Living Sacrifices: Balance in Christian Non-Conformity
Summary
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices and to avoid conforming to the world. This call to non-conformity is not about withdrawing from the world or adopting a rigid legalism, but about a transformation that begins with the renewal of the mind. The challenge is to live in the world without being shaped by its values, which often stand in opposition to God's will. This requires discernment and a commitment to biblical principles over personal prejudices or societal trends.
The danger lies in swinging to extremes. On one side, there's the risk of obscurantism, where Christians reject anything new or different, mistaking tradition for biblical truth. On the other, there's the risk of antinomianism, where grace is used as an excuse for worldliness. True Christian living finds a balance, avoiding both rigidity and laxity. This balance is maintained by focusing on the core message of the Gospel and ensuring that our methods of evangelism and living do not contradict this message.
In practice, this means being cautious of legalism, which can lead to a Pharisaical attitude, and being wary of adopting worldly methods under the guise of evangelism. The Christian's life should be marked by moderation, avoiding extremes in behavior, dress, and lifestyle. The goal is to live in a way that reflects the Gospel, not drawing attention to oneself through either ostentation or dowdiness, but through a quiet, consistent witness to the transformative power of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Balance in Christian Living: Avoid the extremes of obscurantism and antinomianism. True Christian living is about finding a balance, guided by biblical principles rather than personal prejudices or societal trends. This balance helps maintain a focus on the Gospel's core message. [10:54]
- Evangelism and Methods: While the message of the Gospel must remain unchanged, there should be flexibility in methods to reach people where they are. This requires discernment to ensure that methods do not contradict the message. [24:27]
- Avoiding Legalism and Phariseeism: Legalism and Phariseeism are dangers that can lead to a self-righteous attitude. Christians should focus on the spirit of the law, not just the letter, ensuring that their actions reflect the love and grace of Christ. [40:04]
- Non-Conformity to the World: Christians are called to live in the world without being shaped by its values. This involves a transformation that begins with the renewal of the mind, allowing believers to discern God's will. [44:41]
- Moderation and Witness: The Christian life should be marked by moderation, avoiding extremes in behavior and lifestyle. This quiet, consistent witness reflects the transformative power of the Gospel and draws others to Christ. [52:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Romans 12:1-2
- [00:31] - The Call to Non-Conformity
- [01:05] - Motives for Christian Living
- [01:44] - Progression from Body to Soul
- [02:35] - Defining 'The World'
- [03:27] - The Church's Conformity to the World
- [05:16] - Warning Against Extremes
- [06:31] - The Danger of Obscurantism
- [09:13] - The Role of Tradition
- [11:58] - Evangelism and Worldly Methods
- [16:23] - The Pharisees' Misunderstanding
- [19:33] - Flexibility in Evangelistic Methods
- [25:21] - Preaching to the Congregation
- [30:59] - Avoiding Legalism in Practice
- [39:01] - The Mennonites' Example
- [44:41] - Principles for Non-Conformity
- [52:06] - Moderation in Christian Living
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:1-2
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean by urging believers to present their bodies as "living sacrifices"? How does this concept differ from traditional sacrifices? [00:10]
2. In the sermon, what are the two extremes that Christians are warned against, and how do they relate to the concept of non-conformity? [06:31]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between the renewal of the mind and discerning God's will? [00:31]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the danger of adopting worldly methods under the guise of evangelism? [14:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest Christians can find a balance between obscurantism and antinomianism? What role does biblical discernment play in this balance? [10:54]
2. The sermon mentions the Pharisees' misunderstanding of Jesus' methods. How does this example serve as a warning against legalism and self-righteousness in modern Christian practice? [16:58]
3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of flexibility in evangelistic methods while maintaining the integrity of the Gospel message? [24:27]
4. How does the sermon define "worldliness," and what are some practical ways Christians can avoid being conformed to the world? [44:41]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be conforming to the world's values rather than being transformed by the renewal of your mind? How can you address these areas this week? [44:41]
2. Consider the balance between tradition and innovation in your faith practice. Are there traditions you hold that might be more about personal preference than biblical truth? How can you discern the difference? [10:54]
