For it is not the one forming himself who exists approved but the one whom the Lord forms.*
This word for formed means to commend, recommend; to demonstrate, bring out, prove to be; (intr.) to stand with; to hold together; to be formed.* It is from two words "union, together with" and "to stand" properly, "stand together." This is our focus we stand in Christ, it is his power being perfected in us. It is the one God has formed, established, caused to stand that will stand, not the one who has tried to stand on his own. We can try to stand on our own, in the flesh, through legalism, through living to the "letter of the law," through forms of self-abasement of the flesh, and through other types of works justification. But "it is not the one forming himself who exists approved," no, it is the one whom the Lord has formed.
It is an interesting concept, the old man died, he was of the sinful nature, the new man is a partaker of God's divine nature. But Paul writes he finds this principle that sin exists still in his body, it is not I but sin in me.* So how can this be? if the old is dead and sin still exists in my body then the old man still exists in my body? It is not me, but sin in my body so can the old man come back to life? If sin exists in my body and my mind is carnal and evil takes advantage of the carnal mind to bring me into captivity to sin in my body then a carnal mind can still struggle with sin though the old man is dead. This would be living against the new nature, a wretched state. Therefore the concept of the teachings of baptism deal with renewing the mind, such as "shall you continue in sin that grace may abound," no, you have been crucified with Christ... Under grace we will rule over sin, as under grace God's power renews the mind to accept his will.
... so that you approve the will of God, whether it is good, acceptable, and perfect.*
A renewed mind is like the mind of Christ, it will approve or accept God's will, a carnal mind will not. A renewed mind can also discern the will of God and because of such many believers are tossed to and fro by doctrines of men because they can't discern God's Spirit from evil spiritual forces. The issue of overcoming evil, sin, and that of being obedient rests in grace and in God's power transforming, renewing the mind. A renewed mind is to have the mind of Christ, we are to "be renewed, the Spirit of your mind." What does this mean? this is one way Jesus condemns sin in the flesh; as the carnal mind can't subject itself to the laws of God which are spiritual, but He forms and creates and renews the mind to be spiritual. An amazing concept, a carnal mind is not approved, a spiritual mind is, an approved mind is accepted by God and it accepts God's will as perfect and pleasing. It is fully convinced, like the mind of Abraham. It is one transformed, renewed, into the image of Christ, which speaks of a new creation, inwardly a new spirit, heart, which will bring about outward behavioral change through this and a renewed mind. One who exists inwardly changed without a renewed mind is in a wretched state, doing the very things he hates, with no dynamite, ability to overcome.
... present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, this is your reasonable service.*
Some will teach that serving, helping others, giving and tithing are high forms of worship. Others will say that the way is to live to rules and regulations, the "letter of the law," while others will say that presenting the body as a living sacrifice is in sacrificially doing the things that I just mentioned. But what value do these have in overcoming sin in the flesh? They are meaningless in regards to formation and trans-formation. Forming implies a new creation, "trans-" means beyond, so "trans-form" implies it is beyond the forming, it goes beyond our initial salvation. Such implies continual growth which will not be complete until we receive redemption of our body, a new one in which sin doesn't dwell. Therefore what is the true reasonable service of the Church? to be trans-formed, renewed in the mind or said another way, to grow up into salvation. What does it mean to present your bodies a living sacrifice? It is to present the body in which sin dwells as a living sacrifice. Why do we need to present the body a living sacrifice if the old man is dead? Is such a presenting a one time occurrence or continual? The concept that spiritual forces of evil can war against the mind and bring one into captivity to sin speaks to this. Yes, the old man is truly dead, but sin dwells in the flesh and as Paul writes evil exists with me. If evil can war against the mind bringing one into captivity to sin, then it effects all so what is the solution? It is the helmet of salvation, which I now believe to be in regards to an approved mind, a renewed mind.
