CENTRAL THOUGHT
Friendship with the world is enmity with God.
HYMN: I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR
TEXT: Rom. 12:1-2; James 4:4-8; Dan. 1:3-20, 3:8-18
INTRODUCTION
The Christian life is full of challenges. However, in the world of changing values the believer is expected to live a life of non-conformity to the world no matter the pressure. The believer who has made heaven their goal must steer clear from worldliness in its various forms and shades.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
- To understand what it entails to conform to the pattern of the world.
- To know why believers are under pressure to conform to the way of the world.
- To identify the pressures that God’s people faced, their reactions and the outcome.
- To know how to cope with the pressures.
BIBLE TRUTH:
Q1. IN WHAT AREAS ARE WE UNDER PRESSURE TO CONFORM TO THE PATTERN OF THE WORLD? GIVE PRACTICLE EXAMPLES.
A. In the way we acquire and handle money.
The place of money in one’s life cannot be over emphasized. The Scripture says that ‘money answereth all things.’ There are many acceptable ways of acquiring money that can be considered godly. However, there are several ways of making money which believers should not be involved in. Money is also supposed to be our servant. Unfortunately, many believers have turned it to be their master. The money acquired in an ungodly way will equally be wrongly handled. For instance, a business man/woman who indulges in false measure or worker who falsifies figures cannot be innocent.
B. In our relationship with people.
The song writer says “let others see Jesus in you”. Our faithfulness and comportment in relationship with people around us is a proof of Christ’s Lordship and Mastership over our lives. Godly relationships is void of compromise and worldly conformity. The ideology of “I will repent after or it does not matter God understands” is the devil’s end time doctrine.
C. The way we pass our examinations. There is a high level of examination malpractice in our educational system today because of too much importance that is attached to paper qualification. The believer should be diligent/hardworking, trusting and believing that God will grant him success. They should never be involved in exam malpractice.
The believer should aim to excel in his studies like Daniel.
D. In our professions.
The believer is also under pressure to conform to the pattern of the world in their profession. For example, an Accountant or Auditor who wants to stand as a believer may be pressured to compromise by the ‘higher power’ in the system but there is enough grace for those who want to stand firm.
E. In our religious practices that are not based on the word of God.
The stress of life has driven some believers to prayer houses where heretic practices prevail. Unwholesome practices like sensual songs and dances, spraying of money on preachers are prominent in churches and whosoever refuses to participate will be taken as a ‘holier than thou’ person.
Q2. WHY ARE WE UNDER PRESSURE TO CONFORM TO THE WAY OF THE WORLD? SEE EPH. 2:1-5
At creation, man was made in God’s image: holy and righteous. When he sinned, man became separated from God. Christ came and liberated as many as believe in Him, John 1:12. The devil now targets the saved ones to steal, kill and destroy using the way of the world. The world itself is under pressure and that is why 1 Jn. 2:15-17 admonishes that “we should not love the world neither the things that are in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of eyes and the pride of life…”. Therefore, conformity to the way of the world poses pressure on the believer but thanks be to God who has given us enough grace through Christ to overcome such pressure.
Q3. FROM THE UNDER LISTED SCRIPTURES, IDENTIFY THE PRESSURES THE PEOPLE OF GOD FACED AND THEIR REACTIONS AND OUTCOME.
A. Dan. 1:3-20, 3:8-20
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat nor with the wine which he drank…”, Dan. 1:8. God had warned the Israelites not to eat food or drink wine sacrificed to idols and being in a heathen land they knew that such delicacies were defiling hence they refuse to ‘defile’ themselves with such food. This helped them later as they stood against other actions that could cause them to disobey their God and God honored them before the king and his people.
B. 1 Sam. 15:3, 17-25, 34
“Now go and attack Amalek and utterly destroy all that they have and do not spare them…”
Saul was instructed to go and utterly destroy the Amalekites without sparing anything, but he disobeyed. That was the beginning of his downfall and as he continued in disobedience, the kingdom was taken from him.
Q4. HOW CAN WE COPE WITH THESE PRESSURES?
Rom. 12:1-2; James 4:4-8; 2 Cor. 6:14-17; Heb. 12:14
The believer who has heaven in view can only cope with the pressures to conform on the pattern of the world by:
A. Commit yourself fully to God.
God is very willing and capable of leading His children through the journey of life till eternity. The believer has to fully commit themselves entirely to God with full obedience to His word. God honors His word and will surely honor whoever obeys His word.
B. Make up your mind not to conform to the pattern of the world.
When the Israelites desired to be like others, God was grieved. They later suffered greatly as they were carried unto captivity. So, the believer should make up his mind his mind not to conform to the way other people (no matter the status) do their things. He should decide to prove what is that perfect will of God for themself. Romans 12:2
C. Set your mind on studying and obeying the word of God.
The ultimate for the sincere believer is to set their mind on studying the word of God because there are many heretic teachings that are luring many into conformity to the pattern of the world. God is always ready to teach the obedient believer.
Daily Living Application:
In such a time as this when a believers’ standard is challenged with the quest for fame, power, money, etc., the heaven bound Christian should study the scripture more than ever before. We should yield our members to the Holy Spirit to enable us overcome that attendant pressure, for without Him we can do nothing. John 15:5
Memory verse:
Romans 12:2
“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”.
Daily Devotional Guide:
Monday: Reflect on
1 John 2:15-17
Tuesday: Be not conformed to this world.
Romans 12:1-2
Wednesday: Determine not to defile yourself.
Daniel 1:1-8
Thursday: Be watchful.
1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 24:43
Friday: A friend of the world is an enemy of God.
James 4:4-8
Saturday: Be a vessel unto honor. 2 Timothy 2:21