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 #5
Four great tests. (1) The test of Love (2Co 5:14-21) - what's the focus of our love; do we reciprocate to the Love of Christ. We have the ministry of reconciliation. It's reasonable (Rom 12:1-2) because of what Christ has done for us. (2) The test of faith. When we chose to make written word of God paramount (1Pe 2:2, 2Pe 3:18). "Study" in 2Ti 2:15 is always translated "be diligent" (Heb 6:11, 1Pe 1:5) -- application, obedience. (3) The test of humility -- dedicating ourselves to His masterpiece -- the church (Eph 2:4-10, Eph 3:8-12, Eph 3:19-21). Church glorifies Him by visible works (1Ti 3:15-16). ($) The test of surrender -- whether or not we will surrender the things that keep us from fulfilling God's plan (Gal 1:13-18, Phi 3:7-15, Isa 49:2, Jer 1:5, 1Ki 19:19-21).
Scripture References: Philippians 3:7-15, Galatians 1:13-18, Ephesians 3:19-21, Ephesians 3:8-12, Ephesians 2:4-10, Jeremiah 1:5, Hebrews 6:11, Isaiah 49:2, Romans 12:1-2
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.