Accommodation
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV
Conformed – Don’t be blueprinted! The Greek verb, syschematizo, is literally about being in union with patterns and fashion of the existing culture. It is to fit in. You can see the idea of taking your schematics from the surrounding assumptions. Paul pleads with his Gentile Messianic audience not to let this happen. In other words, if we acknowledge that Paul is writing to an audience of Gentiles who have come into Messianic assemblies, we must admit that Paul’s exhortation is to leave behind the world that they came from and take on identification with the culture found in the synagogue. John Gager has clearly demonstrated that the pagan culture embraced three crucial axioms that stood in complete opposition to the culture of the synagogue. First, the pagan culture of Rome paid absolutely no attention to the dietary regulations, especially eating pork. If fact, pork was considered a perfectly acceptable food in the Roman Empire. Invectives against the Jewish prohibition of pork included the mistaken pagan belief that somehow Jews considered pigs to be gods. Secondly, the pagan culture completely dismissed the idea that there was but one true God. Roman polytheism embraced a pantheon of gods and would have had no problem incorporating YHWH in this group, but Jewish insistence that YHWH was the only God and was to be worshipped at the only Temple in Jerusalem was considered ridiculous. Finally, pagan Rome viewed circumcision as a barbaric Egyptian practice unworthy of civilized men and unnecessary as a physical mark of religious affiliation.
Now I ask you, “If Paul was aware of these challenges to his rabbinic, Jewish, Messianic faith, what would he say about a religion that adopted these pagan ideals?” Would he say that “not being conformed” meant doing what the culture taught or refusing to do what the culture taught? If the culture believed the Temple didn’t matter, you could eat what you wanted and circumcision wasn’t necessary, would you be transformed if you followed these teachings?
How can we possibly read this exhortation as the endorsement of Christian theology unless we first totally remove Paul’s cultural perspective? If Paul is Jewish, then the adoption of the Christian teaching regarding the Temple, Torah and circumcision is nothing more than syncretism. It is in complete opposition to Paul’s plea. Paul begs his Gentile brothers to learn what it means to be Jewish and that happens only when I take on the culture of Judaism, perhaps not modern Judaism but certainly Messianic Judaism of the first century. How do I do this? By testing, the part of this verse we often overlook. That means debate, examination, trial, engagement. That’s how I learn, by doing it. And that’s God’s Hebraic instructional model. Try it and see what happens!
A culture is far more than an idea. A culture is a way of life. A culture is practice. A culture provides answers to questions like: Why don’t you eat this? Why do you have two sets of plates? Why do we say this prayer? Why do we wear these clothes? Why do we follow these rituals?
In the Greek world, there is only one right answer. The Greek orientation is mathematical. It looks for certainty, axioms, proofs. There can be only one right answer. Debate is not encouraged. Conformity to the one right answer is the goal. Argument is not an appropriate way of learning. Repetition of the one right answer is. In the Greek world, God is found in the right theology. Those who embrace that theology are “in,” all others are “out.”
In the Hebraic world, life happens. It is fluid, dynamic, open to discussion and in a mild state of tension most of the time. There are right practices but rarely right answers. Answers are the attempts of men to understand the divine – and we could all be wrong. Practices are doing what God says regardless of our attempted answers, and for these the path is clear. Do this. Don’t do this.
To which culture are you conforming? Paul’s or Rome’s?
Topical Index: conformed, syschematizo, Romans 12:2
“Be not conformed to this world.”
By following this one principle you can turn the world upside down. (It is already upside down), so maybe it would be better to conclude we could turn it right side up again.
When is the last time you have seen a new convert, while his heart is warm, and the love of God glows in his soul and pours from his lips to everyone he meets. Does he care anything for the idle pleasures of this world? Go ahead, call his attention to it, point him to its riches, its pleasures, or its honors, and try to get him interested or thrilled over it, and you will find he loathes the thought.
If anyone conducts business for the sake of self gain, caring not for his workers or those he provides a service to, never seeking to bless those less fortunate, he has lost his first love and the love of money has taken its place. Conformity to the world in business is one of the greatest stumbling-blocks in the way of the Gospel spreading and sinners being won.
What? Do you not believe or receive these words? “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
And “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Or do you not trust that He will take care of you, see to your daily bread and your need for clothing? “you are of more value to me than many sparrows”
Just heave the tables over, and and do business one year on gospel principles. It would shake the world up. It would speak louder than thunder. Let the ungodly see professing Believers, in every bargain, consulting the good of the person they are trading with seeking not their own wealth, but every man another’s wealth living above the world setting no value on the world any farther than it can be a means of glorifying God. What do you think would be the effect?