yea, we exist of the day light, sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and a helmet, hope of salvation.*
Sober speaks of a renewed mind. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil.* Thus we can't fight spiritual forces of evil with the carnal, elemental principles of this world nor some religious system, nor with a carnal mind. Paul writes through the commandments and regulations sin abounded, as these were hostile toward the carnal mind and he writes through the carnal mind spiritual forces of evil war bringing into captivity to sin. Thus to put on the helmet of salvation is in regards to our reasonable service, a continuation after new birth, a putting on of new garments and a taking off of the old ones, being established, a strong foundation. Before we can defend ourselves against the spiritual forces of evil and even discern between, which is the ability to test these spirits, we must put on a sound mind, faith, and agape love.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.*
Now, Yahweh, Lord, our Father you are, we the clay, you the potter; we are all the work of your hand.*
The Way
This word for formed means to commend, recommend; to demonstrate, bring out, prove to be; (intr.) to stand with; to hold together; to be formed.* It is from two words "union, together with" and "to stand" properly, "stand together." This is our focus we stand in Christ, it is his power being perfected in us. It is the one God has formed, established, caused to stand that will stand, not the one who has tried to stand on his own. We can try to stand on our own, in the flesh, through legalism, through living to the "letter of the law," through forms of self-abasement of the flesh, and through other types of works justification. But "it is not the one forming himself who exists approved," no, it is the one whom the Lord has formed.
For in deciding this they escape the knowledge that by the word of God the heavens existed of old and the earth was formed...*
The earth was formed by the word of God, and it is the word of God that forms us. It is by faith we see such, and there exists those who do not believe this, they do not have faith. But what would we call Christians who escape the knowledge that God creates and forms? If these attempt to form themselves then they do not exist approved by God though they might exist in a religious system that approves them. Such a system would worship a god of their own creation. Who forms who? is it a religious system with its rules and regulations or is it God? It is God and by faith we have knowledge that the heavens were created by the word of God.* How can someone believe in creation then if they have not faith? So as John writes what is important is to believe. Jesus exists the word of God and in him all things that were created were created through him.* "Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation..."* Who formed this new creation? Jesus who created all things, and it is He who is trans-forming us, therefore "it is not the one forming himself who exists approved but the one whom the Lord forms."
Now, faith exist assurance, hope, proof of things unseen. For by this men of past were approved by God.*
By faith we see the heavens were created by the word of God, as faith exists proof of things of heaven unseen. This word for proof is often translated as conviction but is actually a negative term for proof, meaning to disprove, so in context faith disproves unbelief, the things of this world, and by it we see the things of heaven that are unseen. It is correct in context to say faith exists proof of things unseen. We are formed a new creation and by transformation we receive an approved mind. The Bible has many terms for what an approved mind looks like; it is diligent, stead-fast, sober, sound... We can say a worker approved has been approved by God and does the will of God. To do the will of God one must have an approved mind that can discern and accept God's will. It is God who forms through his word and trans-forming is through his word. It is faith that exists proof of his word and that he exists and creates. The word of God establishes and increases faith, Jesus being the author and perfecter of Faith. Jesus is the word of God who creates all things. If these things are true then it is God who forms and creates a renewed mind, who forms such a mind to be like the mind of Christ.
you were taught to put away the old man the one ruined, deceived according to its desires, yea to be renewed, the Spirit of your mind.*
By faith we see the heavens were created by the word of God, as faith exists proof of things of heaven unseen. This word for proof is often translated as conviction but is actually a negative term for proof, meaning to disprove, so in context faith disproves unbelief, the things of this world, and by it we see the things of heaven that are unseen. It is correct in context to say faith exists proof of things unseen. We are formed a new creation and by transformation we receive an approved mind. The Bible has many terms for what an approved mind looks like; it is diligent, stead-fast, sober, sound... We can say a worker approved has been approved by God and does the will of God. To do the will of God one must have an approved mind that can discern and accept God's will. It is God who forms through his word and trans-forming is through his word. It is faith that exists proof of his word and that he exists and creates. The word of God establishes and increases faith, Jesus being the author and perfecter of Faith. Jesus is the word of God who creates all things. If these things are true then it is God who forms and creates a renewed mind, who forms such a mind to be like the mind of Christ.
you were taught to put away the old man the one ruined, deceived according to its desires, yea to be renewed, the Spirit of your mind.*
It is an interesting concept, the old man died, he was of the sinful nature, the new man is a partaker of God's divine nature. But Paul writes he finds this principle that sin exists still in his body, it is not I but sin in me.* So how can this be? if the old is dead and sin still exists in my body then the old man still exists in my body? It is not me, but sin in my body so can the old man come back to life? If sin exists in my body and my mind is carnal and evil takes advantage of the carnal mind to bring me into captivity to sin in my body then a carnal mind can still struggle with sin though the old man is dead. This would be living against the new nature, a wretched state. Therefore the concept of the teachings of baptism deal with renewing the mind, such as "shall you continue in sin that grace may abound," no, you have been crucified with Christ... Under grace we will rule over sin, as under grace God's power renews the mind to accept his will.
