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 #9
Seven spiritual skills (2Pe 1:5-8). Diligence (2Co 5:14, 2Ti 1:6, 1Th 5:19) is our general charge -- inner motivation to count for eternity -- living for others; commitment; we are His workmanship (Eph 2:10). (1) Virtue - spiritual power from God the Spirit displayed - self control; (2) knowledge - Word of God; (3) temperance; (4) patience - perseverance; (5) godliness - God's life lived out in a human (1Ti 3:16, Gal 2:20); (6) brotherly kindness - sacrifice not sentiment - illustrated by Christ; (7) charity - love for all - sacrifice ourselves (1Co 13:4). Results of spiritual skills is outlined in 2Pet 1:8-11: (a) our life will count, (b) we'll be saved from an ungrateful life, (c) we won't stumble and stay down, and (d) abundant entrance into the kingdom.
Scripture References: Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 2:20
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.