“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (or intelligent) service; 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.” Romans 12:1-21I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And 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. (Romans 12:1‑2)
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-1716All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16‑17).
It was from the Scriptures that he was made wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 3:1515And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)). By the Scriptures he knew that his sins were all put away, and that he had received eternal life (Acts 10:43; 13:38, 3943To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43)
38Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:38‑39); John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24); 1 John 5:1313These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13)); from being a lost, ruined, guilty sinner (Rom. 3:23, 9-1923For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)
9What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17And the way of peace have they not known: 18There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. (Romans 3:9‑19)); having no hope and without God in the world (Eph. 2:1212That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: (Ephesians 2:12)).
But now all such are children of God (Gal. 3:2626For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26); 1 John 3:1, 21Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:1‑2)); they are made members of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12, 1312For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12‑13)); and the Holy Spirit ever dwells in them as temples of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 6:1919What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19)), shedding abroad the love of God in their hearts (Rom. 5:55And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5)); helping them to understand, and to enjoy their place and portion in Christ, and to have Christ as their object to live for day by day; His love their constraining power to do His will (2 Cor. 5:14-1514For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2 Corinthians 5:14‑15)).
How different believers in Christ, therefore, are from the world, and what they are to aim at is to follow Christ, and to be like Him. They can sing as their desire,
“Like Thee in faith, in meekness, love,
In every beauteous grace:
From glory into glory changed
Till we behold Thy face.”
How different in God’s sight is the believer from the unsaved world. The one is light, the other is darkness; the one is righteousness, the other is unrighteousness; the one is Christ (life), the other is Belial, or worthless to God (2 Cor. 6:14, 1514Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (2 Corinthians 6:14‑15)); the one is reconciled to God (Rom. 5:1010For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)); the other is alienated in mind by wicked works (Col. 1:2121And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (Colossians 1:21)).
Believers walk in the light, and are to follow the One who loved them and gave Himself for them, constrained by that love to live no longer to themselves, but unto Him who died for them and rose again (2 Cor. 5:14,1514For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2 Corinthians 5:14‑15)). If therefore, they are to follow Him, they must learn where He is,
“If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be; if any man serve Me, him will My Father honor.” John 12:2626If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. (John 12:26). May we be learners at His feet like Mary (Luke 10:38-4238Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:38‑42)), so that we may rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:1515Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)).
Israel was God’s elect nation, and they expected their Messiah at the time Jesus was born (Isa. 9:6, 76For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6‑7)), but they did not discern that He was first to suffer before these glories would come to Him. Psalm 227All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, (Psalm 22:7); Isaiah 537He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7), tell of His atoning sufferings as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. He therefore allowed men to manifest the wickedness of their hearts (true of all our hearts by nature) in rejecting, scourging, crowning Him with thorns, and crucifying Him.
At the same time, He was, through the eternal Spirit, offering Himself to God, making atonement for sin, and on the cross He cried, “It is finished,” then bowed His head and gave up His spirit to the Father. The world gave Him a cross and a grave! But God raised Him from the dead, thus declaring His satisfaction in all His blessed Son had accomplished in bearing the judgment and breaking the enemy’s power (Heb. 2:14, 1514Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14‑15)). He is now exalted, crowned with glory and honor at God’s right hand, waiting till His enemies be made His footstool (Psa. 1108They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. (Psalm 111:8)).
The rejection and crucifixion of Christ, and the malice and hatred of the Jews, were made the occasion by God to work out His purposes of Grace, purposes hidden in God before the foundation of the world (Eph. 3:3-103How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (Ephesians 3:3‑10); Rom. 16:25, 2625Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (Romans 16:25‑26)). Instead of setting up His millennial kingdom, the Holy Ghost was given (Acts 2:3333Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. (Acts 2:33)) to those waiting believers in Jerusalem, and they were thus baptized into one body – this was the beginning of the church of God (1 Cor. 12:12-1312For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12‑13)).
This truth was first unfolded to Paul the Apostle. It is not mentioned in the Old Testament. In types and figures we can see it now, but never before Paul was converted, except that our Lord spoke of it in Matthew 16 as still future, “I will build My church.” This present period from Pentecost till Christ comes for His heavenly people, is the time when by the preaching of the gospel, God is calling out from the world, and adding to Christ as Head, all true believers who have believed the gospel to the salvation of their souls (Eph. 1:1313In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)).
The Christian is therefore called out from the world by the grace of God (Eph. 2:88For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8); 2 Tim. 1:99Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (2 Timothy 1:9)). Our Lord’s words are, “They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.” He has sanctified (that is, set apart) Himself, that they also might be set apart through the truth. Holy and heavenly is their character and position now (John 17:99I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. (John 17:9); Heb. 3:11Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (Hebrews 3:1)),
Ever since then, in every country, the powers that be for the government of the peoples, were and are ordained of God. This we see in Romans 13:1-61Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (Romans 13:1‑6); Titus 3:11Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (Titus 3:1); 1 Peter 2:13-1513Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: (1 Peter 2:13‑15). In these verses Christians are exhorted to be subject to these powers, and it is noticeable that Christianity in the Word of God does not interfere with the laws of the land to change them for what might seem better. They are like foreigners, subject to the laws, and not interfering with them.