... so that you approve the will of God, whether it is good, acceptable, and perfect.*
A renewed mind is like the mind of Christ, it will approve or accept God's will, a carnal mind will not. A renewed mind can also discern the will of God and because of such many believers are tossed to and fro by doctrines of men because they can't discern God's Spirit from evil spiritual forces. The issue of overcoming evil, sin, and that of being obedient rests in grace and in God's power transforming, renewing the mind. A renewed mind is to have the mind of Christ, we are to "be renewed, the Spirit of your mind." What does this mean? this is one way Jesus condemns sin in the flesh; as the carnal mind can't subject itself to the laws of God which are spiritual, but He forms and creates and renews the mind to be spiritual. An amazing concept, a carnal mind is not approved, a spiritual mind is, an approved mind is accepted by God and it accepts God's will as perfect and pleasing. It is fully convinced, like the mind of Abraham. It is one transformed, renewed, into the image of Christ, which speaks of a new creation, inwardly a new spirit, heart, which will bring about outward behavioral change through this and a renewed mind. One who exists inwardly changed without a renewed mind is in a wretched state, doing the very things he hates, with no dynamite, ability to overcome.
... present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, this is your reasonable service.*
Some will teach that serving, helping others, giving and tithing are high forms of worship. Others will say that the way is to live to rules and regulations, the "letter of the law," while others will say that presenting the body as a living sacrifice is in sacrificially doing the things that I just mentioned. But what value do these have in overcoming sin in the flesh? They are meaningless in regards to formation and trans-formation. Forming implies a new creation, "trans-" means beyond, so "trans-form" implies it is beyond the forming, it goes beyond our initial salvation. Such implies continual growth which will not be complete until we receive redemption of our body, a new one in which sin doesn't dwell. Therefore what is the true reasonable service of the Church? to be trans-formed, renewed in the mind or said another way, to grow up into salvation. What does it mean to present your bodies a living sacrifice? It is to present the body in which sin dwells as a living sacrifice. Why do we need to present the body a living sacrifice if the old man is dead? Is such a presenting a one time occurrence or continual? The concept that spiritual forces of evil can war against the mind and bring one into captivity to sin speaks to this. Yes, the old man is truly dead, but sin dwells in the flesh and as Paul writes evil exists with me. If evil can war against the mind bringing one into captivity to sin, then it effects all so what is the solution? It is the helmet of salvation, which I now believe to be in regards to an approved mind, a renewed mind.
yea, we exist of the day light, sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and a helmet, hope of salvation.*
Sober speaks of a renewed mind. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil.* Thus we can't fight spiritual forces of evil with the carnal, elemental principles of this world nor some religious system, nor with a carnal mind. Paul writes through the commandments and regulations sin abounded, as these were hostile toward the carnal mind and he writes through the carnal mind spiritual forces of evil war bringing into captivity to sin. Thus to put on the helmet of salvation is in regards to our reasonable service, a continuation after new birth, a putting on of new garments and a taking off of the old ones, being established, a strong foundation. Before we can defend ourselves against the spiritual forces of evil and even discern between, which is the ability to test these spirits, we must put on a sound mind, faith, and agape love.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.*
Do you see what it means to have an approved mind, a sound mind? to be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Truly the one who exists approved is the one whom the Lord forms and we see it is by trans-formation he continues to form through truth and his Spirit. If by faith only it is possible to please God and if anything not from faith is a sin then where do you stand with God? but you say I have perfect attendance, I give and tithe, help others, serve in my church... but the scriptures say it is not the one who commends himself, nor the one who man commends, no, it is the one whom God approves and has formed. In fact if you are serving, tithing and not being formed into the image of Christ, you exist a pitiful person, deceived into thinking you are someone, when you are nothing. If God has not formed you, then you are not great in his kingdom.
