Definition: And knowest [his] will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Romans 2:18. It’s a really profound statement about how we should live our lives. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God wants us to understand the future and approve of things that are truly good and right, even when they seem difficult or challenging. It’s about aligning ourselves with His will – His plan for everything. Let's unpack it word by word: “And knowest [his] will” : This means we understand what God plans to happen. We have a sense of the future He has in mind. “and approvest the things that are more excellent…” : This is the key part. "More excellent" refers to good, right, just, and pleasing to God. It's about aligning with His character and purpose. It’s not about everything God wants, but rather what He considers truly best. “being instructed out of the law” : This is where it gets really important. The law – that set of rules and guidelines given to us by Moses – was a guide for people in ancient times. But this verse says we need to learn from the law, not just blindly follow it. It means we need to understand God's moral principles and how they apply to our lives. It’s about recognizing that these principles are rooted in His nature. So, what does it mean practically? It’s a call to: Think about God’s plan: Let’s try to understand why He wants things the way He does. Live according to His will: Make choices that align with His good intentions for us and the world. Study the law: Learn from the principles set forth in the Bible – these principles are designed to lead us toward righteousness and a life pleasing to God. In short, it’s about recognizing that God's purpose is greater than anything we can do on our own, and that true goodness comes from understanding and living according to His will. Think of it like this: Imagine you want to build a beautiful house. You don’t just randomly start building things; you need to understand the design, the materials, and the purpose behind it – so you can create something truly harmonious with God's plan for the world. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? Perhaps you’d like me to: Give a specific example of how this verse applies to our lives? Discuss the importance of studying the law?