Compare Ephesians 2:2 with Romans 12:2 on worldly influence. What similarities exist? Ephesians 2:2 — Our Former Bondage to the World “in which you once walked, according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now working in the sons of disobedience.” • “Walked” – an active lifestyle patterned after the world’s system • “Ways of this world” – a culture shaped by sin and rebellion • “Ruler of the power of the air” – Satan energizing worldly values • “Sons of disobedience” – people dominated by that influence Romans 12:2 — The Call to Ongoing Renewal “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • “Do not be conformed” – refuse outward pressure to fit the world’s mold • “This age” – the same fallen system described in Ephesians 2:2 • “Be transformed” – inner change produced by the Spirit and truth • “Renewing of your mind” – Scripture‐saturated thinking that tests and embraces God’s will Shared Themes on Worldly Influence • One corrupt system — “this world/age” is antagonistic to God (Ephesians 2:2; Romans 12:2) • Spiritual pressure — Satan uses cultural currents to shape behavior (Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4) • Conformity contrasted with transformation — passive drifting versus active renewal • Moral outcome — disobedience versus proving God’s good, pleasing, perfect will • Past and present — rescued from former bondage yet continually called to resist (Galatians 1:4) Complementary Emphases • Ephesians stresses our past walk and the enemy behind it; Romans highlights our present responsibility not to slip back. • Both passages ground the solution in God’s power: resurrection with Christ (Ephesians 2:5-6) and Spirit-enabled mind renewal (Romans 8:5-9; 12:2). Reinforcing Scriptures • John 15:19 — chosen out of the world • 1 John 2:15-17 — do not love the world • James 4:4 — friendship with the world is enmity with God • Colossians 3:2 — set minds on things above Living the Truth Today • Recognize worldly thought patterns and refuse to “walk” in them. • Saturate the mind daily with Scripture for ongoing renewal. • Depend on the Spirit to expose subtle conformities. • Actively pursue what pleases God, proving His will in every arena of life. |
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