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 - May 20, 2003
Losing To Gain #3
We study the Word so that we can be changed -- transformed into the image of Christ. Paul wants the Philippians to know that the Hand of God's Providence was working toward the benefit of the Gospel and them (Phi 1:12-13, Phi 1:24-25). Philippians were using their material blessings for others (Phi 4:10-13, Phi 4:19). "I have learned" (Phi 4:11). Paul was a disciple (2Ti 2:15); it takes a disciple to make a disciple (Joh 13:7, Jam 1:21). Christ is both the master of the school and its topic. "I know how" developed through practice. "Wisdom is justified [verified] in her children" (Mat 11:19, Luk 7:35). "I can do". We have reasons to endure the little inconveniences to prepare for the big ones (Joh 14:17-18, Heb 13:5-6).
Scripture References: Philippians 4:11, Hebrews 13:5-6, Philippians 4:19, John 14:17-18, Philippians 4:10-13, Luke 7:35, Philippians 1:24-25, Matthew 11:19, Philippians 1:12-13, James 1:21, John 13:7
From Series: "Philippians - Losing To Gain - June 2008"
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