How does John 17:14 connect with Romans 12:2 about worldly conformity? Our Identity: Not of the World (John 17:14) “I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” • Jesus states a fact, not a wish. The moment we receive His word, we receive a new status—“not of the world.” • The world’s hostility confirms the difference. Hatred is the reaction when light exposes darkness (John 3:19-20). • Our separation is modeled after Christ Himself: “just as I am not of the world.” His life sets the pattern for ours. The Command: Refuse to Conform (Romans 12:2) “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” • Conformity is passive; the verb implies being pressed into a mold. • Transformation is active; it requires continual mind-renewal through Scripture and the Spirit (Ephesians 4:23-24). • The purpose: to “test and approve” God’s perfect will, proving by experience that His way works. How the Two Verses Interlock • John 17:14 describes our position; Romans 12:2 commands our practice. • Because we are “not of the world,” we must resist being shaped by it. • Jesus supplies the Word (John 17:14); Paul shows what the Word does—renews the mind (Romans 12:2). • The world’s hatred (John 17:14) pressures believers to blend in; non-conformity (Romans 12:2) answers that pressure with a different mindset. Living It Out: Practical Non-Conformity • Media choices: filter entertainment through Philippians 4:8. • Speech: let conversations be “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6) instead of the world’s coarse talk. • Relationships: refuse unequal yokes (2 Corinthians 6:14-18); pursue fellowship that sharpens faith (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Finances: steward resources as managers, not owners (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Time: redeem it, recognizing the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Thought life: take every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Warnings from Scripture About Worldly Conformity • James 4:4 – Friendship with the world equals enmity with God. • 1 John 2:15-17 – Loving the world crowds out love for the Father. • Galatians 1:4 – Christ died to rescue us from “the present evil age”; returning to it denies His rescue. Promise of Transformation • As minds renew, lives display “the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • The Spirit uses the implanted Word to change desires (Psalm 119:11; 2 Corinthians 3:18). • Non-conformity is not isolation but demonstration—showing a watching world what new life in Christ looks like (Matthew 5:16). |
    |