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 27
Works of the Spirit: revelation, inspiration (2Co 3:16), preservation, illumination, application (2Ti 2:15). Taking up the cross is positive (Heb 12:2). Abraham was eager (Gen 22:3); he had a sense of brotherhood (Gen 22:5); orientation to what is acceptable to God (Gen 22:7); offering of oneself (Gen 22:11); divine approval (Gen 22:12); service - worship (Gen 22:5). "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed" (Rom 12:2). Abundant life: "prove what is good... and the perfect will of God" (Joh 10:10). Abraham illustrates this. Spiritual non-conformity to the world (Joh 18:36, Phi 3:20, 1Jn 2:15, Joh 15:18, Joh 3:8)
Scripture References: Genesis 22:3, Romans 12:2, John 3:8, Hebrews 12:2, Genesis 22:5, John 15:18, Genesis 22:12, John 2:15, Genesis 22:11, Philippians 3:20, Genesis 22:7, John 18:36, Genesis 22:5, John 10:10
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.