Sunday Sermon Starter 1-9-12

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The last two weeks as we have begun the new year we have examined a couple of key areas of life in which we must be in a continual state of resolution. Yes, resolution does imply weakness in the past but it also implies the desire for growth looking toward the future. This week’s installation in the series “iResolve” discusses a key area of life for all ages – moral purity. Yes, we typically associate the validity of this topic with teenagers and maybe even young adults but all ages face periodic pressure from the outside world to abandon righteousness for a life of sin and shame. How does the Bible address the topic of purity in relation to the hearts of the young and old alike?

Title: iResolve to Keep Myself Pure

Text: 1 Timothy 5:21-22

Main Point: In 1 Corinthians 3:16 Paul mentions that we are the temple of God. Many things could be said about this fact, but one absolute necessity is the stringent requirements of purity. The Old Testament temple was intended to be a structure of purity. In Exodus 25-40 when Moses gave instructions to build the tabernacle (the precursor to the temple) he used the word “pure” 31 times to depict the elements used in its construction and furnishing, the sacrifices offered at it, and the priests who entered it. Just as the Old Testament temple was to be kept stringently pure, as the temple of God today we too must maintain purity. What words of reassurance does the Bible provide regarding this needed topic that will motivate us to make this vital change in the future?

Discussion Points:
1. The Portrait of Purity – A quick combination of Hebrews 4:15 and John 10:30 notes the fact that God Himself is the standard of purity. Now obviously that standard has been set perfectly, to such as extent that man cannot achieve that standard himself (Job 4:17), but it is a level to which we can and must strive. God’s standard of purity is sure (1 Peter 1:3) thus ignorance is not a legitimate excuse for failure (Psalm 119:140; Proverbs 30:5). God prepares us for purifying our lives by revealing a perfect portrait of purity – Jesus Christ.

2. The Pathway of Purity – With all the obstacles that stand in our way, how can we possibly achieve purity of life? Philippians 4:8 – we must concentrate our minds and efforts on those things described (those things true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report). By doing so we allow our hearts to build a new us from the inside out (Proverbs 23:7). If we do not then we will be as bad as those Micah said would devise evil upon their beds and rise to practice it the next day (Micah 2:1). If we allow our thoughts to be evil we need not be surprised when evil manifests itself in our words and deeds (Mathew 12:34-35; 15:18-19). Titus 1:15 – purity is directly connected to one’s state of mind.

3. The Promises of Purity – To purify our lives is demanding – is it worth it? Jesus said the pure in heart would see God (Matthew 5:8). They will see Him in faith as Moses did (Hebrews 11:27) and they will personally see Him in the eternal city (Revelation 22:4; 1 John 3:2). 1 John 3:3 – this hope is available because of the purity obtained in Christ. By purifying ourselves we prepare ourselves to enter into the pure abode of God – heaven!

How desperately we all need to have minds and liveS focused on the development and maintenance of purity. Regardless of how well or poorly we have lived before there is always room for improvement. Let’s endeavor to begin this year looking toward the rest of our lives with pure hearts and pure lives!

-Andy Brewer

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