2c That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The calling of all true Christians in this world is that by their lives, they may “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”. Their daily mission on earth is to show forth by their words and actions what the will of God is.
The word “prove” (dokimázō) refers to testing and ascertaining the authenticity and quality of a thing. Christians, who are committed to the renewing of their minds by yielding to the Spirit and God’s Word, will be able to ascertain and demonstrate God’s will. Those who are conformed to the world will never be able to know, affirm or demonstrate what the will of God is. That is why the apostle Paul told us earlier in this verse, “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”. In a world that ignores the will of God, Christians are exhorted to know and do His will. What a solemn duty we have as Christians!
No other sect or group of people on earth is commissioned by God to uphold and show forth His will. Jesus defined true Christians as doers of His Father’s will in Matthew 7:21 – “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” He also taught His followers to pray, “Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth” (Luke 11:2; cf. Matthew 6:10). In Matthew 12:50, Jesus affirmed that “whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Christ, who is the ultimate pattern for Christians, lived with an all-consuming passion for God’s will. He said, “I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30). So, like Christ, may we also be fully consecrated to know and do His will.
In our verse for today, the apostle gives further reasons to be excited about God’s will by enumerating its three excellent attributes - “good, and acceptable, and perfect”. Other than God’s will, nothing in this world can help us inherit that which is “good” (agathós – virtuous), “acceptable” (euárestos – well-pleasing) and “perfect” (téleios – wholesome) in God’s sight. God’s will is immeasurably good because it prevents us from sin, helps us to please Him and grants us spiritual growth and maturity.