Gene Cunningham - February 13, 2000
Cross to the Crown #5
Four great tests. (1) The test of Love (2Co 5:14-21) - what's the focus of our love; do we reciprocate to the Love of Christ. We have the ministry of reconciliation. It's reasonable (Rom 12:1-2) because of what Christ has done for us. (2) The test of faith. When we chose to make written word of God paramount (1Pe 2:2, 2Pe 3:18). "Study" in 2Ti 2:15 is always translated "be diligent" (Heb 6:11, 1Pe 1:5) -- application, obedience. (3) The test of humility -- dedicating ourselves to His masterpiece -- the church (Eph 2:4-10, Eph 3:8-12, Eph 3:19-21). Church glorifies Him by visible works (1Ti 3:15-16). ($) The test of surrender -- whether or not we will surrender the things that keep us from fulfilling God's plan (Gal 1:13-18, Phi 3:7-15, Isa 49:2, Jer 1:5, 1Ki 19:19-21).
Scripture References: Ephesians 3:8-12, Ephesians 2:4-10, Jeremiah 1:5, Hebrews 6:11, Isaiah 49:2, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 3:7-15, Galatians 1:13-18, Ephesians 3:19-21
From Series: "The Cross to the Crown"
To get from 'the cross to the crown' we need to make decisions to live a life of spiritual dynamics using God's provisions -- His Word and Spirit. This series given in early 2006 before Gene moved back to the States outlines ten aspects of our discipleship.