Is it not unthinkable for men to form gods? as we are the ones who were formed by God, does the clay now say to the potter, I will create my own image, I will form myself? How can he who has been formed, form another and then call it superior as a god? Is it reasonable for someone who was created then to take a tree, thinking not of whom created the tree, but then carving, forming an image made from that tree, to worship? To form another god is an abomination to the true God and so it is if one attempts to form himself, he attempts to work the work of God. He has exchanged God for an image like man. God in his infinite wisdom established the new covenant according to grace, that by faith we see the things of God lest we attempt to form ourselves and boast in such works leaving him by the way side, no longer needed. The concept of a renewed mind is that it is God transforming, renewing the mind. It is the reason Paul writes we will rule over sin not under the law but under grace and that grace reigns through righteousness.
for it is God at work in you, also to will and to work on behalf of His good pleasure.*
It is amazing truth, it is God at work in you, also to will. By the manifold wisdom of God and by his good pleasure, he has chosen and adopted you according to grace. It is God who has formed you and it is God who is trans-forming you, at work in you to do His will. Oh, how much easier it would be if we focused on how to renew the mind, to be approved, because this mind accepts his will. And it is by His good pleasure, to will and to work all things according to His will. When you believed in Christ, your inward nature changed and you received all the spiritual blessings in Christ. There is no longer an issue of the will, if you are in Christ, you are a new person indebted to your new identity, holiness and righteousness. It is no longer an issue of inward will, you have the will, the issue then becomes the ability or the power.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.*
How important is it that we love one another, as Jesus said the world will know we are His disciples by how we love one another. Agape love for our brothers and sisters in Christ is a sign, that we have a renewed mind. Also the Spirit gives us the power, which is not talking about running up and down the aisles "filled" with the spirit and not in talking only but in power, which is ability to do, to perform or practice work.* A worker approved by God does His good works which is to do his will and if trans-forming is so important these would surely assist in the great commission which is to teach and make disciples. Truly walking in the Spirit speaks of a renewed mind that can accept, approve of God's will. For we that are in Christ, we are formed, a new creation, a partaker of God's divine nature, thus we exist righteous, having a new heart, approved by God. Since it is God's Spirit within us, and it is His Spirit working to accomplish His work then the issue of practicing or of obedience is not an issue of the will but that of having an approved mind. This is a mind being formed and approved by God through transformation which renews the mind. Thus ruling over sin is under grace as it is God's power at work.
Diligently present yourselves to God approved, an unashamed worker setting forth the word of truth.*
We pray for teachers that teach men to seek the truth, not teaching people what to believe, having a head knowledge only, one without practice, this type of mind creates doctrines, traditions, and denominations of men. What does it mean to be approved? It is an important question and we know it is not man who approves, but God, "for it is not the one forming himself who exists approved but the one whom the Lord forms."* The word for approved means proved, tried; approved, after examination and trial. It is derived from a word that means to receive in a welcoming (receptive) way. Paul writes of the concept that approving is the ability to accept which is to receive God's will in a receptive way. This process speaks of a renewed mind as the carnal mind can not receive God's laws. The word for worker here means one who practices which speaks of an approved mind.
for it is God at work in you, also to will and to work on behalf of His good pleasure.*
It is amazing truth, it is God at work in you, also to will. By the manifold wisdom of God and by his good pleasure, he has chosen and adopted you according to grace. It is God who has formed you and it is God who is trans-forming you, at work in you to do His will. Oh, how much easier it would be if we focused on how to renew the mind, to be approved, because this mind accepts his will. And it is by His good pleasure, to will and to work all things according to His will. When you believed in Christ, your inward nature changed and you received all the spiritual blessings in Christ. There is no longer an issue of the will, if you are in Christ, you are a new person indebted to your new identity, holiness and righteousness. It is no longer an issue of inward will, you have the will, the issue then becomes the ability or the power.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.*
How important is it that we love one another, as Jesus said the world will know we are His disciples by how we love one another. Agape love for our brothers and sisters in Christ is a sign, that we have a renewed mind. Also the Spirit gives us the power, which is not talking about running up and down the aisles "filled" with the spirit and not in talking only but in power, which is ability to do, to perform or practice work.* A worker approved by God does His good works which is to do his will and if trans-forming is so important these would surely assist in the great commission which is to teach and make disciples. Truly walking in the Spirit speaks of a renewed mind that can accept, approve of God's will. For we that are in Christ, we are formed, a new creation, a partaker of God's divine nature, thus we exist righteous, having a new heart, approved by God. Since it is God's Spirit within us, and it is His Spirit working to accomplish His work then the issue of practicing or of obedience is not an issue of the will but that of having an approved mind. This is a mind being formed and approved by God through transformation which renews the mind. Thus ruling over sin is under grace as it is God's power at work.
