that these issues are manifestations of a deeper, underlying sin: individualism.
Individualism is self-idolatry, the love of self above all else. It is the driving force behind many of the societal issues we face today. For example, the argument for abortion often hinges on the idea that a woman has the right to choose what happens to her body, prioritizing individual choice over the sanctity of life. Similarly, medical aid in dying is framed as an individual’s right to choose the time and manner of their death, often at the expense of valuing life itself. The debates around gender and sexuality frequently center on the belief that one’s personal identity and choices should be upheld above any external moral standard.
A telling example of this mindset is a debate I recently watched on YouTube. A self-identified Christian argued that personal experience with God trumps Scripture, even going so far as to accuse another believer of idolatry for quoting the Bible. This individual elevated personal belief above the Word of God, illustrating the essence of individualism—placing self above all else.
The Apostle Paul foresaw this in 2 Timothy 3:2: “For people will be lovers of self.” This love of self is at the heart of individualism and is a primary motivator behind the issues we face today.
However, individualism doesn’t just influence these societal debates; it can also creep into our own lives in subtle ways. We must guard against allowing our responses to these issues to become idolatrous, driven by pride or self-righteousness rather than humility and love for God.
Paul’s command in Romans 12:2 to “not be conformed to this world” is a call to reject the Zeitgeist of individualism and instead be transformed by the renewal of our minds. This transformation enables us to discern God’s will, which is “good and acceptable and perfect.”
When it comes to discerning God’s will in our personal lives, especially in major decisions like choosing a spouse or a career, we often overcomplicate things. We might wish for a clear, supernatural sign like the one my friend Tyler experienced when he dreamed God told him he would marry Michelle. But discerning God’s will usually involves using the wisdom, desires, and boundaries He has already given us.
For example, in choosing a spouse, God has provided clear guidelines such as 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” This verse warns us against marrying someone who does not share our faith, emphasizing the importance of spiritual compatibility.
Similarly, in choosing a career, we are to use our God-given talents and passions while adhering to biblical principles like 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Whatever path we choose, it should ultimately bring glory to God.
In conclusion, the call to “not be conformed to this world” is a call to reject individualism and embrace a life transformed by the renewal of our minds. This transformation allows us to discern and follow God’s will, leading lives that are distinct from the world and aligned with what is good, acceptable, and perfect in His sight.
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