O Worship the LORD in the Beauty of Holiness

ARE YOU CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD?

As we look forward to learning what it means to anchor our faith in a postmodern world at our church camp next month, it would be good for us to think about the fundamental subject of conformity to the world.

Conformity presents the least problems. It is the easiest way to gain the world’s acceptance, and to avoid any criticism and ridicule. When a person does not conform, he is liable to draw attention to himself and stick out like a sore thumb. When Daniel’s three friends refused to conform to the idolatrous world of Babylon, everyone could see them standing while all the rest were bowed down to the ground. Their non-conformity brought instant attention and reaction from the people and from the king himself (Daniel 3:7-13).

The problem with taking the easy path of conformity is that it establishes a close relationship between the one who conforms and the world. James calls it ‘being friends with the world’ (James 4:4). John calls it ‘loving the world’ (1 John 2:15,16). According to these passages, the close relationship forged with the world is incompatible with our relationship with God. James says that being friends with the world makes us enemies of God. If you are a friend of the world, you are not a friend of God. John says that loving the world means that the love of God is not in us. If you love the world, you cannot love God. 

In this we can see the serious danger that comes with conformed living – it puts us at variance with God. Conformity to this world is tantamount to committing spiritual defection or adultery. It is akin to idolatry, which is the ultimate sin against God and a violation of the first commandment – “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3). 

The Dangers of Conformed Living

Conformity with the world brought about the downfall of Lot’s family. When Lot left Abraham with his family and flocks, he pitched his tent toward Sodom (Genesis 13:12). By the next chapter, Lot was already dwelling in Sodom (Genesis 14:12). As a result of this Lot was taken prisoner in the battles that were fought by the kings of the east against Sodom and Gomorrah. This is a picture of a compromising Christian who gets hurt in the crossfire between warring factions in the world because he has conformed to it.

Instead of learning his lesson, Lot became even more conformed to Sodom. By Genesis 19:1, he was sitting in the gate of Sodom, i.e. he became a recognized member of the community. The story of Lot ends tragically with the loss he suffered when God destroyed the two cities because of their sinfulness. Although he survived, his wife turned into a pillar of salt and his two daughters were deeply infected with Sodom’s immorality.

Conformity with the world brought about Israel’s downfall during the time of the Judges. Israel faced the idolatrous culture, customs and practices of the Canaanite world. God had already warned them not to be conformed to Canaanites (Deuteronomy 12:29-31). Despite the stern warning, Israel conformed to them not long after Joshua died, and the Lord had to chastise His people.

In the New Testament, conformity with the world brought about the downfall of Demas, who was one of Paul’s fellow workers at Rome. His name is found in the greetings that Paul conveyed in two of his epistles (Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24). But the only other verse where Demas is mentioned after that gives us a brief but sad comment about him: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica…” (2 Timothy 4:10) 

Having seen the dangers of conformed living, let us consider what we should not be conformed to in this world. When God’s Word instructs us to “be not conformed to this world” it is not referring to the created physical world, nor the world of sinners that God loves (John 3:16). The world that we should not be conformed to is the world system of sin, pride, ambition, pleasure and power that man has built up under Satan. It would include the materialistic and hedonistic attitudes and values which prevail all around us. In this world system, success is measured in at least four ways.

Achievements

The world tells us that everyone can get whatever he wants in the end, if he only tries hard enough. Those who work are expected to conform to high standards of achievement in meeting deadlines, improving quality, productivity and efficiency. The desire to achieve is inculcated in children right from their first day of school. Wherever we go, we are being tested, examined, judged and evaluated according to our achievements. We are accepted if we have achieved, but rejected if we have not. That is the way that the world sees our worth.

But this poses a problem, because not everyone can attain the same levels of achievement. Many who try to do so, fail. Some even take their own life when they cannot achieve. It is a fact that achievement-oriented societies have the highest suicide rates. The Word of God teaches us not to have such a high regard for human achievements (Jeremiah 9:23, 24). Let us recognise the danger of making worldly achievements our measure of success. 