3. Think about your approach to evangelism. Are there methods you use that might contradict the Gospel message? How can you ensure your methods align with the message of Christ? [24:27]
4. Identify a situation where you might have been overly critical of new methods or ideas in your church or community. How can you approach such situations with a spirit of grace and openness? [16:23]
5. The sermon warns against both rigidity and laxity. In what areas of your life do you tend to lean towards one of these extremes? What steps can you take to find a more balanced approach? [29:20]
6. How can you cultivate a spirit of moderation in your lifestyle, avoiding both ostentation and dowdiness, to reflect the transformative power of the Gospel? [52:06]
7. Reflect on a recent decision or action. Was it influenced by a desire to conform to societal trends or peer pressure? How can you ensure future decisions are guided by biblical principles? [44:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Balance in Christian Living
In Romans 12:1-2, believers are called to present their bodies as living sacrifices and to avoid conforming to the world. This call to non-conformity is not about withdrawing from the world or adopting a rigid legalism, but about a transformation that begins with the renewal of the mind. The challenge is to live in the world without being shaped by its values, which often stand in opposition to God's will. This requires discernment and a commitment to biblical principles over personal prejudices or societal trends. The danger lies in swinging to extremes. On one side, there's the risk of obscurantism, where Christians reject anything new or different, mistaking tradition for biblical truth. On the other, there's the risk of antinomianism, where grace is used as an excuse for worldliness. True Christian living finds a balance, avoiding both rigidity and laxity. This balance is maintained by focusing on the core message of the Gospel and ensuring that our methods of evangelism and living do not contradict this message. [10:54]
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself leaning towards extremes? How can you seek God's guidance to find a balanced approach that aligns with His will?
Day 2: Evangelism and Methods
While the message of the Gospel must remain unchanged, there should be flexibility in methods to reach people where they are. This requires discernment to ensure that methods do not contradict the message. The Christian's life should be marked by moderation, avoiding extremes in behavior, dress, and lifestyle. The goal is to live in a way that reflects the Gospel, not drawing attention to oneself through either ostentation or dowdiness, but through a quiet, consistent witness to the transformative power of Christ. In practice, this means being cautious of legalism, which can lead to a Pharisaical attitude, and being wary of adopting worldly methods under the guise of evangelism. [24:27]
"To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22, ESV)
Reflection: What is one new method you can try this week to share the Gospel with someone in your life, ensuring it aligns with the message of Christ?
Day 3: Avoiding Legalism and Phariseeism
Legalism and Phariseeism are dangers that can lead to a self-righteous attitude. Christians should focus on the spirit of the law, not just the letter, ensuring that their actions reflect the love and grace of Christ. The challenge is to live in the world without being shaped by its values, which often stand in opposition to God's will. This requires discernment and a commitment to biblical principles over personal prejudices or societal trends. The danger lies in swinging to extremes. On one side, there's the risk of obscurantism, where Christians reject anything new or different, mistaking tradition for biblical truth. On the other, there's the risk of antinomianism, where grace is used as an excuse for worldliness. True Christian living finds a balance, avoiding both rigidity and laxity. [40:04]
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others." (Matthew 23:23, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you may have focused more on the letter of the law rather than its spirit. How can you shift your focus to embody the love and grace of Christ in your actions?
Day 4: Non-Conformity to the World
Christians are called to live in the world without being shaped by its values. This involves a transformation that begins with the renewal of the mind, allowing believers to discern God's will. The challenge is to live in the world without being shaped by its values, which often stand in opposition to God's will. This requires discernment and a commitment to biblical principles over personal prejudices or societal trends. The danger lies in swinging to extremes. On one side, there's the risk of obscurantism, where Christians reject anything new or different, mistaking tradition for biblical truth. On the other, there's the risk of antinomianism, where grace is used as an excuse for worldliness. True Christian living finds a balance, avoiding both rigidity and laxity. [44:41]
"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." (1 John 2:15, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one worldly value that you struggle with conforming to. What steps can you take to renew your mind and align more closely with God's will?