What effect DID it have in Jerusalem, when the whole body of Christians gave up their business, and turned out in a body to pursue the salvation of the world? They were only a few fishermen, and a few humble women, but they turned the world upside down. Let the believers dare to live that way now, and it would overwhelm them with convictions of sin. Only let them see those who profess to love God with all their hearts living above the world, and doing business on gospel principles, seeking not their own interests but the interests of their fellow men, and selfishness would hide its head, and this blessed spirit of love, would drown the evil world like God had to do once before.
Fashions.
Do you not know what spirit gives rise to the fashions?
Why are believers required not to follow the fashions of the world? Because it is directly at war with the spirit of the gospel, and is minding earthly things.
What is it that makes one think of “making a splash” in display? The love of applause.
We are required to renounce the fleeting vanities of the world, to repent of their pride, to follow the meek and lowly Saviour, to live for God.
To be concentrating on whats ‘in style’, or not, is complete conformity to look for approval of the spirit of the world.
Most of the peoples of the world are not rich nor even have enough clothing. How does it look when we who follow the Lord not only have abundance of clothing and seek more of the finest and prettiest, — when they must make do with whatever covering they have? It makes them feel “lesser”, those who Christ died for, don’t dare make them feel ashamed in your assemblies!
What of the money spent? Or I should say wasted, when the cry comes to your ears on every hand, from the lost of all nations, “Come over and help us, come over and help us,” and every week you see a need to supply gospel tracts and CDs, and Bibles, and help those who deliver the good news, to those who are perishing for lack of knowledge, and we send less because we must have that new thing, after all, its been a long time since we got new shoes–ignore the 35 pairs in the closet–if you can persuade yourself to buy yet one more pair, do we not have to ask ourselves if we love God or the lost.
All to this list all the ways you see the temptation to conform to the world around you and then remember: “Do not!”
God help me not!
I meant “add to this list”
“perhaps not modern Judaism but certainly Messianic Judaism of the first century.”
I have to say Absolutely NOT modern or ancient Judaism in most cases. Why follow the traditions/teachings of man? I don’t see any difference between blindly following the rabbinic teachings (that are not-Scriptural but are their interpretations of Scripture) and traditions from following the Pope and HIS ideas, rules, regulations, traditions.
Karaite Jewish faith (only about 40,000 in the world and seems to mirror what Messiah was!) is something to seriously investigate imho.
While it is true that modern Judaism is not a reflection of first century Judiasms (note the plural), it is true that Yeshua did align himself most closely with what was then rabbinic Pharisee Judaism and there are indications in the NT that he also followed the oral torah, as Paul also did. So, we might think that we can simply strip away all the accumulation of the “traditions of men” but it isn’t so easy and it might be even more truncated than the framework of Yeshua and Sha’ul.
By the way, Protestants also have their “traditions” just like Catholics and all other faiths. No one has a PURE written faith. IT is all interpreted.
Skip, so are you saying that circumcision is still to be observed today if we wish to observe Torah thereby honouring YHWH. I have been battling with this question for some time now and would really appreciate some guidance on the matter. Thanx. Ian
I cannot tell you what you SHOULD do. All I can say is that it seems to me that Torah is for all who wish to identify themselves as followers of the King – as it applies to personal circumstances, of course. So, that means carefully considering the circumcision requirement and determining how it applies given your personal circumstances. I do know that as Christianity was being invented, there was a deliberate move to eliminate physical circumcision and replace it with “circumcision of the heart” because the Roman citizenry thought the practice was barbaric and it was Jewish. The Church dropped it in order to make it EASIER to be a Christian. I empathize with your concern, but like Paul, I would not COMPEL anyone to do this. However, that said, notice what Timothy actually did.
Well, if another man is not going to tackle this I will. My cheeks are flaming red, but scripture is begging to be spoken.
Paul had Timothy circumcised, and so he doesn’t OFFEND THE JEWS. “because of the Jews which were in those quarters” where they were going (Acts 16: 3)
Now unless you think your being uncircumcised is going to cause someone else to stumble in their faith, its no issue at all.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9, “To the Jew I became as a Jew; to the Greek I became as a Greek.”
He’s not compromising the gospel.
Timothy is already saved, so he’s not saying, “Timothy, you are not going to enter heaven unless you get circumcised,” but it’s so as not to give an offense to some of these Jews.
Are you wrestling with what God wants on this issue or what some Jews want?
The point that deliverance (salvation) does NOT depend on circumcision, or any other act, is a good one – and worth remembering always. Obedience is the sign of gratitude, not ingratiation. I obey because I have been rescued, not because I need to be rescued. To confuse this distinction leads to all kinds of ridiculous claims concerning the separation of “law” and “grace.” Thanks for the clarity, Dorothy.
Of course, the fact is that Timothy did get circumcised. Why? Not to be “saved,” but to honor his identification with the God of Israel.
I spent my entire answer above supplying the “why?”.
Paul was worried about taking Timothy among the Jews without it.
Timothy was Jewish, since his mother was, I do wonder why had it not occurred before he and Paul were worried about what the Jews thought?
