Romans 12:1-2

1. Romans 12:1-2 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

2. How well do you handle the undeniable and constant pressure to be “conformed to this world”?

3. The Reality—Christians are “Special” • We are a special people • Tit. 2:14 • 1 Pet. 2:9 • Christians are special… • Because they are no longer motivated by the same things – 1 John 2:15-17 • Because they do not think the same way – Rom. 12:2 (2 Cor. 10:4-6) • Because they act differently – Eph. 4:17-32 • How well do we “fit in”? – Heb. 11:16

4. The Alternative—Compromise and Conformity • Do you stand out from the world? • John 17:13-19 (2 Tim. 4:10; John 12:42-43) • These fit in because… • They are driven by the same things – Matt. 13:22 • They are not thought of as strange and peculiar – 1 Pet. 4:1-6 • They truly do seek friendship with the world – Jas. 4:4 • They rationalize fellowship with immorality and idolatry – 2 Cor. 6:14-18 • Are you living by the grace of God? – Tit. 2:11-14

5. Galatians 1:3-4 3Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father…