Main Text: Romans 12:2 (MSG)
“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”
Introduction: Two Civilizations at War
From the very beginning of Scripture to its closing vision in Revelation, the Bible tells the story of a clash between two civilizations. This is not merely a political struggle or a cultural difference, but a cosmic conflict between two opposing systems of life:
- The city of man—built on pride, rebellion, and lies. We see this vividly at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), where humanity sought to “make a name for themselves” apart from God. This city is marked by self-sufficiency, arrogance, and the rejection of divine authority. It is the picture of civilization without God—technologically impressive, but spiritually bankrupt.
- The city of God—built on truth, humility, and worship. Abraham looked forward to this city, “whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). The book of Revelation culminates with the vision of the New Jerusalem, “coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2).
This conflict is not only out there in history or prophecy—it is inside every human heart. Which city, which civilization, will define us?
The early church father Augustine captured this tension in his monumental work The City of God. He wrote: “Two loves have made two cities: the love of self to the contempt of God made the earthly city; the love of God to the contempt of self made the heavenly city.” (City of God, Book XIV, Ch. 28).
In other words, the city of man is driven by the love of self above all else, while the city of God is marked by the love of God above all else.
The Apostle Paul, centuries earlier, addressed the same conflict when he wrote in Romans 12:2 (MSG): “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.”
Paul’s words are a call to decision: Which civilization will shape you?
- Will you be conformed to the world’s system—built on lies, imitations, and temporary glory?
- Or will you be transformed into a citizen of the Kingdom—an eternal civilization built on truth, holiness, and the glory of Christ?
This is the clash of two civilizations—one destined to crumble, the other destined to last forever.
Point 1. The Civilization of the World: Lies That Conform
Paul warns, “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.”
The danger of the world’s civilization is not only in its loud rebellion against God—the blatant rejection of His truth, the open celebration of sin—but even more in its subtle power of conformity. Rarely does the world demand that we renounce God outright; instead, it slowly and silently pressures us to fit in, to adopt its values, and to think its thoughts without realizing it. Like water shaping a rock drop by drop, culture shapes us gradually until we begin to speak its language, embrace its definitions of success, and measure our lives by its standards. This is why Paul warns against becoming “well-adjusted” to the world (Romans 12:2, MSG). The danger is not always dramatic compromise but quiet drift—until one day, without noticing, we look, act, and think like everyone else, no longer distinct as citizens of the Kingdom.
The Greek verb for “conform” here is syschematizesthe, meaning “to be pressed into a mold.” If we are not intentional, the civilization of this world will squeeze us into its pattern without our permission. How does this happen? Through media, education, economics, and politics—powerful channels that disciple us daily. Culture is never neutral; it always forms us into someone’s image—either the image of Christ or the image of the world.
Three Marks of the World’s Lies
- False Identity
Satan’s first lie in Eden was: “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5). Humanity has been chasing false identity ever since. Today the world preaches:
- “You are your possessions” (Luke 12:15 – “a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions”).
- “You are your performance”—value is measured by achievements, grades, promotions.
- “You are your popularity”—identity rises and falls with likes, followers, and approval ratings.
But all these are lies. Our true identity is not in what we have, do, or achieve—but in who we are in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Counterfeit Values
The world not only lies about identity; it also flips morality upside down. Isaiah 5:20 thunders: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.”
- The world glorifies greed but mocks generosity.
- It celebrates lust but belittles purity.
- It praises pride but despises humility.
This is why Jesus prayed for His disciples: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:16–17). Only the Word can cut through the fog of counterfeit values.
- Empty Promises
John summarizes the world’s civilization in three categories: “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). These are the same temptations that ensnared Eve in Eden and tempted Jesus in the wilderness. The world keeps selling satisfaction through consumption, pleasure, and status—but it never delivers.
That’s why John concludes: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). The world promises fullness but produces emptiness; it offers life but delivers death.
The Slow Drift
C.S. Lewis captured this danger with haunting clarity: “The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” (The Screwtape Letters).
This is how the world drags us down to its level of immaturity, as Paul says. Rarely with a violent crash, but almost always with a quiet drift—one compromise at a time. One little lie justified, one value redefined, one conviction softened, until gradually our hearts grow dull and our standards lower. By the time we realize it, we have been shaped into the world’s mold, not by force, but by erosion. This is why Paul’s warning is so urgent: without intentional resistance and continual renewal of the mind, the drift is inevitable.
The world’s civilization is like a stage set in a theater: beautifully painted, lit with bright lights, looking impressive from the audience’s perspective. But if you walk behind the backdrop, there is nothing—only thin wood and empty space. That is the nature of worldly culture: glamorous on the surface, hollow at the core.
The civilization of the world may look powerful and persuasive, but at its core it is lifeless. It dazzles with technology, wealth, and cultural achievements, yet it cannot satisfy the deepest hunger of the human soul. Jesus said plainly: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). The world promises life, but delivers death; only Christ gives true abundance.
Why? Because its foundation is lies, and its destiny is collapse. Babel reached for the heavens but ended in confusion (Genesis 11:9). Babylon boasted of its glory but was brought low in a single night (Daniel 5:30–31). Rome called itself eternal, but its empire fell. Every earthly civilization that exalts itself against God eventually crumbles into dust. As Proverbs 14:12 warns: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
This is why Paul doesn’t merely say, “Don’t conform.” Resistance alone is not enough. If all we do is avoid the world, we will still be empty. We need the positive alternative: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Transformation (metamorphoō) is not cosmetic but radical—a complete re-creation by the Spirit of God.
- If the world presses us into a mold of lies,
- the Kingdom reshapes us into the image of truth (Ephesians 4:24: “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness”).
John Calvin once wrote: “The human heart is a perpetual factory of idols.” (Institutes, Book I, Ch. 11).
But through the renewing of the mind, God dismantles the lies of idolatry and restores us to the image of His Son. This is why Jesus prayed in John 17:17: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” The Kingdom does not simply oppose the world; it transforms us so thoroughly that our lives become a living protest against the lies of the world and a living witness to the truth of Christ.
The world manipulates truth to justify sin—relabeling:
- sin as freedom,
- pride as dignity,
- greed as success,
- lust as love.
But the Kingdom calls us to submit to truth as revealed in Christ. Submission is not restrictive—it is freeing, because it aligns us with reality as God designed it. Just as fish are free only in water, humans are free only when they live in the truth of God.
Point 2. The Civilization of the Kingdom: Truth That Transforms
In contrast to the world, Paul says in Romans 12:2 (MSG): “Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.”
The word Paul uses for “transformed” is the Greek metamorphoō—from which we get our English word metamorphosis. It describes not a surface adjustment, but a radical inner transformation.
This is the same word used in Matthew 17:2 when Jesus was “transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” On the mountain, Christ’s hidden glory broke forth visibly. In Romans 12:2, Paul uses that same word to describe what happens when the Spirit works in us: the hidden life of Christ begins to shine through us.
This transformation is:
- Not Cosmetic but Essential
The world offers behavior modification—change the outside, polish the image, decorate the cup. But Kingdom transformation is not about cosmetics; it is about character. Jesus said, “First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean” (Matthew 23:26). God begins His work in the heart, because from the heart flow the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). - Not External but Internal
Religion can adjust your schedule, your rituals, even your language—but only the Spirit of God can renew your mind and transform your nature. Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 3:18: “We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed [metamorphoō] into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” This is not self-improvement—it is Spirit-renewal. - A Change of Nature, Values, and Direction
- Nature – We are no longer slaves to sin but children of God (Romans 6:6–7; Romans 8:15).
- Values – We learn to love what God loves and hate what He hates. Our priorities align with the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
- Direction – Our lives move away from self-centeredness toward God-centeredness. Transformation reorients our entire trajectory—our ambitions, our decisions, our destiny.
“The essence of Christian discipleship is not conformity to the world, but conformity to Christ; not external behavior change, but internal transformation by the Holy Spirit.” – John Stott
In short, metamorphoō is not about becoming a “nicer version” of yourself; it is about becoming a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Spirit of God does not simply improve us—He reshapes us into the very image of Jesus.