Paul and Timothy were going as missionaries for Jesus Christ. They wanted to reach the Jews with the Gospel, –not get entangled in Old Covenant laws. So they chose rather to make it a mute point so discussion could be centered.
The requirement for the body was temporary it seems since God long before talked about circumcision of the HEART being the real object.
God described idolatry and disobedience as a result of an uncircumcised heart (Lev. 26:41).
He described repentance as a circumcision of the heart (Deut. 10:16; 30:6).
Paul had Timothy circumcised, and so he doesn’t OFFEND THE JEWS. “because of the Jews which were in those quarters” where they were going (Acts 16: 3)
One has to wonder why this same Paul rebuked Peter for considering the “feelings” of the Jews in another instance. As a matter of fact, Peter was told that he was flat out wrong for catering to their feelings.
Perhaps there’s still something larger than the surface issue going on that we don’t get? If the difference is “unbelieving” vs. “believing” Jews, then I would suggest that if one were to be able to minister to an “unbelieving Jew” (in the Messiah) that what Paul is showing us is that we better be in alignment with the law of God as Jews understand it. That would certainly include circumcision. Jealousy isn’t always a bad thing!! 🙂
I wonder how many of us (myself included) disguise our disobedience in the realm of theology? YHWH help us!!
http://hebrewnewtestament.com/karaites.htm
It looks deadly to me.
What’s “deadly” about it?
Hi Robert Lafoy, You are right! Like what you have posted.
Exodus 12:49 ONE Torah shall be to him that is homeborn and to the stranger who have joined or grafted, themselves to Israel (unless Israel has been replaced as so claimed by the Roman church).
Shalom!
Dorothy, just recently my wife and I were invited to dinner and had the pleasurable company at our table of a new (baby) Christian. That “coal” was red hot! Oh, what a delight to hear her testimony of deliverance and how Christ changed her life from a horrible night to a glorious day. Didn’t know God’s Book very well, couldn’t discuss theology- I doubt she had ever even heard of the word, but such a glorious deliverance- such a burden liften- and such sweet Christian fellowship around Miss Ethel’s table that night!
Oh yes!- If I could only be around more of these newly minted “little Christs”-these “fresh” Christians. Such excitement. Such passion. Such gratitude!. – And such energy! That young lady had enough energy in her- we could have lit half the city that night! What a privilege to meet her and what a blessed memory! Thank you Miss Ethel for opening your home and practicing hospitality with our family. And thank you Miss K for reminding me of all that my Savior has done (also) for me!
What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart;
I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
I have ceased from my wand’ring and going astray,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And my sins which were many are all washed away,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
There’s a light in the valley of death now for me,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And the gates of the City beyond I can see,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
I shall go there to dwell in that City I know,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And I’m happy, so happy as onward I go,
Since Jesus came into my heart…
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
Thanks for sharing that!
Heaven and earth giggles together with joy over new babies
1 Peter 1:8,9
Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see Him not, yet believing, you rejoice with JOY UNSPEAKABLE and full of glory
“There are right practices but rarely right answers.”
Are you suggesting there are right practices that are not also right answers to practical questions? 🙂
~ I have told you these things, so that *in Me* you may have peace. (shalom, y’all!) In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have (already) overcome the world ~ (John 16.33)
Location, location.. location!!!
~ if you abide *in Me*- and My words abide in you.. (whose words?) abide/remain (where?)
~ search the scriptures… for these are they that testify of *Me*… (Who?)
Sometimes we cannot see the forest for the trees..
~ to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is *in Me* ~ (Acts 26.18)
*in Christ* (alone).
~ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given to (all of) mankind by which we (all of mankind) must be saved ~ (Acts 4.12)
Who of God is made to us (not only salvation/deliverance but also) wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption?
~ It is because of God that you are in (blood-covenant) union with the Messiah Jesus, Who for us has become wisdom from God, as well as our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ~
Because of Calvary.
For holiness is not the way to Christ. Christ IS the way of holiness. It is Christ *in you* the hope of glory.
Are you “in?” Are you *in Christ?*-and is Christ *in you?*
~ These things I have written to you who believe in the Name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life ~ (1 John 5.13)
So that you may know.. Do you? Do you know?
~ For this reason (for this cause) I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know *Who* I have believed and I am convinced that *He is able* (!!) to guard what I have entrusted to Him -until that day. ~
Salvation is not a “what”-it is a “Who!”
Truth is not a concept, or a creed, or a code, or a cause. For He has said, ~ I AM the truth! ~
Truth (incarnate) was standing right in front of the one who asked, “what is truth?”
~ For The Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Yeshua The Messiah ~ (John 1.17)
~ From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S Name is to be praised ~ (Psalm 113.3)
~ Let everything that has breath praise ADONAI! Halleluyah! ~ (Psalm 150.6)