God's Will

"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." (Romans 12:2)

A closer look:
Prove - to test, to ascertain, to try, discern.
will - desire, pleasure, inclination, determination (as in decision).

First things first, we needed "God's will" yesterday. Attaching the phrase God's will to any of our decision doesn't mystically sanctify that decision to be so. Worse, it takes God's name in vain (which is no small thing). To be certain, God has a will. He has one for everyone of us (see 2 Pet. 3:9 for an example). But it isn't so that He divinely reveals it only at certain points in our lives like the high mountain top experiences of graduation, marriage, vocational calling or career decision, relocating because of job opportunities, etc. He does reveal His will to us. He does so every day and it is our responsibility to prove it. It is our responsibility to obey God, and when we surrender of our will to His, our minds are renewed. Renewed minds are required for ascertaining God's will. God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect because it reflects on the person of God Himself. If you want to know God's will, then allow Him to renew your mind. It isn't important to say: "God's will for my life" as it is to say: "My life for God's will." Knowing God well is knowing God's will.

Renewing of the mind

"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." (Romans 12:2)

A closer look:
Renew - renovate.
Mind - intellect (distinguished from will and affection); can also refer to the inner man, or the spirit (distinguished from the body).

First and foremost, it is God's grace of Salvation that renews a man (similar to the idea of "born again" in John 3:3, 7 and Titus 3:5). Salvation transforms a sinner into a saint (consider Rom. 1:7; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:8-10; 1 John 3:2). Second, Sanctification is the practical progress of God's renewing work in our lives. Our ultimate goal is to bring glory to God, and we learn how to do this every day as we read and study the Bible, pray, and live out the things which we have learned from God (see Luke 9:23; 2 Cor. 4:16; Eph. 4:23). We are aided by the Word and Holy Spirit. We are renewed when we get rid of our old mindset and posses or put in its place a godly mindset. How does change take place? By the renewing of the mind.

Conformed or 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." (Romans 12:2)

A closer look:
World - the system and society that is opposed to God.
Conform - to fashion alike.
Transform - to change, metamorphosis.

As Christians we need to remember that the world system isn't going to make it easier to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Here is a direct command not to follow the way of the world. The world with all its music, dress, mores, and values is truly sub-Christian. We shouldn't be looking at how the world does things, and then pattern our worship and service towards God in similar fashion (this would also include music, dress, and many other pertinent things that God delineates in His Word). The struggle is between the world vs. the Word. The world maybe flashy, but it's poison will rotten the soul. The Word doesn't seek to be flashy (although it is true light), and yet it is life-giving and renewing. The world seeks to conform us, but the Word seeks to transform us. Will you conform, or be transformed?

Spurgeon's Morning Devotional thought for Jan. 1

Joshua 5:12b "...They did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year."

"...Unbelief shudders at the Jordan which still rolls between us and the goodly land, but let us rest assured that we have already experienced more ills than death at its worst can cause us. Let us banish every fearful thought, and rejoice with exceeding great joy, in the prospect that this year we shall begin to be "for ever with the Lord."...We will this year gather celestial fruits on earthly ground, where faith and hope have made the desert like the garden of the Lord. Man did eat angel's food of old, and why not now? O for grace to feed on Jesus, and so to eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan this year!"

Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional is excellent. If you are looking for an annual devotional material, you would do very well to look this one up. Once and again, Happy New Year!

Quotables...and Happy New Year!

"Plan your work, and work your plan." - Unknown