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 2007

Gene Cunningham - April 8, 2000

Simplicity in Christ #3

2018 AYC Ladies Classes

2Co 11:3 Paul writes with dread or fear that Corinthian believers would be led astray and miss out on simplicity, purity in Christ—single-minded focus. Jesus thanks the Father that divine truth has been revealed to those who are dependent (i.e., "babes"). In Mat 11:25-30, Jesus asks those who are weary and heavy laden to come to Him. His "yoke"—or "school of learning"—is light, easy. Three factions united against Christ (Mat 22:15-46). The Pharisees thought keeping the law made you righteous and falsely thought they could gain salvation by works (Rom 8:3). Herodians believed that Herod Agrippa fulfilled the prophecies. Saducees believed there was no resurrection, and the body and soul die together.


 


Most Jews cared about their heritage (Mat 22:27-32). Saducees thought they could present a contradiction. Jesus responds by telling them "you do not know the scriptures, nor the power of God." We become "like angels"—not angels (Isa 6:3). Angels' focus is not on each other, but the Lord. In the resurrection we are totally devoted to Him (Mat 22:29-32; 1Co 15:12-58; 1Jo 3:2).


 


How did Jesus approach Scripture? This approach will greatly simplify our lives.






  1. As the very Word of God (2Ti 3:16). Scripture is divine revelation;






  2. It is inspired and accurately recorded. Jesus referred to Isaiah (Mat 13:14; 2Pe 1:21);






  3. Scripture needs to be taken literally (Mat 21:42, Mat 4:4); it has authority over us;






  4. The Word of God is eternal in nature (Joh 10:35; Mat 24:35);






  5. The Bible has a united theme, namely, redemption (Luk 24:27); 






  6. The Word is powerful and relevant to us now (Joh 4:10, Joh 7:38; Heb 4:12).






  7. It may appear contradictory to us; the problem is in us; it began with the Fall (Luk 8:11).






Jesus asks the Pharisees who the Christ is; He silenced them (Mat 22:34-46). We need to not question Him either.


Scripture References: Matthew 22:29-32, Matthew 24:35, Matthew 22:34-46, Isaiah 6:3, John 10:35, Luke 8:11, Matthew 22:27-32, Matthew 4:4, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 8:3, Matthew 21:42, John 7:38, Matthew 22:15-46, Matthew 13:14, John 4:10, Matthew 11:25-30, John 3:2, Luke 24:27

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Nan Cunningham spoke to the ladies at the 2018 AYC Camp.

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