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 - May 23, 2000
Living Sacrifice 15
God made promises to Israel -- Rom 11:1-6 asks has God's word failed? Paul was from the tribe of Benjamin: his point was that God hasn't rejected His people because he is an example of the remnant (Rom 11:1-2, Phi 3:3-8). "foreknew" in Rom 11:2 is first used in Acts 2:23; God chose Israel in eternity past because He foreknew His predetermined plan (in the sense of accomplishment of His plan) (Heb 13:8). God knew ahead of time and He sees it as accomplished (Rom 8:29, 1Pe 1:1-2, Rev 13:8, Rev 17:8). Elijah as example in intercession (Rom 11:2-3, 1Ki 19:14); God's reply is that He has kept a remnant for Himself (Rom 11:4-5). The remnant exists for God in His sovereignty will, but those who are in the remnant have responded to God -- "according to His election of grace" (Rom 11:5, Eph 2:8). "If by grace then no more of works" it can't be both (Rom 11:6).
Scripture References: Romans 11:6, Romans 11:1-6, Romans 8:29, Ephesians 2:8, Hebrews 13:8, Romans 11:5, Acts 2:23, Romans 11:4-5, Romans 11:2, Romans 11:2-3, Philippians 3:3-8, Revelation 17:8, Romans 11:1-2, Revelation 13:8
From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"
Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.