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 20
Col 3:1-2 Service to God is needed for fulfillment; not things of the world (Jer 2:13; Eph 4:17). Vacuum of the soul results from mad pursuit of the world (Jer 2:23-24). Jer 4:1-3 has a call to the way back (Jer 29:13). Seek to make His will a priority (Mat 6:33; Psa 84:11). Make prayer a means of seeking (Mat 7:7; Mat 7:11; Jam 4:6). Seek things above (Phi 3:10-14 'the upward call'). Use your 'wants' as a guide to meet other's needs (1Co 13:4-5; 1Co 10:24; 1Th 5:15). Purse life compatible with being reconciled (1Pe 3:10-12; Heb 11:6). Jesus is seated; so are we with Him (Joh 19:30; Psa 110:1; Heb 1:3; Heb 10:12). Victory spoils are being dispensed (1Jo 5:4-5; Psa 110:1-2; Col 2:15). Spoils include gifts (Isa 53:12; Eph 4:8; Psa 68:18; 1Co 12:7). His reign includes us (Psa 110:2-3; Rom 5:17-21; 2Ti 2:12; Rev 5:10; Mat 6:10). Victory of cross provides power for our witness (Luk 24:49; Act 1:8; 1Pe 3:5). Christ is High Priest currently; which shows power over sin and evil (Job. 1:9; Psa 16:4; Gal 5:1; Eph 6:10-11; Jam 4:7). Christ seated makes effective prayer possible as priests and children (Mat 7:7; Mat 21:22; 1Jo 5:14-15; Joh 14:14; Jam 5:16). Jesus Christ extends His personal attention to us in 8 ways: (1) assurance (Heb 13:5); (2) companionship (Mat 28:20; Joh 14:21-23; Heb 11;27); (3) provision (Heb 13:20-21); (4) Christ our burden bearer (1Pe 5:7); (5) advocate (1Jo 2:1; 1Jo 1:9); (6) intercession for our needs (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25); (7) offer comfort (2Co 1:3-4; Heb 7:26-28); (8) mediator (1Ti 2:5; Joh 15:7)
Scripture References: Matthew 7:7, Jeremiah 2:13, Ephesians 4:8, 2 Timothy 2:12, John 14:21-23, Psalms 84:11, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Luke 24:49, John 15:7, John 19:30, James 4:7, Colossians 3:1-2, Isaiah 53:12, 1 Corinthians 12:7, Matthew 28:20, Matthew 6:33, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 6:10, Hebrews 7:26-28, Hebrews 11:6, Ephesians 6:10-11, 1 John 5:4-5, Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 13:5, Jeremiah 29:13, 1 John 2:1, Revelation 5:10, Hebrews 7:25, Philippians 3:10-14, Galatians 5:1, 1 Peter 3:10-12, Psalms 110:1-2, James 5:16, Jeremiah 4:1-3, Romans 5:17-21, 1 Peter 5:7, Romans 8:34, James 4:6, Psalms 16:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Hebrews 10:12, John 14:14, Jeremiah 2:23-24, Psalms 110:2-3, 1 John 5:14-15, Hebrews 13:20-21, Matthew 7:11, Job 3:5, 1 Corinthians 10:24, Hebrews 1:3, Matthew 21:22, Ephesians 4:17, Psalms 68:18, 1 Peter 3:5, Hebrews 14:21, Matthew 7:7, 1 Timothy 2:5, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Psalms 110:1
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."