In our last visit we considered the importance of words that are repeated in a given portion of the Bible. They very well might be what I call insight words, which help you understand what is being taught. Another form of an insight word is when the meaning of a verse or portion of Scripture revolves around the meaning of one key word. This is where a Bible dictionary or a word study book is helpful.
An example of such an insight word is in Romans 12:2, where we are told to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so you’ll be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Knowing what the word “transformed” means is important to understanding what the command involves.
In his WORD STUDIES ON ROMANS, Dr. Wuest says, “The word ‘transformed’ speaks of the act of a person changing his outward expression from that which he has to a different one, an expression which comes from and is representative of his inner being.” It is the same word used to describe Christ’s transfiguration. What He was inwardly, deity, became outwardly manifest through the veil of His flesh.
We must renew our minds at each decision crossroads, and determine to behave in keeping with what we are inwardly as Christians, new creatures. Then what is inwardly true of us will be outwardly manifest. In this way we will demonstrate that God’s will is good, pleasing and perfect.
