The Important Meaning of “Prove” and “Reprobate” (Part 2)

The Important Meaning of “Prove” and “Reprobate” (Part 2)

See Part 1 here.

“That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” — Romans 12:2 (KJV) 

“God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” — Romans 1:28 (KJV)

These two words—prove and reprobate—represent not only two ends of a spiritual scale, but two pathways diverging in the heart of every believer. To understand them is to understand what God is seeking in those who follow Him—and what He sorrowfully abandons in those who turn away. Each word, in its origin and its usage, carries weight, purpose, and warning.

“Prove” – dokimazō

The Greek word translated “prove” in Romans 12:2 is dokimazō, which means to test, to examine, and to recognize something as genuine after scrutiny. This is not casual affirmation—it’s rigorous discernment that leads to spiritual confidence. Paul uses this word often to describe the responsibility of the renewed mind: to be spiritually perceptive, careful in judgment, and eager to affirm that which is good, acceptable, and perfect in God’s eyes.

Walking the Line Between Proving and Reprobation (Part 1)

Walking the Line Between Proving and Reprobation (Part 1)

Introduction to the Series

Many believers know they are called to follow God’s will—but few realize that Scripture presents this calling on a scale, a line of spiritual measure that runs between two vastly different minds: one that proves what is good and acceptable in God’s eyes, and one that becomes reprobate, rejected after failing the test. This article begins a crucial series exploring this forgotten scale of the mind, rooted in Paul’s epistles and illuminated through careful word study and real-life application.

Over the next few parts, we’ll uncover what it means to prove the will of God, how to recognize the drift toward spiritual disqualification, and how to realign the mind through intentional renewal. You’ll be equipped with the biblical insight and encouragement needed to stay sharp, faithful, and approved—not just in knowledge, but in daily walk and worship.

Growing in the Word: Precept Upon Precept

Growing in the Word: Precept Upon Precept

Spiritual growth is not an instant transformation but a process of learning, obedience, and dedication. Just as a child matures into adulthood, a believer must develop from the milk of the Word to the strong meat of understanding. Proverbs 1:2-4 speaks of acquiring wisdom, gaining instruction, and developing discernment—principles that are essential to becoming a spiritually mature man or woman of God.

The Path from Carnality to Spiritual Maturity

Before one can grasp the deeper things of God, there must be a season of foundational learning. As 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 teaches, spiritual infancy is marked by the inability to comprehend strong doctrine. But God, in His wisdom, provides milk first—nourishing us through basic truths. Over time, through dedicated study, a believer moves from mere knowledge to understanding, and finally, to wisdom.

The Divine Alignment – Paul’s Apostleship According to God’s Purpose

The Divine Alignment – Paul’s Apostleship According to God’s Purpose

“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness.” – Titus 1:1 (KJV)

Paul’s Apostleship was “According to”

At first glance, the verse above is simply a greeting—but within it lies a profound revelation of divine intent. Paul introduces himself not merely by title or office, but in terms of alignment: “according to” the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of truth that leads to godliness. The Greek word used here—kata—is directional and purposeful. It implies being aligned with a blueprint, operating in accordance with a design, or flowing in harmony with a higher standard.

Paul’s apostleship, then, was not his own invention. It wasn’t driven by ambition or even circumstance. It was a calling synchronized to a dual spiritual aim, flowing directly from the heart of God:

• To kindle and strengthen faith in the elect, and
• To reveal and reinforce truth that produces godliness.

These two aspects were not random or independent—they were interwoven, forming the backbone of Paul's entire ministry. It’s like two beams crossing at the heart of the cross itself: justification through faith, and sanctification through truth.

The First Thread: According to the Faith of God’s Elect

More Than the Cross: Rediscovering the Fullness of Paul’s Gospel

More Than the Cross: Rediscovering the Fullness of Paul’s Gospel

When we hear the word gospel, many immediately think of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4—the clear and powerful declaration that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. This is undeniably the core of our salvation message—the good news that justifies the believer by grace through faith. But is the gospel limited only to the cross event?

According to Paul, the gospel is far broader. It’s not only the entry point into salvation, but the whole scope of what Christ has accomplished for us and what God is now doing through the Body of Christ.

The Gospel: Not Just Good News, But the Whole Counsel of Grace

Paul refers to this as “my gospel” (Rom. 2:16; 16:25)—a divinely revealed message centered on the finished work of Christ but expanding far beyond Calvary.

He writes that his apostleship was given “according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness” (Titus 1:1). This gospel includes:

The Office of an Apostle: Rightly Divided and Rightly Understood

The Office of an Apostle: Rightly Divided and Rightly Understood

In a world where titles are freely claimed and spiritual offices are often misunderstood, it’s vital that we return to Scripture and rightly divide the Word of truth. One such office that has been widely misapplied in modern Christianity is that of the apostle. What does the Bible say? Who qualifies? And most importantly—is the office of an apostle still active today?

Let’s walk through this biblically, thoughtfully, and with reverence for the Word of God. You can also watch the video of this lesson here.

What Is an Apostle?

The word apostle comes from the Greek apostolos, meaning one who is sent or a messenger. It refers to someone specifically commissioned and sent by Jesus Christ with a divine message and mission. See the following scriptures for reference: 

• The 12 apostles under the Kingdom dispensation: Luke 9:2; John 20:21; Mark 16:15. 
• Paul under the Grace dispensation: Acts 9:15-16; Acts 26:16-18; Romans 1:1; Romans 11:13; Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Timothy 2:7.

Paul opens his letter to Titus with this declaration:

“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness” (Titus 1:1, KJV).

This is not a casual title. It is a divinely appointed office, not a self-assumed role.