Paul the Apostle sent Onesimus a runaway slave back to his Christian master Philemon. Paul owned the legal claim, but counted on grace to send him back to Paul again, not as a slave but as a brother beloved in the Lord. (Read that beautiful letter to Philemon.)
In Ephesians 621But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. (Ephesians 6:21‑22), and Colossians 43Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. (1 Thessalonians 1:3‑4), the slave is exhorted to serve his master as if he was serving Christ (see also 1 Cor. 7:21-2221Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. (1 Corinthians 7:21‑22)). The master was not commanded to set them free, but was to treat them as having a Master himself.
All this shows the difference between the world and the Christian as subject to the laws of the land, but not taking part in the government. If Christians follow their Lord, they will share His rejection.
What then has the Christian to do with the world? He has his place to fill in it for his Lord, in his business, in his household, and in the church of God (Col. 3:1717And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Colossians 3:17)), and he owes to the world a testimony of Christ as Saviour.
In Philippians 3:2020For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (Philippians 3:20), “Our conversation,” means, our citizenship, our associations of life are in heaven; we are distinctly a heavenly people. We have been taken out, and then sent back as the Father sent the Son (John 17:18; 20:2118As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. (John 17:18)
21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (John 20:21)). We are strangers and pilgrims now (1 Peter 2:1111Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; (1 Peter 2:11)). Our home is not yet reached, we are on the journey, and since this is the language of the Christian, how could he consistently join the forces of this world to accomplish their objects. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Cor. 611O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. (2 Corinthians 6:11)) declares to them.
In Lot’s case, it was the downward track. He pitched his tent toward Sodom, then he lived in it, then ran for Judge, and sat in the gate, but in trying to improve the world besmeared himself, and his testimony was ruined, – he was saved as by fire. What a history was his! Let believers take warning.
God is still allowing this age to run on. Is it improving in any way? Inventions increase, but human life is of little value; evil men and seducers wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. No, it does not improve morally, God is forgotten, and men are hurrying into eternity, deluded by the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:3,43But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:3‑4)). How is it? The world did not vote for Christ, they chose Barabbas instead of Jesus. They put in the wrong man, and are still doing so. Ezekiel 21:2727I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him. (Ezekiel 21:27) declares.
“I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him.”
Why then should the Christian defile himself by dabbling in things that belong to the citizens of earth? Why not stand up for the Lord, and give out His gospel as the only means to put men right? They cannot put the world right, but God still waits in long suffering grace, and bears with it, and so must the Christian, but he cannot mix with the world without being defiled. It is surely their duty and privilege to keep their hearts for Christ, engaging their souls in what is for His glory, and the advancement of His heavenly kingdom.
The coming of the Lord draws nigh, and His coming will close this present age of grace, then God will begin to deal with this world, – with Israel and with the Nations. Christ the Lord will reign in righteousness till every knee shall bow, of heavenly, earthly, and infernal beings, and every tongue shall confess Him, – Jesus Christ the Lord – to the glory of God the Father. And wonderful to think of it, we shall be with Him in it all as His heavenly companions, His body and His bride (Rev. 21).
Let Christians awake out of the worldliness the whole church has sunk into. It is only the gospel that can help ruined, helpless sinners. Without Christ all are lost. Do not waste your time. Let the world mind its own things.
“Let the potsherds of the earth strive with the potsherds of the earth.” Isaiah 45:99Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? (Isaiah 45:9). Our Lord Jesus says still, “Follow thou Me, and I will make thee fishers of men.” Then we will share in the mind of heaven, and the Lord Jesus shall be glorified.
Men are seeking their own glory, drinking in the old lie of the serpent, “Ye shall be as gods.” When too late they will learn that they are “but men” (Psa. 9:2020Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah. (Psalm 9:20)).
If you are trying to improve the world, your time will be wasted, your soul will be vexed, the righteous judgment of God will fall upon it. His wrath upon them for their sins, and above all for their treatment of His Son will surely come. All the world gave Him was a cross and a grave!
There is yet no compulsion for the child of God to vote, or to take part in the world’s management. If the law made it compulsory, then he could vote, unless it involved disobedience to the Word of God.
Then let the Christian keep himself in the love of God, and in happy separation to honor the name of the Lord Jesus. Our warfare is not with men, but with spiritual wickedness in heavenly places.
Our blessed Lord went through the rejection and the suffering, before He was crowned with glory and honor; and by His grace may we carry ourselves, choosing rather to share His sufferings, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin which are only for a short season.
May we seek grace to follow our worthy Lord and Master. All glory be to His Name!