The Scripture makes it very clear that as we focus on purity we experience power from above. Paul stressed this in his final letter to his understudy Timothy. “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter [i.e., “iniquity”], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2Ti 2:21). How? The process is simple: God the Father works through the Son. The Son works through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works through the Word. The Word works through the believer. The believer works through living faith.
Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #32
Holiness should not be defined as "sinlessness", but "separate". Jacob craved the blessing because it meant something in eternity (Heb 12:14-17). Abraham new the "city whose builder and founder is God". Eph 5:1-7 talks about "saints"; it's not something they're aspiring to, but something they have. Unbelievers look for judgment; believers look for reward (Eph 5:7). Believers can be partakers in the things that unbelievers do, but we'll never be them; you can loose reward in eternity (1Co 6:9-11). We'll be receiving crowns: Incorruptible (1Co 9:25), Joy (Phil 4:1), Righteousness (2Ti 4:8), Life (Jam 1:12) Glory (1Pe 1:12). With the crowns comes the possibility of ruling with Christ. We'll be richly rewarded if we become partakers (2Pe 1:9-11). If you follow the Spirit you'll grow up; the plan of adoption in Roman times required training until everything became the adopted son's (Rom 8:14-18). All believers share in an inheritance -- it's collective and can't be lost collectively, only individually (1Pe 1:4-5, 2Ti 2:12, Rev 3:11, Col 2:18). You can reclaim rewards by expressing mercy and forgiveness (Mat 5:7; Mat 5:43-48; Mat 7:1, Mat 9:10-13; Mar 12:28-34; Joe 2:25); law of liberty - we've been set free from the law; mercy triumphs over judgment (Jam 2:8).
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:1-7, Colossians 2:18, Joel 2:25, Hebrews 12:14-17, Revelation 3:11, Mark 12:28-34, Romans 8:14-18, Matthew 9:10-13, James 1:12, Matthew 7:1, Philippians 4:1, Matthew 5:43-48, Ephesians 5:7, Matthew 5:7, James 2:8
From Series: "Ephesians"
More than any book Ephesians reveals the blessings from God based on our relationship with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. Eph 1:3 is the a key verse. Other key verses by chapter include Eph 2:8 Eph 3:19 Eph 4:1 Eph 5:18 and Eph 6:10-11.