Romans 1:17 Archives - Word of Grace Studies

Testing for Approval (δοκιμάζω)

Testing for approval (δοκιμάζω) is to make a critical examination of a person or thing to determine its authenticity, drawing a conclusion about its worth. Therefore, it is testing to establish whether or not there is something of value within who or what is put to the test.

Today, the wrath of God is upon all ungodliness and those holding down the truth in unrighteousness, for they consider the knowledge of God to be of no value and are therefore given over to a mind that, when tested, fails because it is found to be full of unrighteousness, Romans 1:28. This lack of worth is seen in the conclusions that this type of unapproved mind makes, for they go against the facts presented and are not base on reality. Such as a man who claims there is no God; however, he is fully aware that the universe is more expansive than humans have currently examined, and therefore, making such a statement shows that his conclusions are not of any value. Or a scientist who claims humans came from evolution. A hypothesis that is its own worst enemy, for within its declarations, it ignores the facts and presents evidence for support that is contrary to its own theories, because the evidence actually shows that humans were created. Therefore, the mind can be in such a state from the result of rejecting truth and reality that when put to the test for approval, it fails.

A Jew who claims to rest upon the law and makes his boast in God, asserting he knows His desirous will and is able to discern for good all things for he is instructed in the law, yet breaks the very rules he states […]

Experiencing the Holy Spirit – Leading

Now that we understand that the Holy Spirit communicates His desires to us through the desires we get to do what is right and obey God’s desirous will in our lives, we can start to follow those desires and be led by Him.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God – Romans 8:14

As part of our salvation, our bounds have been marked off to the placement of sons. This means we are in a special place of privilege that is not under governor or tutors – not under law. Being a son has nothing to do with the sex of a person, this is referring to a position of maturity.

having marked off our bounds to the placement of sons through Jesus Christ unto Himself according to the good pleasure of His desirous will – Ephesians 1:5

Now I say, up until as long a time as the heir is an inarticulate babbler, he differs nothing from a slave, being lord of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the placement by the Father – Galatians 4:1-2

As sons we are then led by the Holy Spirit, not by law.

And since you are led by the Spirit you are not under law – Galatians 5:18

The righteous live out from faith, not by law. Law is not out from faith. Living out the life we have in Christ is not done by pseudo obeying the Ten Commandments, it is done by walking in faith.

for God’s righteousness is revealed in it out from faith into faith. Just as it is written, the […]