Day 5: Moderation and Witness
The Christian life should be marked by moderation, avoiding extremes in behavior and lifestyle. This quiet, consistent witness reflects the transformative power of the Gospel and draws others to Christ. The challenge is to live in the world without being shaped by its values, which often stand in opposition to God's will. This requires discernment and a commitment to biblical principles over personal prejudices or societal trends. The danger lies in swinging to extremes. On one side, there's the risk of obscurantism, where Christians reject anything new or different, mistaking tradition for biblical truth. On the other, there's the risk of antinomianism, where grace is used as an excuse for worldliness. True Christian living finds a balance, avoiding both rigidity and laxity. [52:06]
"Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:5, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current lifestyle and habits. How can you practice moderation in a way that serves as a consistent witness to those around you?
Quotes
"Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." [00:26:43]
"Now here we are dealing with this most practical and urgently important matter. I was trying to show last Friday night, as you remember most of you, the extreme agency of the relevance of this statement to the situation in which we find ourselves at the present time, not only as individuals but also as members of the Christian Church." [00:116:12]
"Now, because it is such an important subject, it's important that we should be clear about our term. So we spend most of our time last Friday in defining what is meant by this word world. It is this outlook, men's outlook apart from God, men thinking of his life in this world and of himself apart from God and the revelation of God." [00:160:73]
"Now, while I still repeat my general principle, I have got to go on to point out that we are doing something which is very wrong and reprehensible if we interpret that in terms of becoming obscurantist. You see, the danger with authority, we have react so violently from one extreme to the other Dudley and the danger that is often confronted Christian people." [00:381:13]
"Now, I'm laid down the principle and I must repeat it that our evangelism must never be governed by the mind and the applicants are thinking of the world, but of all small we've got to be very careful that we don't react so violently to that has to go to another extreme, which in my opinion is equally wrong and equally bad." [00:733:02]
"Now, I'm simply raising this question and showing you that there are dangers on the extreme opposite of submitting to worldly thinking and worldly ideas and wealthy methods. I am suggesting that the thing we have to be very careful as about as we interpret this instruction is that we do not develop a hyper critical spirit." [00:919:19]
"Now, that's an apologia the Apostle is justifying his own evangelistic method. He was being misunderstood and as I said grievously persecuted by the legalists and the Judaizers. That's his answer. I am made all things to all men that I might by all means save some." [00:1458:32]
"Now, of course, every preacher wish that he had got men before him always every time he preaches another Bible from cover to cover and all the theology and the well versed in the Puritans here they are they're ready for it, but you know it's very seldom one gets a congregation like that." [00:1537:10]
"Now, let me tell you something about phenomenon its they are there tonight they're quite a well-known group of people here are some of the things that they hold there this is their great text be not conformed to this world and this is how they interpret it they say you must never put curtains up on your windows that's to be worldly." [00:2140:46]
"Now, let me be fair I know it's difficult people say but I've got to buy what's in the shops I agree with him it is difficult not after a certain point to have to conform to that and you're a helpless victim and you can't help it all I'm saying is this that you're not only objective having to do that but that you don't want to do that." [00:2859:57]
"Now, let me be fair I know it's difficult people say but I've got to buy what's in the shops I agree with him it is difficult not after a certain point to have to conform to that and you're a helpless victim and you can't help it all I'm saying is this that you're not only objective having to do that but that you don't want to do that." [00:2859:57]
"Now, next week God willing we're going to look at the positive aspect of all that as the Apostle proceeds to put it we come to the heavenly father and one smaller we thank thee for thy word O Lord how can we think these efficiently for it keep us we pray even with a single eye to the glory ever to that simplicity which is in Christ." [00:3299:52]
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