Book of Romans

We have been reading through the book of Romans, as a family, at dinnertime.  Tonight we were in chapter 12 and verses 2 through 8 particularly stuck out to me.

You've heard it a million times, Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...

I think this verse is often quoted with the theme of not going along with what the world is doing and that is all fine and good, but I saw a bigger picture tonight.

Keep reading down to verse 8.  I saw a progression.

1)  You renew your mind through study of God's Word.  (vs. 2)

2)  You find out what God's will is for your life (vs. 2)

3)  You go out and DO it!  (vs. 3-8)

So if we were to reverse that, you cannot do what God wants you to do if you don't know His will and you cannot know His will unless you are spending time studying His Word.

See also John 17:17 and Ephesians 2:10