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 16
Rom 1:1-2 presents doctrines for application to include the need for a sense of urgency and the fact we are brethren -- valuing each other (Heb 11:34, Psa 16:3). Paul adjusted to his environment -- common courtesy -- so that he could win people to Christ (1Co 9:22). In Adam we are in darkness, but when we believed in Christ, we entered into the environment of Grace (Col 1:13, 1Co 12:13). "By the mercies of God" (Rom 12:1). Romans Outline: Condemnation (Romans 1-3), Justification (Romans 4-5), Sanctification (Romans 6-8), Dispensation (Romans 9-11), Application (Romans 12-14). God's mercies motivate His provisions to us (Mat 9:36, Psa 103:1-2, Eph 1:1-3). Our compass is the cross. Left: Jesus Christ performed Redemption which paid for all our sins; Top: Propitiation - God is completely satisfied; Right: Reconciliation means there's now a change - the hostility is removed (Rom 5:1). Bottom: Justification: we are declared righteous.
Scripture References: Psalms 16:3, Romans 5:1, Hebrews 11:34, Ephesians 1:1-3, Romans 1:1-2, Psalms 103:1-2, Matthew 9:36, Romans 12:1, Colossians 1:13
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.