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 - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #18
Mission report from India. Our spiritual gift establishes our place on the team (1Pe 4:7-11) -- for example, a speaking or ministry gift. Eph 4:11 lists the teaching/speaking gifts. Apostle and prophet were gifts to communicate divine truth prior to its writing. Teaching gifts are "for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph 4:12). The team concept is illustrated in 1Co 12:18-21. We need every member. Christ, the head, can't say He doesn't need a particular member (1Co 12:21). We are saved apart from works unto works -- we are "saved to serve" (Eph 2:8-10).
Scripture References: Ephesians 2:8-10, Ephesians 4:12, Ephesians 4:11
From Series: "Ephesians"
More than any book Ephesians reveals the blessings from God based on our relationship with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. Eph 1:3 is the a key verse. Other key verses by chapter include Eph 2:8 Eph 3:19 Eph 4:1 Eph 5:18 and Eph 6:10-11.