Taking Out The Trash

TAKING OUT THE TRASH

1 Thessalonians 4:7

INTRO: Ken’s mother was preparing a salad for the evening meal when Ken asked permission to go with a few friends to a R-rated movie. Ken knew the family rule was not to attend any movies rated stronger than PG, but he thought, Just this once, my parents might give in. