Avoid Becoming A Camouflaged Christian

Avoid Becoming a Camouflaged Christian

Scr. Ref: Rom. 12:1-2

1 I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not 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.

Paul is speaking to Christians - “brethren”

∙ He was instructing them not to follow after the pattern of Israel

∙ Not driving out all of the inhabitants of the land

∙ Warfare with the nations

∙ Weddings with the nations

∙ Worship with the nations - false gods

∙ Instead of Israel changing the world - the world changed Israel

∙ They became conformed.

suschematizo { soos-khay-mat-id’-zo}

AV - conform to 1, fashion (one’s) self according to 1; 2

∙ to conform or fashion one’s self, one’s mind, one’s character to another’s pattern

That definition brings to mind the word Camouflaged

Illus. Camouflage Clothing

Lake County - Camo is a “right of passage” Camo Day!

∙ The purpose is “to not be seen” - to go unnoticed

∙ To “blend in” to the surroundings

∙ To not “draw attention” to ourselves

∙ It’s an advantage for the military and for sportsmen, but it’s disastrous for Christianity

Mt. 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

How do we avoid becoming a Camouflaged Christian?

How do we keep from “blending in” with the world?

There Must Be:

I. A Difference in our Logic

because we have A Different MIND

∙ We have a different mind set than the world

∙ Our views are different that the world’s views

∙ My thoughts are not your thoughts, your ways not My ways

A. We Must Have a Compassionate Mind

Phil. 2:4-8 KJV 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

∙ We should be more concerned about the needs of others than our own needs

∙ The mind-set of the world is me, myself, & I

B. We Must Have a Consecrated Mind [set apart; dedicated] Colossians 3:1-5 NKJV

1If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

If we are dead to the flesh why should we seek to fulfill fleshly desire?

C. We Must Have a Careful Mind

1 Pet. 1:13-16 NKJV

13Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

∙ We need to be on guard of what we subject our mind to

Pro. 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

Isa. 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

In order not to be conformed:

There must be a difference in our LOGIC because we have a different MIND.

There must be:

II. A Difference in our Labor

because we have A Different Mission

∙ We have a different mission or purpose in life than the world

A. A Mission of Service

Matthew 20:28 KJV

28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

∙ Jesus had finished the parable about the laborers in the vineyard, foretold again of His death, then Salome - the mother of James & John asked for her sons “seats of honor” (missed the whole meaning)