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 - December 2, 2006
Colossians Lesson 18
We need to keep seeking things above (Col 3:1-4) -- His mind; character; and conduct. This is the hidden life -- not outward righteousness; but inner. 5 things to seek: (1) to understand the finished work of Christ (Heb 10:10-12; Joh 19:30; Col 2:10; Heb 4:1-16) -- Christ is seated; Be Seated!; (2) seek the reality of our union with Christ (Rom 6:4-5); (3) seek heavenly realities -- a higher plane and form of spiritual service -- bring the Kingdom into your world; (4) seek the abundant life (Joh 10:10; Rom 14:23; Gal 2:20; Phi 3:1-21); (5) seek separation from the world -- die to it (Col 3:5-9; the pattern Gen 2:17; Psa 22:1-6; 1Co 6:9-11). Summary of the hidden life: Seeking; Separation; and Sanctification.
Scripture References: Romans 14:23, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Colossians 3:1-4, John 10:10, Psalms 22:1-6, Romans 6:4-5, Genesis 2:17, Hebrews 4:1-16, Colossians 3:5-9, Colossians 2:10, Philippians 3:1-21, John 19:30, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 10:10-12
From Series: "Colossians - 2006"
Paul never met the Colossians but wrote to them from a Roman prison around 62 AD to counter misconceptions of his day. It magnifies the character of Jesus Christ more than any other book in the New Testament, and counters misconceptions of our day as well. The key verse may well be Col 1:18 "...that in all things, He might have preeminence."