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.
1st Thessalonians – The Word Working in You – Uniontown, PA 2007Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000
Living Sacrifice 05
2Ti 4:3 current apostacy is similar to Paul's discussion in Romans chapters 9 - 11. Passover in Exo 12:11 changes into the Lord's supper which will change to the marraige supper of the Lamb (Rev 14 & 19). "Loins girded" prepared for action -- ready for service (Heb 12:1, 1Pe 1:13, Eph 6:14). "Sandals on your feet" - restored to service (Luk 15:22, Rom 11:29, Eph 6:15, Psa 23:4). Reasons for urgency: (1) Time is short (Rev 22:7, Rev 22:12); Life is a vapor (Jam 4:14); We live in a unique generation (1Co 7:29); We have a garantee of the Lord's return (Luk 21:32). (2) Spiritual failure is a real possibility (1Co 9:27, Heb 10:36, Rev 3:11, 1Pe 1:2, Mat 24:13). (3) Loss of reward (1Co 3:15, 1Co 5:5, 2Co 2:6-8, Rev 3:11 "hold fast"). (4) Losing reward we'll be ashamed (Luk 9:26, 2Ti 2:15, 1Jo 2:28, Pro 3:5-6). (5) Redeemed time is all we can take with you -- time we live in fellowship and witness (Psa 90:12, Psa 39:4, Eph 5:16-17, Col 4:5).
Scripture References: Ephesians 6:14, Colossians 4:5, Revelation 22:12, Revelation 3:11, Hebrews 12:1, Ephesians 5:16-17, Revelation 22:7, Matthew 24:13, Revelation 14:19, Psalms 39:4, Psalms 23:4, Revelation 3:11, Exodus 12:11, Psalms 90:12, Ephesians 6:15, Hebrews 10:36, Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 11:29, Luke 21:32, John 2:28, Luke 15:22, James 4:14, Luke 9:26
From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"
Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.