One of the coolest things about searching the Scriptures is finding passages that expand and/or connect some bit of truth that has been previously discovered. For your encouragement, I offer two examples. First, we have two very familiar passages:
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2Corinthians 3:18
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 2:12
Most of you know that one of my favorite Greek words is metamorphoō; translated in these verses as “transformed”. The fact that metamorphoō is only used three times in the New Testament is enough to suggest that these passages are connected in their meaning. For example, transformation includes the renewal of our minds, and the Holy Spirit plays a part in that transformation. (BTW: The third use will blow your mind. I will let you search it out on your own.)
For now, take a look at this connecting passage:
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him… Colossians 3:10
Beholding the image of Him (His glory) we are renewed in knowledge (in our minds). How cool is that? Renewal of our minds and our transformation; both connected by our beholding Him. It begs the question, “How do we behold Him?”
For this answer, and my second example, we go to a passage that expands our understanding.
He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him. John 14:21
Jesus will manifest Himself to the one who has His commandments and keeps them. Three things here expand our understanding:
- His commandments are given for our possession.
- We are to keep them. This is something different than obey. The Greek word here means “to attend to carefully, take care of, to guard”. It is the same as “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” in the Great Commission.
- His manifestation (and love) is reserved for those that keep His commandments.
I suspect the Holy Spirit has brought at least one expanding or connecting passage to your mind; that He will use to increase your understanding of the kingdom of God. Why wait? Pursue the revelation now. God has put the desire to search it out, in your heart; and this, even for your glory.
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2
BTW: In case you missed it, that’s another one (i.e., kingdom knowledge expander). For those that have received a love of the truth, the discoveries go on and on!! God bless you with the desire of your heart in the searching. Please let me know how I might help.
Humbly yours and forever His,
