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 24, 2007
The Use of Time
Filling of the Spirit is a cooperation between the Spirit and the believer: "living in the light of Christ" (Eph 5:14); "having fellowship" (Eph 5:11); "fruit of the Spirit" (Eph 5:9); "walking in the light" (Eph 5:8); "walking in love" (Eph 5:2); "imitating God" (Eph 5:1); Confessing sin is part of "do not grieve the Spirit" (Eph 4:30, Eph 5:11). (1) The value of time is found in it's purpose (Victor Frankel "Man's search for Meaning"). (2) Life without aim is wasted time. (3) God's will is the only true aim of life. (4) Wisdom — knowing what matters — is the will of God accomplished in life (Ecc 3:1-14). Persecution caused dispersion of Jews in Jerusalem (Jam 1:1-5). There is nothing that happens without God letting it happen. Wisdom is realizing life could be over tomorrow (Jam 4:13-17). There are two rests: salvation and discipleship (Mat 11:28-30). The rest Jesus gives is not passive, but vital energized activity. Once the decision is made you have peace.
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:14, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 5:1, Matthew 11:28-30, Ephesians 5:2, James 4:13-17, Ephesians 5:8, James 1:1-5, Ephesians 5:9, Ecclesiastes 3:1-14, Ephesians 5:11, Ephesians 5:11
From Series: "Redeeming the Time - Arkansas Youth Camp - 2009"
This series was originally given at the Arkansas Camp in June 2009. The theme of the camp was 'Redeeming the Time' covering Eph 5:16-21 and related time-related passages.