The civilization of the Kingdom is not marked by lies or imitation, but by truth, wholeness, and joy.
1. Truth in Christ
At the very center of the Kingdom of God is truth, and that truth is not an abstract principle but a Person. Jesus declared: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). This means that in the Kingdom, truth is not something we merely debate—it is Someone we follow, love, and obey.
The world, under the influence of the “father of lies” (John 8:44), treats truth as flexible—something to be bent, adjusted, or redefined according to personal desires or cultural trends. In fact, Pilate’s question to Jesus—“What is truth?” (John 18:38)—is the question of every generation that has rejected God. In contrast, the Kingdom of God gives a definitive answer: truth is found in Christ alone.
Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:10: “Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” In other words, Kingdom citizens are renewed not by relativism but by aligning their lives with the truth revealed in God’s Word and embodied in Christ.
Jesus Himself prayed in John 17:17: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” Notice—truth is not only for intellectual agreement; it is for sanctification. It sets us apart, reshapes us, and equips us to live as citizens of heaven in the middle of a broken world.
“Truth has no degrees or shades. It is absolute. Either a thing is true or it is false. Half-truths are lies.” (Man: The Dwelling Place of God). – A.W. Tozer
This is why the Kingdom cannot be built on compromise. It is a civilization established on the eternal truth of God.
Truth as a Mark of the Kingdom’s Culture
Truth Liberates
- In the world’s culture: People live behind masks—curating an image on social media, hiding failures at work, or pretending to have it all together. This pressure to perform creates fear, anxiety, and bondage, because worth is tied to appearance.
- In the Kingdom’s culture: Citizens can walk in freedom because they live in the light of truth. They don’t need to fake success or hide failure, because their identity is secure in Christ. Jesus promised: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
- Application: In Christ, you can admit weakness, confess sin, and be honest about struggles—without fear of rejection. Truth frees you to grow.
Truth Lasts
- In the world’s culture: Truth is treated as relative—“my truth” versus “your truth.” Values shift with trends, politics, or majority opinion. What is celebrated today may be canceled tomorrow. This instability breeds confusion.
- In the Kingdom’s culture: Truth is anchored in the unchanging Word of God. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Jesus Himself said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Kingdom people are not tossed by cultural winds—they stand firm on eternal truth.
- Application: When culture shifts, don’t drift. Build your convictions on Scripture, not on trends.
Truth Leads
- In the world’s culture: People make decisions based on impulse, popularity, or pressure. The question is often, “What feels good right now? What will make others like me? What gives me the fastest benefit?” Integrity and long-term consequences are easily sacrificed for short-term gain.
- In the Kingdom’s culture: Citizens are led by the Spirit of truth. Jesus promised, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). This means decisions are not made by instinct or convenience but by seeking God’s will. Instead of asking, “What do I want?” Kingdom people ask, “What does God want in this situation?” Even when obedience is costly, it brings alignment with God’s Kingdom.
- Application in daily life:
- At work → Instead of cutting corners to look good, ask: “Is this honest and God-honoring?”
- In relationships → Instead of reacting out of pride or offense, ask: “How can I respond in love and truth?”
- In personal choices → Instead of chasing trends or instant gratification, ask: “Will this draw me closer to Christ or away from Him?”
A simple filter can guide every decision: Is this Spirit-led, Word-aligned, and Christ-honoring? If yes, move forward with confidence. If no, pause and realign. That is how truth leads us into Kingdom culture in everyday life.
2. Wholeness in Identity and Maturity
In the Kingdom, we are no longer defined by possessions, performance, or popularity, but by our adoption as sons and daughters of God. Paul reminds us: “You received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Romans 8:15–16).
This new identity leads to holistic growth. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:13 that God’s goal is to bring us “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Unlike the civilization of the world, which keeps people shallow and immature, the Kingdom grows us into wholeness and Christlikeness.