Appearance

People often judge one another by their looks, charisma and public image. Slimming programmes, beauty treatments and cosmetic surgery have become very popular. Tattoos and body piercings are in vogue today, and many want to have them. Why? Because it is commonly believed that good looks bring love and acceptance. Everyone naturally wants to be loved and accepted. That is why many spend plenty of time and money on keeping up a good outward appearance. They wear nothing but branded items and are fashion-conscious in their choice of apparel. 

If you spend an inordinate amount of time and money on your outward appearance, or if you feel depressed or insecure because your looks and clothes are not as impressive as others, please be careful: It means that you are conforming to the world’s standards, not God’s (1 Samuel 16:7).

Your work environment may also pressurise you to conform to the world’s standards. The busier you are at work, the more approval you receive. Hence many Christians compromise time for spiritual things in order to appear to be busier at work, e.g. doing more overtime and taking on more projects than others. 

Affluence

Material wealth is the chief pursuit of most people. The media often portrays the rich as the most successful and respected people in the world. They seem to have created their own heaven on earth. Because of this it has become the desire and dream of many to become materially rich.

Wealth is not inherently evil. It is not sinful to be rich. Abraham and Job were both materially rich and yet they were godly men. It is the attitude of covetousness and lack of contentment which the Scriptures frequently warn us against (1 Timothy 6:9-10). 

Amusements

The hedonistic philosophy of life tells everyone to ‘eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.’ With multiplied means of enjoying oneself today, the pursuit of pleasure has become extremely prevalent. Some would try out all the latest exotic spas and high-end restaurants both locally and overseas. Others spend much time and money on the newest devices, the most thrilling entertainment and the coolest apps which provide endless hours of playing, listening and viewing pleasure for couch potatoes.

The pursuit of pleasure has lured many unwary souls into sin and vice. On-line gambling and pornography have become the bane of the Internet. Habit-forming pursuits such as vaping and substance abuse have become a social problem. Whatever the pursuit may be, always ask yourself, “Would I be comfortable doing this with the Lord beside me?”

Be Transformed, not Conformed

Thus we have seen that the world measures success by a person’s achievements, appearance, affluence, and amusements. Whenever you are tempted to conform, think of the dangers that were mentioned earlier: Conformity with the world puts you at variance with God. If you are friends with the world and you love the world, you displease the Lord who saved you. You may also end up in the same sad state as Lot’s family, or as Israel in the time of the Judges, or as Demas who forsook Paul. Let these thoughts be so deeply etched in your mind that you will never forget them. Ask the Lord to seal them in your heart so that you will not be blinded by the dazzling sights and charmed by the hypnotic strains of the world.

God’s Word teaches us how to counter the strong influences of the world – “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) This ‘renewed mind’ has been re-programmed to think like Christ, to discern the true value of all things, and to prove what is really good and worthy of our time and efforts. It is focused on doing one thing – the will of God. By renewing your mind to prove God’s will you can become less conformed to the world and more transformed to the image of Christ.

This is why you must be careful with your thought life. Whatever your mind dwells on will make a lasting impact on your life. How can you develop a renewed mind? By allowing the Word of God to fill your thoughts as much as possible (cf. Psalm 1:2; Philippians 4:8). Your thinking will change as you invest time in the Word by reading it, studying it, talking and thinking about it. Your former selfish and worldly thought processes will be replaced by new ones that are conformed to the mind of Christ.

As your thinking changes, your life changes. You will want to live as a pilgrim, having no lasting attachment to this present world and no attraction for the ever-changing trends and fashions of this world. You will no longer regard this world as your home, but as a temporary place that you are just passing through. You will keep looking forward to the world to come (Mark 10:30) and desire to lay your treasures up there in your eternal home. And that will certainly be a far better world to be conformed to!

