Key Texts:
- Romans 12:2 – “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.”
- John 17:14-16 – “I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”
- Matthew 5:13-16 – “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”
Introduction: The Tension of Being in the World but Not of It
As followers of Christ, we live in a constant tension between two realities:
- We live in this world, surrounded by its culture, values, and systems.
- Yet, we belong to God’s kingdom, which operates by different principles.
This creates a love-hate relationship with culture:
- We love what is good in culture—creativity, justice, beauty, human dignity.
- We hate what is corrupted by sin—immorality, greed, deception, rebellion against God.
How do we live in this tension? How do we engage culture without compromising our faith? Today, we will explore:
- Realizing the Tension Between the Kingdom and the World
- Discerning Culture: Not Everything That Seems Good Is Right
- Engaging Culture to Transform It for God’s Glory
1. Realizing the Tension Between the Kingdom and the World
A. Jesus Calls Us to Live Differently
- John 17:14-16 – Jesus said His disciples are not of the world, just as He is not of the world.
- We are in the world but not shaped by it, navigating through experiences while maintaining our own unique identity and perspective, continuously learning and growing from the environment around us without losing our core essence.
B. Two Opposing Kingdoms
The Bible describes two competing worldviews:
- The Kingdom of God – Righteousness, truth, humility, holiness.
- The Kingdom of the World – Pride, selfish ambition, sin, rebellion.
- Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
- The challenge is that we must function in the world without adopting its values, which often requires a delicate balance between our beliefs and the prevailing norms that surround us. This balancing act can lead to significant internal and external conflicts, as we navigate situations where our principles clash with societal expectations. Furthermore, it necessitates a continuous evaluation of our priorities and the courage to stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with pressure to conform or compromise. The journey of maintaining our integrity in such a complex landscape can be both rewarding and daunting.
C. Operational Applications: How to Live in This Tension
- Regularly evaluate your values – Does your lifestyle truly reflect kingdom principles or worldly desires? It’s essential to take the time to reflect on your actions and decisions in order to assess whether they align with your core beliefs. Keep a personal journal to identify shifts in your priorities, noting any changes in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors over time. By doing so, you create a tangible record that can help you recognize patterns and make more informed choices moving forward.
- Set non-negotiable boundaries – Decide in advance what you will not compromise (e.g., honesty in business, sexual purity, biblical worldview). Understanding your core values and sticking to them is crucial as it helps you navigate through various situations with clarity and confidence. By establishing these boundaries, you create a framework for your decisions and interactions, allowing you to maintain your integrity and uphold your principles in both personal and professional contexts.
- Develop kingdom relationships – Surround yourself with godly people who challenge and encourage you to live differently (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Quote: “You cannot impact the world for Christ if the world has already impacted you.”
2. Discerning Culture: Not Everything That Seems Good Is Right
A. The Deception of “Good” Things That Are Not Righteous
- Genesis 3:6 – Eve saw that the fruit was “good for food” but did not realize it was deadly.
- Not everything that looks good or feels good aligns with God’s truth; sometimes, appearances can be deceiving, and what may seem appealing on the surface might not resonate with His principles or teachings.
- It is crucial to remember that superficial judgments can lead us astray, leading to choices that do not fulfill our spiritual journey or bring us closer to His divine path. Instead, we should seek deeper understanding and alignment with God’s will, ensuring that our decisions reflect a true connection to His eternal truths.
B. The Need for Discernment
- Hebrews 5:14 – “Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
- Culture often redefines morality to make sin look acceptable, thereby shaping individual perceptions of right and wrong in a way that can justify actions previously considered unethical or immoral. This pervasive shift in moral perspective can ultimately lead to a gradual erosion of societal standards that once governed behavior and influenced collective conscience, leaving individuals to navigate a complex landscape of moral ambiguity where the lines between right and wrong become increasingly blurred. In such an environment, the values that once seemed absolute begin to shift, creating a sense of confusion and disillusionment among individuals.
- Personal beliefs are continuously challenged, as the impact of cultural shifts profoundly affects societal norms. This phenomenon encourages a reevaluation of actions that might have once been clearly deemed unacceptable or harmful to the community at large, making it even more critical to engage in thoughtful discourse about the underlying principles that define right and wrong in an ever-evolving world.