Diligently present yourselves to God approved, an unashamed worker setting forth the word of truth.*
We pray for teachers that teach men to seek the truth, not teaching people what to believe, having a head knowledge only, one without practice, this type of mind creates doctrines, traditions, and denominations of men. What does it mean to be approved? It is an important question and we know it is not man who approves, but God, "for it is not the one forming himself who exists approved but the one whom the Lord forms."* The word for approved means proved, tried; approved, after examination and trial. It is derived from a word that means to receive in a welcoming (receptive) way. Paul writes of the concept that approving is the ability to accept which is to receive God's will in a receptive way. This process speaks of a renewed mind as the carnal mind can not receive God's laws. The word for worker here means one who practices which speaks of an approved mind.
And do not be conformed to this world but be trans-formed, the renewing of mind, so that you approve the will of God, whether it is good, acceptable, and perfect.*
What is transformation? it is a supernatural process that renews the mind. It trans-forms the mind so that it is approved. First one must be formed, a new creation, no longer of sinful nature, then that which is new within works it way outward through transformation, renewing the mind. What is a renewed mind? one that can discern and approve of God's will, which is one that accepts or is obedient to God's will. This word for approved has the same root word as the previous words which means to receive, accept. Who renews the mind? God forms us thus a renewed mind is one that is formed by God. If God forms and obedience is a mind that "accepts" God's will then God produces obedience in us through a renewed mind. There are elemental principles of the world that attempt to conform us, these are pitfalls to growth, attempts to form ourselves, so let us look at the truth to avoid these.
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, this is your reasonable service.*
You are to "diligently present yourselves to God approved...* This is your reasonable service, which includes presenting the body in which sin dwells. And this presenting is to present the body as a living sacrifice, and for what purpose? Truly, it is for consecration which is accomplished through transformation, so that you are set a part, having a mind that approves of God's will and is approved by God. The answer to obedience is having an approved mind, a renewed mind, so the question becomes how do I renew the mind? Such is a question of becoming like Jesus and of identity, of who we really are in Christ, not of following rules and regulations, not of following principles of this earth that conform, that are destined to perish with use, based on human commands and teachings.
Since you died with Christ to elemental principles of the world, why who though living in the world submit to dogma of do not handle, do not taste, do not touch! Which exist to perish with use, according to human commands and teachings.*
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, this is your reasonable service.*
You are to "diligently present yourselves to God approved...* This is your reasonable service, which includes presenting the body in which sin dwells. And this presenting is to present the body as a living sacrifice, and for what purpose? Truly, it is for consecration which is accomplished through transformation, so that you are set a part, having a mind that approves of God's will and is approved by God. The answer to obedience is having an approved mind, a renewed mind, so the question becomes how do I renew the mind? Such is a question of becoming like Jesus and of identity, of who we really are in Christ, not of following rules and regulations, not of following principles of this earth that conform, that are destined to perish with use, based on human commands and teachings.
Since you died with Christ to elemental principles of the world, why who though living in the world submit to dogma of do not handle, do not taste, do not touch! Which exist to perish with use, according to human commands and teachings.*
An elemental principle is an element of the natural universe, but also can be principles of a religious system.* At the time of Jesus such a religious system existed, based mostly upon traditions of men, who sought the glory of men instead of God, Jesus said. Now, the natural comes first, not the spiritual, Paul writes.* Of course he is not speaking about God, who is Spirit, but in regards to man. God formed the natural first, so man is formed in the womb naturally. In Christ we are formed of the Spirit, a new creation. The Old was a natural religious system, but was a shadow of what was to come, thus the natural pointed to the spiritual. What is flesh is flesh and what is Spirit is Spirit, on can not enter the kingdom of heaven by natural birth, one must be born of Spirit, Jesus said. Those under the Old were counted righteous by faith but in the New one must be born of Spirit also. We know that Jesus paid the price for our sin, dying on a cross, and hopefully we have testimony of this, of blood. But do we comprehend as Paul writes, that we died with Christ to elemental principles?
