Who controls the world system according to this teaching?
Satan, the wicked one and the god of this world, controls the entire world system. The world lies in the lap of the wicked one, and the whole system is under his control. Believers are therefore urged not to be molded by it.
Les explains that Paul's plea in Romans 12:2 uses the analogy of conforming. Like hot jello poured into a mold or steel shaped in a foundry, once something is molded it is set in that shape. Paul warns believers not to be poured into Satan's mold. Satan is identified as the god of this world, the wicked one in whose lap the world lies, and the whole world system is under his control. Paul admonishes believers of their own free will—not by force—not to be molded according to this old world, which is in the control of the wicked one. When believers come away from it, they become marked people whom the world recognizes. The opposite of being conformed is to be transformed.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.