– Pastor

Appointments for the Week

Tuesday, May 23

        8.00 pm     Prayer Meeting (Eld Lim Teck Chye)

Thursday, May 25

      10.00 am     Ladies’ Prayer Group

Friday, May 26

        7.30 pm     MM BS

Saturday, May 27

        2.30 pm     Ladies’ Tea Fellowship

        3.00 pm     LTF / YAF / MM BS

Sunday, May 28

  8.00 am     The Gospel to the Uttermost Acts 10:1-48 (Rev Charles Seet)

  8.00 am     Choir Practice

  9.15 am Library (Sanctuary Balcony)

  9.40 am Sunday School

10.15 am Coffee Corner

11.00 am The Gospel to the Uttermost  Acts 10:1-48 (Rev Charles Seet)

11.00 am Children’s Ministry

11.00 am Chinese Service

11.00 am Filipina Service (Rm 1-6)

12.15 pm Library (Sanctuary Balcony)

  2.00 pm Session Meeting

  2.30 pm Thai Service (LMH)

  4.00 pm Indonesian Service (Rm 1-6)

Announcements

Church Camp 2023 13-16 June 2023

Collection of church camp fees will be today (21 May) at the Church Office during the following timings:

During Sunday School (9.30am-10.30am) and immediately after second service.

For tracking purposes, please pay at the Church Office via PayNow or cheque.

Emails have already been sent out to all campers on the fees payable.

Love gifts to defray the cost of the camp is welcome.

Bible Land Tour from Dan to Beersheba, Israel.

Date: 22 Feb to 03 Mar 2024.

$4850.00 per pax before fuel surcharge.Please register early @ https://www.lifebpc.com/israeltour 

Registration deadline: 31 May 2023 or when all seats are filled (whichever is earlier). Priority given to Lifers.

For enquiries, contact Rev Quek 

Door to Door Evangelism 21 May 2023 (Today)

Meet in Beulah Room 2-11, 12.30 pm Contact: Desmond 

Traffic Wardens

Lifers are invited to serve our Lord as Traffic Wardens on Sunday. Kindly contact Bro Yeo HS if you are available.

Birth

Congratulations to Dn & Mrs Christopher Goh on the birth of a baby girl, Riley, on 5 May 2023. 

Catechism Class for Anniversary Baptism on 15 October 2023 will commence on 9 July 2023.

Please pre-register by emailing to Church Office . Those seeking baptism, reaffirmation of faith and transfer of membership must attend the catechism class.

Closing date: 2 July 2023.

ERBL Evening Lectures

July-November 2023

1)       Old Testament Poetic Books by Rev Charles Seet (Monday @ 7.30 pm)

2)       The Theology of Prayer by Pastor Tan Soon Yong (Thursday @ 7.30 pm)

It will be conducted on-site at No. 10 Gilstead Road. It is compulsory for all Credit Students to attend lectures on-site and Audit Students can either attend lectures via Zoom platform or on-site. Interested parties can register for the courses online at  https://lifebpc.com/erbl/index.php/registration-tt 

Emmanuel Reformed Bible College

is offering the following courses from July-November 2023 at No. 1 Tao Ching Road.

1) Introduction to the New Testament by Rev Ho Chee Lai (Monday @ 10 am)

2) Anthropology & Soteriology by Rev Isaac Ong (Tuesday @ 10 am)

3) Marriage & Family Counselling by  Rev Gabriel Gan (Wednesday @ 10 am)

4) Kingdom of Cults by Rev Lee Hock Chin (Wednesday @ 1.30 pm)

5) Homiletic by Rev Isaac Ong     (Thursday @ 10 am)

6) Principles and Method of Teaching by Ms June Tan (Friday @ 10 am)

7) Lessons from the Life of the Reformers by Rev Lee Hock Chin (Friday @ 1.30 pm)

For registration and details of the courses, please refer to our website: www.erbc.sg.

The Life BPC Men’s Ministry would like to invite all our Christian brothers to join us for fortnightly Bible study starting from 14/15 July 2023. For more details please contact brother Ignatius.

Gospel Sunday 30 July 2023 “God has a message for you” by Pastor Wei En Yi.

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