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 22
We are 'clothed' with our conduct as illustrated in Col 3:5 'put to death your members'; Col 3:8 'put off...'; and Col 3:12 'put on...'. Death is separation from God (Gen 3:17; Rom 6:23; Rom 4:5). Union with Christ equals death to sin (Rom 6:1-7); our union includes the fact that we are 'alive to God' (Rom 6:8); this condition is permanent (Rom 6:9-10). Separation and sanctification is a matter of focus of soul -- 'reckon ourselves dead to sin' and 'present ourselves to God' (Rom 6:11-12; Rom 12:2; 1Th 4:3). How? Depart from iniquity (2Ti 2:19-22); Joseph illustrates separation by fleeing temptation.
Scripture References: Romans 6:8, Romans 6:1-7, 2 Timothy 2:19-22, Romans 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Romans 6:23, Romans 12:2, Genesis 3:17, Romans 6:11-12, Colossians 3:12, Romans 6:9-10, Colossians 3:8
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."