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.
1st Thessalonians – The Word Working in You – Uniontown, PA 2007Gene Cunningham - February 13, 2000
Cross to the Crown #10
Phi 4:4 - rejoice means "celebrate the victory". Christ won the battle. The moment you had "peace with God" (Rom 5:8) you entered a battle with the enemy Satan. The eight guardians of the soul. The Trojan horse of the soul is anxiety (fear - Heb 2:14-15). There is no justifiable reason to have anxiety as a Christian. Three-fold approach in Phi 4:6-9: (A) build a wall (1Pe 1:4) confidence and effective pray; rest in His security (Phi 4:6-7); (B) man the watchtower with guardians (Phi 4:8) of thought: 1)Truth - the declared revelation of God.; 2) Noble - dignified, inspiring and reverent - opposite of cowardice; 3) Just - right and fair - truth in action; 4) Pure - innocence of motive - opposite of duplicity (deception) and opposite of singleness of heart; 5) Lovely - beauty, graciousness - no humor; 6) Honor - giving God His due; 7) Virtue - good character or grace and mercy in action; 8) Praiseworthy - good reputation - glory and heroic action (2Co 8:18). Anxious people don't make heroes. (C) keep the enemy outside (Phi 4:9) - DO IT!
Scripture References: Philippians 4:6-9, Hebrews 2:14-15, Romans 5:8, Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:9, Philippians 4:8, Philippians 4:6-7
From Series: "The Cross to the Crown"
To get from 'the cross to the crown' we need to make decisions to live a life of spiritual dynamics using God's provisions -- His Word and Spirit. This series given in early 2006 before Gene moved back to the States outlines ten aspects of our discipleship.