Examples of Modern Cultural Deception:
- Materialism – Promises happiness but often leads to a profound sense of emptiness and discontent, as highlighted in Luke 12:15, where it reminds us that one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions and material wealth.
- Self-Definition of Truth – Culture says “live your truth,” but only God defines truth (John 14:6). It is important to recognize that subjective interpretations may lead us astray. Therefore, grounding our understanding of truth in divine principles is essential for genuine clarity and understanding in our lives.
- Tolerance vs. Righteousness – Loving people does not mean affirming sin, as highlighted in Ephesians 5:11, which reminds us to be discerning in our relationships, promoting truth over mere acceptance, and guiding individuals towards a path of righteousness rather than condoning behaviors that are contrary to biblical teachings.
C. Operational Applications: How to Develop Discernment
- Test every message by Scripture – When watching media, reading books, or following trends, ask: “Does this align with God’s Word?”
- Pray for discernment daily – Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal hidden dangers (James 1:5).
- Slow down before making decisions – Before embracing cultural norms, ask: “Is this God’s will or just popular opinion?”
Quote: “Not everything popular is right, and not everything right is popular.”
3. Engaging Culture to Transform It for God’s Glory
A. We Are Called to Be Salt and Light
- Matthew 5:13-16 – Salt preserves, and light exposes darkness.
- We are called not just to criticize culture but, in a deeper sense, to redeem it, engaging with it thoughtfully and seeking transformation through our actions and beliefs. This means that we should not only point out the flaws and shortcomings present within our cultural structures but also actively contribute to the improvement and elevation of these same aspects, providing a voice for those who are marginalized and advocating for positive change within our communities.
B. Biblical Examples of Cultural Engagement
- Paul in Athens (Acts 17:22-23) – In his journey, Paul encountered the vibrant intellectual culture of Athens, which was deeply rooted in Greek philosophy. He skillfully used their philosophical perspectives and references to understand their beliefs and bridge the gap between their worldview and the gospel message he intended to share. By doing so, Paul sought to engage with the Athenians on their terms, ultimately pointing them to the truth of the gospel and the message of Jesus Christ.
- Esther (Esther 4:14) – Used her unique position in a pagan kingdom to courageously intervene and save her people from destruction, demonstrating profound bravery and faith in the face of adversity.
- Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:4-5) – Influenced government for God’s purposes, demonstrating exceptional leadership by navigating complex political situations and rallying support for the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, while relying on prayer and faith to guide his actions.
C. Operational Applications: How to Engage Culture Without Compromise
Use cultural platforms for the gospel
- Leverage social media, music, various aspects of business, and the arts to effectively promote and share biblical truth in a compelling and relatable manner, reaching diverse audiences and fostering understanding.
- Example: Share testimonies that reflect personal journeys and growth, create God-honoring content that inspires and uplifts, and engage in meaningful discussions with love and wisdom that foster understanding and connection among individuals.
Raise a godly standard in your sphere of influence
- Whether in business, education, or politics, lead with integrity by consistently demonstrating honesty, transparency, and a strong commitment to ethical principles in every decision you make.
- Example: Refuse to engage in workplace corruption, be a voice for truth in conversations, advocating for transparency and integrity in all professional interactions, ensuring that ethical standards are maintained and respected among colleagues.
Practice relational evangelism
- Instead of isolating from the world, build friendships to influence others for Christ by engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing your faith, and showing genuine interest in their lives and challenges. This can create a positive impact and draw people closer to understanding the message of Christ through your actions and words.
- Example: Host gatherings where faith-based conversations naturally occur, providing a welcoming environment that encourages open dialogue and sharing of personal experiences related to one’s beliefs and values.
Quote: “We are not called to escape culture but to transform it.”
Conclusion: Living as Kingdom People in a Fallen World
We will always live in tension between the culture around us and the kingdom within us. But Jesus calls us to discern wisely and engage courageously.
Key Takeaways:
- Realize the tension – You are in the world but not of it.
- Discern what is truly right – Not everything that seems good aligns with God.
- Engage to transform, not conform – Use your influence to bring kingdom values.
Philippians 2:15 – “That you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Final Challenge:
- Where have you conformed to culture instead of transforming it?
- What action will you take this week to be salt and light in your sphere of influence?
budi hidajat 