In the sermon 'Squeezed into the Mold of the World,' Alexander Strauch discusses the importance of not conforming to the world, drawing on Romans 12:1-2. He highlights J.B. Phillips' translation, which warns against being 'squeezed into the mold of the world.' Strauch compares modern times to ancient godless cities like Babylon and Nineveh, where being a follower of Yahweh was challenging due to pervasive idolatry. He points out that while being a Christian in America several decades ago was easier due to shared moral and ethical values, it is different today. Thus, he emphasizes the need for Christians, especially young people, to be transformed and offer themselves as living sacrifices to the Lord.

You know, I should point out Romans 12, 1 and 2, but I particularly like the translation of J.B. Phillips of that verse. Don't let the world squeeze you into its maul. Don't be conformed to this world. You're to be a transformed person.

So to answer really all these questions in the same way, we're in a hostile world like Babylon, like Nineveh, like these ancient cities. They were godless cities full of idolatry. It was not easy being a follower of Yahweh in those cities. God calls us to live that way in these places. Well, the same thing is true today.

Being a Christian in America 50, 60, 70 years ago. It wasn't that hard because even the non-Christians believed in church and they basically accepted our moral sexual ethics. But today all that's gone, it's different. So the great message, particularly to our young people, is do not be conformed to this world, but be a transformed person, and give yourself as a living sacrifice to the Lord. So it's a very important verse for today.