“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good pleasing and perfect will.“
Romans 12:2
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AUGUST 1, 2025
When I think about the will of God, my mind races ahead to major life decisions, like career choice or marriage partner. God is certainly interested in these macro-decisions, but He is also concerned about the micro-decisions we make daily.
The ability to test and approve the will of God is dependent upon an individual terminating conformity to the pattern of this world and living a transformed life with a renewed mind. These are radical ways of living and thinking. Believers who have turned their back upon the pattern of this world have set their eyes upon the cross. The sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ is now the pattern for conformation, encouraging and empowering the Christian to crucify the flesh. In contrast, the pattern of this world indulges the flesh. The unbeliever sees no value in self-denial on behalf of others, especially those who cannot return any benefit.
Dying to self is an integral part of testing and approving the will of God. The Spirit molds the attitude of a believer, creating a desire to do the will of God rather than pursue one’s own agenda. Promptings of the Spirit become increasingly perceptible in response to obedience. But the pattern of this world wars against the Spirit. There will be tension between the Spirit and the flesh as long as we remain in this body—but this tension alerts us to the necessity to choose rightly.
The one who seeks to do the will of God in daily obedience will find the will of God. The converse is also true: a person who continues to conform to the pattern of this world and is not renewed or transformed will be unable to test and approve the will of God.
Renewal of the mind is a lifelong growth process resulting from input from the word of God, active obedience to God, living in community with fellow believers, and time alone with the Lord in prayer and meditation. Transformation is life change orchestrated by minds and wills genuinely submitted to the Lord. Such an individual is able to test and approve the good pleasing and perfect will of God in micro- and macro-decisions.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- How has the pursuit of obedience revealed the will of God to you?
- How is your mind being renewed on an ongoing basis?
- How would you answer another believer who asked you, “How can I know the will of God?”
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, August 1 : Judges 15; Acts 19
- Saturday, August 2: Judges 16; Acts 20
- Sunday, August 3: Judges 17; Acts 21