- Philippians 3:20 – “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”
The world is obsessed with appearances. It tells us to polish the outside of the cup—manage your image, curate your reputation, and impress others with surface-level success. Yet Jesus exposed the emptiness of this approach when He said, “First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean” (Matthew 23:26). Kingdom transformation begins where the world cannot reach—in the heart. The Spirit does not start by adjusting externals but by purifying motives, healing wounds, and reshaping desires. When the inside is changed by the truth of Christ, the outside will naturally reflect that change in integrity, holiness, and authentic living.
The world can decorate, but only the Kingdom can truly transform.
3. Joy in the Spirit
One of the most striking marks of the Kingdom’s civilization is joy—not the shallow pleasure of the world, but the deep joy of the Holy Spirit. Paul defines Kingdom life in Romans 14:17: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Notice: joy is not optional, it is central. Wherever the reign of God is active, there is joy.
This joy is radically different from what the world offers. The world equates joy with entertainment, comfort, or success—things that fade quickly and leave the soul emptier than before. But the joy of the Kingdom is not dependent on circumstances; it is rooted in God’s unchanging presence and eternal promises.
- Nehemiah declared to a weary, broken people: “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy in the Kingdom is not a mood but a source of spiritual resilience. It gives strength to endure trials, to stand in the clash of civilizations, and to press on with hope.
- Jesus told His disciples on the eve of the cross: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). This is staggering—Jesus, about to suffer betrayal and death, spoke of His joy as something He wanted to give them. Kingdom joy is therefore Christ’s own joy, poured into us through the Spirit.
Joy is the defining mark of Kingdom culture because it springs from reconciliation with God. Once we were estranged and condemned, but now in Christ we are justified, beloved, and secure. Out of this unshakable identity flows a joy that cannot be shaken or stolen (John 16:22).
But this joy is not meant to remain as an abstract doctrine—it becomes a culture when it is lived out daily. In the world, people chase happiness through possessions, achievements, or circumstances, but these are fragile and fleeting. In the Kingdom, joy becomes the atmosphere we carry into every situation because it is rooted in God’s presence and promises.
- In trials: Instead of despair, we can rejoice knowing that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3–5). Joy strengthens us to endure.
- In relationships: Instead of bitterness, we choose to forgive and love, discovering the joy of restored fellowship (Ephesians 4:32). Joy heals what sin breaks.
- In work: Instead of drudgery, we work “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), turning ordinary tasks into worship. Joy gives meaning to our labor.
- In community: Instead of envy or competition, we celebrate others’ successes and bear one another’s burdens (Philippians 2:3–4). Joy multiplies when shared.
- In worship: Instead of ritualistic duty, we gather with gladness (Psalm 122:1). Joy becomes the language of God’s people.
When lived out, this joy becomes contagious. It testifies that the Kingdom of God is not gloomy legalism but radiant life (John 10:10). It shapes how we respond to difficulty, how we treat people, and how we face the future. In a joyless world, a community that consistently radiates Spirit-born joy becomes a powerful witness of Christ’s reign.
Two Civilizations in Contrast
| The Civilization of the World | The Civilization of the Kingdom of God |
|---|---|
| Built on deception – presses people into a mold of lies. | Built on truth – transforms people into the image of Christ. |
| Lies about identity: “You are what you own, what you achieve, how you look.” | Truth that liberates: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Our identity is secure in Christ. |
| Lies about values: What is evil is rebranded as good, and what is holy is mocked as outdated. | Wholeness that matures: The Kingdom brings shalom—wholeness, integrity, and growth into the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). |
| Lies about fulfillment: Pleasure, wealth, and power will give you meaning. | Joy that strengthens: “The joy of the LORD is your strength”(Nehemiah 8:10). This joy sustains in every season (Romans 14:17). |
| Offers glitter without gold – an imitation of greatness but without substance. | Offers substance with glory – eternal reality revealed in Christ. |
| Looks mighty but collapses: Like Babel (Genesis 11:9) and Babylon (Revelation 18:10). | Endures forever: A Kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). |
| Promises freedom but leads to slavery. | Brings true freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1). |
| Offers the illusion of progress but ends in destruction. | Offers abundant life (John 10:10) and eternal hope. |
| Keeps humanity shallow, restless, and enslaved. | Forms people into maturity, peace, and joy in the Spirit. |
| Mimics greatness but cannot produce it. | Produces authentic transformation by the Spirit of God. |
Point 3. Living in the Clash: Which Civilization Will You Belong To?
