References:
- A Jesus Parable and Romans 12:1-2
- Conformed - συσχηματίζω (soos-khay-mat-id'-zo)
- BLB - to conform one's self (i.e. one's mind and character) to another's pattern, (fashion one's self according to)
- 1 Peter 1:14
- Transformed - μεταμορφόω (met-am-or-fo'-o) as in Christ’s transfiguration
- BLB - to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure
- 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
- Matthew 25:31-46 - the Sheep and the Goats parable
- Separate - ἀφορίζω (af-or-id'-zo)
- BLB - to mark off from others by boundaries, to limit, to separate
- Word from which we get “aphorism” (compare proverb)
- Proverbs …
- are a traditional, popular saying rooted in folk wisdom that offers common-sense advice.
- focus on moral instruction, caution, or practical guidance for daily life.
- Aphorisms…
- are a clever, original observation on life usually attributed to a specific writer or thinker.
- aim to provoke thought, offer a fresh philosophical insight, or reveal a deeper reality.
- Sheep from Goats
- Being a sheep is to practice joyful generosity
- Being a goat is to practice transactional kindness
- “Lord, when did we see you… and not help you?”
- Goat mindset considers self first.
- “How can I help” may be based on convenience, obligation, or an attention seeking righteousness (see the “hypocrites” teachings in Mt 6, esp MSG).
- See people through the lens of utility, measuring others by what they offer or cost.
- Biblical support or clarification
- 1 John 4:20 (NLT): Our treatment of the visible "least of these" is the ultimate diagnostic of our invisible faith.
- James 2:15–17 (NLT): Real faith isn't abstract theoretical agreement; it has hands and feet.
- Judgement:
- “‘when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’”
- Into eternal punishment!
- I don’t want to be a “Goat.” Nope, nope, no, nope.
