READ Again Romans 12:1-8

This morning I want to take a few minutes for us to look at Romans 12:2, "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."

What we studied yesterday in verse one is not really complete until we study verses 2-8 so please read again Romans 12:1-8.   Paul develops another truth which is developed from the therefore of verse 1. Included in his beseeching is the next matter. “And be not conformed to this world.”  The idea in not being conformed to this world includes the trends, values, philosophies, fashions, and styles of this present age. We are commanded by God to not be conformed to the world with its philosophies, morals (or lack thereof), values, and pursuits.  Rather, we are commanded to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The word translated as ‘transformed’ has the sense of a metamorphosis—a complete change, while that which is ‘renewed’ is a complete change for the better.  That renewal is to be in our minds. In other words, we are commanded by God, after being saved, to, on the one hand, not be conformed to the world, but on the other, to be transformed in our thinking. Rather than allowing our minds to be shaped by the world and its values, we are told to ‘switch channels’ as it were to a godly plane of thinking developed by the Word of God.  However, the ultimate purpose is that we “may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The word translated as "prove" has the sense of to ‘test,’ to ‘analyze,’ or to ‘determine.’ In this case, the object to be determined is the “will of God.” However, it is all one unit. If we would have the ability to understand the will of God, we must first be yielded as a living sacrifice with a holy body. In addition, we must not be conformed to this world, but having a mind transformed and tuned to the channel of the things of God.  Then, we will be in a position to prove or determine the will of God.

Notice how God’s will is described. It is “good, and acceptable, and perfect.” We never need to fear God’s will. For indeed it is good. Nothing is ever better than His will for our lives. It also is acceptable. (The same word is used as in verse 1 for acceptable.) It has the sense of ‘well pleasing.’  In other words, God’s will for our lives will be well pleasing to us. It is not something we will hate or endure. We will enjoy doing God's will.  Finally, it is perfect. God’s will for our lives is perfect for us. One can never do better than determine the center of God’s perfect will and continue therein.

Have a great day walking in His will.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. What challenges do you face in resisting the pull of the world?

2. In practical terms, how is a person’s mind transformed by the Lord?

3. What is the greatest change that has taken place in your life since your salvation?

4. What does it mean to “prove” the will of God? Why is this such an important part of your life as a believer?