Every believer stands in the tension of two civilizations. Jesus prayed for His disciples: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:16–17). This means that while we live in the world, we are not defined by it. Our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
This is the paradox of Christian life: we are in Babylon, but not Babylonian. Daniel lived in the splendor of Babylon, educated in its schools, working in its government, but he resolved in his heart “not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). He shaped the culture around him without letting the culture shape him. That is the calling of Kingdom citizens today: to live fully present in the world while fully loyal to Christ.
Paul’s command in Romans 12:2 (MSG) is clear: “Fix your attention on God.” In other words, transformation doesn’t happen by accident. We must be intentional about what we set our gaze upon.
- The world says: “Fix your eyes on success, wealth, pleasure, image.”
- The Kingdom says: “Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
What we focus on will form us. Culture disciples us either way—so the question is, Which culture will disciple you?
Building Kingdom Culture in Daily Life
If the world builds its civilization through lies, imitation, and pride, then the people of God must intentionally build Kingdom culture in every sphere of life. This happens not only in church gatherings but in the rhythms of everyday living.
1. Mind – Renewed Thinking
- Replace worldly narratives with biblical truth.
- Meditate on Scripture daily (Psalm 1:2).
- Filter entertainment, media, and influences through God’s Word.
Application: At work or in decision-making, don’t ask, “What do others expect?” Instead ask, “What does God’s Word say?”
2. Mission – Excellence and Integrity in Work
- Work not for human approval, but as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
- Reject shortcuts, corruption, and deceit, even if they are “normal” in the world.
- Pursue excellence as a witness to God’s glory.
Application: In business or career, keep your word and treat people fairly—even when others exploit. That is Kingdom culture at work.
3. Marriage – Love and Forgiveness in Relationships
- Practice covenant love, not transactional love.
- Forgive as Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).
- Value people for who they are in God’s image, not for what they can give you.
Application: The world cancels those who hurt us. The Kingdom forgives, restores, and even loves enemies (Matthew 5:44).
4. Ministry – Worship and Generosity in Community
- Build a consistent lifestyle of gathering with believers (Hebrews 10:25).
- Live open-handed with possessions—sharing, giving, blessing (Acts 2:44–47).
- Carry heaven’s atmosphere into homes, schools, and workplaces through prayer, worship, and compassion.
Application: Don’t just curse the darkness—light a candle. Be the one who serves, encourages, and gives. That’s Kingdom culture invading earthly culture.
“We are to be morally distinct without being socially segregated.” – John Stott
This means we don’t withdraw from the world, but neither do we blend into it. Instead, we live as salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16)—changing the flavor of culture and shining light in darkness.
Conclusion: Which Civilization Will Shape You?
At the end of history, Scripture presents us with two final cities: Babylon the Great, glittering with temporary splendor but destined for destruction (Revelation 18), and the New Jerusalem, radiant with God’s glory and destined to endure forever (Revelation 21). One is fake, shallow, and empty; the other is authentic, eternal, and life-giving.
The truth is—you are already living in the clash. The only question is: Which civilization will you intentionally embrace?
Paul’s call is urgent: “Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out” (Romans 12:2, MSG). You cannot drift into Kingdom culture by accident—you must choose it daily.
- If you fix your gaze on the world, you will be conformed—pressed into its mold of lies and imitation.
- If you fix your eyes on Christ, you will be transformed—reshaped into His image, marked by truth, wholeness, and joy.
That means rejecting the fake, empty promises of the world and embracing the real, life-giving culture of the Kingdom—one thought, one decision, one relationship, one act of obedience at a time. When you do, your life becomes a living testimony that even in the middle of Babylon, the reign of God breaks through.
“We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior.” – John Stott
So, don’t just reflect the environment around you like a thermometer. Be a thermostat. Set the temperature with Kingdom truth. Let your life carry the culture of heaven into the culture of earth. In a world of imitation, choose authenticity. In a world of emptiness, choose abundance. In a world destined to fall, choose the Kingdom that will never be shaken.
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