In His Image

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 12:2)

When we look around at today's worldly standards, we realize that we are in perilous times.  We must not get discouraged or become dismayed as the word of God points us to these times. 

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 Timothy 3:1

Nevertheless, as children of God, we are still obligated to uphold the standard of God, to remain separate and holy according to God's word - not the worlds standards or man's traditions.  

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;  1 Peter 2:9

There is a process that we go through as we are adopted into the kingdom of God.

In the natural world when a babies are born they must attain a certain level of maturity before they begin to recognize the voice of their parents. The same is true in the spiritual world. When we are first born again we may not be able to recognize the voice of God when He speaks to us. When we first receive the Holy Spirit we may not always understand when the Spirit reveals God's will to us. But the Holy Spirit will continue to reveal God's will and guide us. As we mature spiritually, we will come to recognize this voice within our spirit.

The Word of God speaks of this parallel between the natural and spiritual:  

For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: For he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14)

The "milk" and "meat" mentioned in these verses refer to the written word of God. When we are first born again we start learning some of the simple truths (milk) of the written Word of God. As we mature, we are able to master the deeper truths (meat) of the Word of God.

As we continue to study God's written word, our spiritual senses will mature. We will be able to exercise them to discern good and evil.   You will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  This means we will be able to distinguish God's will and His way from the wrong ways of life and to know the difference between the standards of this world versus the standards of the kingdom of God. This is why it is important for us to read and study God's written word on our own and also from those chosen by God to deliver His word.

As we mature spiritually, we will no longer "conform" to the world. To be conformed means to be fashioned or shaped according to a set standard; in this case, the world. Spiritual maturity will conform us to the image of Christ rather than the image of worldly standards.

God's standard of righteousness is in no way comparable to the world's standard of rightness. The world's standard of morality has all but disappeared; the moral fabric has become unraveled. The enemy has made it blatantly clear that he is the prince of this world. 

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  Ephesians 2:2

However, the believer of God must not be moved by this unfortunate turn in our society as we look to God for guidance in how we are to conduct ourselves. Apostle Paul lets Timothy know the condition of the world in times to come: 

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  2 Timothy 3:1-3

As children of God, we must not allow ourselves to become contaminated by the decaying moral fabric of the world.  We must draw the line, so to speak, and come out from among them:

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 2 Corinthians 6:17

God calls us to His standard:

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.  1 Peter 1:15-16

Biblical Studies

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04/29/15
07/05/16

04/17/20