Romans 12:2 What is it to 'not be conformed to this world'?

Question

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We are predestined ultimately to be "conformed to the image of (God's) Son" (Romans 8:29); therefore it is eminently logical that we should not be conformed to this world, which is at "enmity with God" (James 4:4, see also 1 John 2:15).
Note that this command is absolute, not relative. It does not say: "Don't love the world too much," but "not at all" (Romans 12:2; Galatians 1:4; James 4:4). The "world" here does not mean the earth or its people (God Himself so loved the world that He gave His Son to save its people), but rather the world as a "system," with its possessions, positions and pleasures (contrast 2 Corinthians 6:10).

Could christmas be part of the world system being as it is not clearly out line as to celebrating the birth of Christ in the bible.

Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

Answer 1

Reading is GOD's will. Read the Bible, change your carnal ways from scripture.

Answer 2

No we are not predestined, because Romans 12:2 says to be transformed. That requires WORD on YOUR part to be found by God as something good and acceptable.
As far as loving the world, we do not want to get caught up in its materialism or its fashion trends because chasing after these things that can be lost, stolen or destroyed rob us of the time we need to develop a good relationship with Jehovah God.

Answer 3

It means not to love this world. Not to love this wicked system of things. This is what mine says, it is alot easier to understand, but means the same thing : Romans 12:2 And quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God' Is it clearer now?

Answer 4

We are to turn away from trusting in this world system and not to marvel at what the world has accomplished compared to what God can do. We should be trusting in God and not in the things of this world. Although some of those things are nice to have but we need to acknowledge God for it being there when we need it.

Answer 5

Yes, it means not conforming to the world's system and the world's way of thinking. For example, the worldly media propagates the smart, beautiful, noble and rich, and looks down on those who fall short of these "standards". Not that these qualities are wrong in themselves, but if anyone boasts in these qualities rather than the Lord who gives them these qualities, then they are thinking in worldly terms.

"This is what the Lord says:
'Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,'
declares the Lord."
(Jeremiah 9:23-24)

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called.
Not many of you were wise by human standards;
not many were influential;
not many were of noble birth.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise;
God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and things that are not - to nullify the things that are,
so that no one may boast before Him.
It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Therefore, as it is written, 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'"
(1 Corinthians 1:26-31, NIV)

As regards Christmas, we know that it is not the actual brithday of our Lord Jesus. But we can still celebrate it by remembering our Lord Jesus, instead of the popular notion of Santa Claus and the reindeers. My church has held a Christmas service at the indoor stadium last Sunday, and the gospel of grace of Christ was preached to believers and unbelievers. At the end of the service, many unbelievers (about 50 of them, I think) came forward to say a prayer to receive Christ into their lives. So I believe God is bigger than any occasion - for as long as the gospel is preached, souls are being saved. If we were to interview a new believer about Christmas - don't be surprised if we hear an answer like: "Whether Christmas is pagan or worldly, I do not know. One thing I do know - once I was blind, but now I see."

God bless you, my friend.

Answer 6

Not conformed to wrong doing and evil things. People of the world willfully participate in sin so we are warned not to be that way. We must do what the Lord commands us to do and that is to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit. Once you are in the spirit you will be able to tell what is of the world and what is not.

Christmas for me is not about gifts, although I do give them, it is about celebrating the life of Christ Jesus. I can't find anything wrong with celebrating my Lord and Saviour.

Answer 7

it means to become like Jesus perfect. But no one seeks Gods face for his righteousness(not I) and that is why Jesus was sent to a cross to die for your sins.


I like your incite by the way. Romans 3:10 says no one does good, NO, NOT ONE. He wants people to be good.

Romans 3:23 says to not sin and receive the glory of God....but no one has and Gods glory came to you threw Jesus Christ.

Answer 8

To not be conformed to this world is to walk with God and
not be part of Satan,s offering,s here,,we must keep our
eye,s on Jesus and not be partaker,s of the sin,s
of this world.

Answer 9

Maybe it's God's will to be transformed into the next.

Answer 10

Again, another question answered by the asker. What is the point of these type "questions?" To lure people in so you can "preach" to them?