Intro: One of the most underused and undervalued Christian principles in America is the Principle of purity. It is counted as more of a curse word than and ideal that God has for us today.
From our daily bread.
After a violent storm one night, a large tree, which over the years had become a stately giant, was found lying across the pathway in a park. Nothing but a splintered stump was left. Closer examination showed that is was rotten at the core because thousands of tiny insects had eaten away at its heart. The weakness of that tree was not brought on by the sudden storm; it began the very moment the first insect nested within its bark. With the Holy Spirit’s help, let’s be very careful to guard our purity.
Our society seems to be mastered by things immoral. Some of you may think that I over react today. But what used to be considered pornography is now most often seen on prime time television. Are we allowing the things of the world to master us? Slowly but surely the disease of impurity creeps into our society and our churches.
Purity is a gift from God. We were once filthy dirty and vile before almighty God. But he has washed us white as snow. The white as snow carries the idea of being purified. When we are baptized it symbolizes that we have been washed by the blood of the lamb dead to our old life of impurity and unrighteousness risen in the power and might of God almighty to walk pure and undefiled before God.
I. The Principle of Purity
Paul begins by giving us a principle for life.
It is not as popular
1 Corinthians 6.12 “All things are lawful for me, but not all things a profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by
anything.
1) Lawful—permissible (occurs in 10.23) probably used by Corinthians as an excuse for sinful action.
2) Other religions require strict adherence to laws and rules
We don’t have to stick to strict laws and rules as Christians we obey god and do right because we love God and have the Law of liberty written on our hearts!!!
When we fall to immoral sin we are mastered by our sin nature. We should instead submit our self to our heavenly father.
Anything addictive can master us, 1)Alcohol, 2) drugs, 3) Pornography, 4) food/soda/candy/, 5) lieing.
Not all things are profitable. In other words not everything I am free to do is to my advantage.
But everything God desires us to do and be is to our advantage!
A) Sexual Purity
Mental Purity
Spiritual Purity – Only comes by way of accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and being washed clean by His prescious blood and continual presence.
1) Sexual Purity
1) God intended sex to be (a gift)
a) Go forth and multiply Gen 1.28
b) Sex within the bounds of marriage is =
1) Purposeful (multiplication) procreation
2) beautiful (represents union and intimacy with God)
3) Satisfactory (not only but enjoyable)
4) Stabilizing unites 2 into 1
Sexual sin is against the body the temple of God.
2) Mental Purity
Prov 23.7 as a man thinks so He is
2 Cor 10.5 “In as much as we refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itsel against the (true) worship of God and we lead every thought away captive into obedience of Chist.”
a) Captive – is from a Greek word meaning to take prisoner of war
n We are to lead our thoughts captive to the commander in Chief Jesus Christ in our war against sin and the devil.
· In a society that says purity is a curse word we must guard against living by the worlds guidelines.
· It is far better to follow God’s guidelines – His don’t lead you to a bottomless pit.
II. The Practice of Purity (or running from immorality)
Immorality is the spear the devil wants to use to steal your ability to minister, witness, teach, or preach for God!!!!!!
Have you ever been in Joseph’s shoes?
(Story of Joseph)
A) Man or Woman of God should as Joseph did flee from Potiphar’s wife.
1) Run from wrong situations as fast as you can
a) Grab your things and get! Proverbs (5.8)
2) Desire to stay clean before God.
It is not those that are talented, or accepted, or beautiful, or that have more degrees, or that know more people that are used of God.
Gen 39.10 Joseph not only refused to be beside her he chose not to be in her vicinity.
Robert Murray McCheyne wrote to Dan Edwards after the latter’s ordination as a missionary, "In great measure, according to the purity and perfections of the instrument, will be the success. It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God
It is instead those that remain clean before God!
God does not smile on sexual sin or any other immorality. Remember the sin of David.
God told Him through Nathan the sword (strife, struggle,) shall not depart from your house.
B) Man or Woman of God should pursue (1 Timothy 6.11)
What do you pursue today.
1) Righteousness – comes from Jesus (Chase it down and grab it)
Living life according to Gods command in the Power of the Holy spirit
Our righteousness is as filthy rags
But Jesus died so that we might become the righteousness of god in Christ.
Paul is talking about us remaining right before God living according to all His word.
Pursue these things like you would a beautiful woman you wish to be your wife.
Or a handsome man you want to be your husband!
2) Godliness
3) Faith
4) Love
5) Perseverance
6) Gentleness
When we understand there is a principle to follow, a practice to do, then we can begin to understand the purpose of Purity,.
III. The Purpose of Purity
A) To be presented to God
Romans 12.1 as a living and holy sacrifice
1 Cor 6.13 The Body is for the Lord the Lord is for the Body
Erdman says “Without the Lord, the body can never attain its true dignity and its immortal destiny.”
2 Cor 11.2 Paul wanted the church @ Corinth to be pure to present to God w/out spot or blemish!!!
Matthew 5.8 “Blessed (Happy, enviably fortunate) and spiritually prosperous possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace regardless of their outward condition) are the pure in heart.
Why?? For they will see God !!! (Will be presented to God)
B) To Proclaim to Man!!
Matt 28.19-20 Go and tell, Jesus Saves from Hell!
The goodness and grace of God
The riches and redemption of God
Conclusion: Purity is not a curse word!!!! Those pure in heart will see God. If you strive to be pure based on the Purity principle, practice purity, and for God’s purpose are pure, you will be presented to God and be able to tell others.
You will be blessed and highly favored by God!!!
What do you pursue?