Canceling the handwriting with its legal demands against us which exists hostile to us, He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.*
The Law existed hostile, not that it was bad, it was spiritual, the weakness was that sinful man was not spiritual but carnal. Paul writes the carnal mind can't subject itself to the laws of God, and through the weakness of sin in the flesh, sin abounded under the Law. In this weakness evil easily brings men into captivity to sin. For this reason the legal demands were hostile, it caused sin to abound. So we see the purpose of grace, in order that grace reigns through righteousness. Righteousness is a gift in Christ, it is our new nature we have received, thus Jesus condemns sin in the flesh by giving us the spiritual. We have the inward power to rule over sin, which is through God's strength and power, not by our own, not by submitting the body to rules and regulations, and elemental principles that have no value in overcoming the desires of the flesh.
... wisdom in false religion, false humility, and harsh control over the body, these have no value against the gratification of the flesh.*
... wisdom in false religion, false humility, and harsh control over the body, these have no value against the gratification of the flesh.*
You can't flog sin out of you. Principles of fear, living to regulations, these have no value in overcoming the flesh. And do things like consequentialism, fit into this category? is it not a form of self-abasement of the flesh as it says if you dwell on the consequences or punish yourself ahead of time you will not sin? Of course we give to Caesar what is Caesars, if you break his laws there are consequences. There also exist natural laws, in regards to your health, if you break these most likely you will have health problems. And what about persecution in Christ, this is a negative consequence so would these with such a mind fall away? I believe these things exist to conform us to elemental principles of this world and enslave us to spiritual forces of evil at work. Paul writes under the Law, which had the fear of punishment, sin abounded and under such elemental principles sin abounds. The more the carnal tries to submit to these elemental principles the more sin abounds. What we need is God's power, a spiritual mind.
Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch! These exist all destined to perish with use, according to human commands and teachings. Such speech of others have wisdom in self made religion, and false humility, and harsh treatment of the body. These are of no value against the gratification of the flesh.*
Do you take what is new, a candle of light and put it under a basket? but this is what men do when they again subject to elemental principles, the ones they have died to in Christ. If you died together with these in Christ, why do you again subject yourselves to them? How important is the teachings of baptism, you do not die, the old man died, you participated in His death as in His resurrection. You are a new creation, you DO NOT need to die, the old man died together with Christ. We present the body in which sin dwells a living sacrifice so God can form, transform, thus consecration is our reasonable service. This is amazing truth, that wards off forms of self-abasement of the flesh. You have no power to overcome sin in the flesh, but God does, and you are His work.
Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch! These exist all destined to perish with use, according to human commands and teachings. Such speech of others have wisdom in self made religion, and false humility, and harsh treatment of the body. These are of no value against the gratification of the flesh.*
Do you take what is new, a candle of light and put it under a basket? but this is what men do when they again subject to elemental principles, the ones they have died to in Christ. If you died together with these in Christ, why do you again subject yourselves to them? How important is the teachings of baptism, you do not die, the old man died, you participated in His death as in His resurrection. You are a new creation, you DO NOT need to die, the old man died together with Christ. We present the body in which sin dwells a living sacrifice so God can form, transform, thus consecration is our reasonable service. This is amazing truth, that wards off forms of self-abasement of the flesh. You have no power to overcome sin in the flesh, but God does, and you are His work.
For exists God, the one at work in you, both to will and to work beyond his good will"*
Is it my will or God's power working within me? Truly we see it is His nature to work out all things for our good. In this we see the principle that his grace is sufficient for such a task as his power is being perfected in our weakness. Truly to have and to increase in faith, is to comprehend his great love for us, to learn to trust and hope in Him, to pray and read his word, worship, these things renew the mind to depend upon him for such power. To be approved, tried and tested in the path which leads to Life. Truly the word of God forms all things, therefore the word of God forms and trans-forms. If we attempt to form ourselves we do not rely on his power and are really saying I do not want to be clay, thus we exchange the true image of God for one we have formed. Put your trust and hope in God, enter into His rest, present yourselves as clay to the potter, you will come out a vessel for his use, a worker approved.