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how does paul's teaching on 'not conforming to this world' (romans 12:2) relate to jesus's prayer?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Romans 12:2 and John 17:15-16

Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

Paul wrote his letter to the Christians in Rome in the mid-first century CE, encouraging them in their faith and outlining how God's grace transforms life. Jesus's prayer for his disciples, recorded in John's Gospel, takes place just before his crucifixion, expressing his care for them and their future mission.

What does it look like to be 'in the world' but 'not of the world' in your daily choices and perspectives?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • 1 Peter 2:11

    This verse calls believers 'strangers and pilgrims' in the world, echoing the idea of not fully belonging to its ways.

  • Colossians 3:1-2

    Paul encourages believers to 'set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth,' reinforcing a shift in focus.

  • James 4:4

    This passage describes 'friendship with the world' as 'enmity with God,' highlighting a conflict between loyalties.

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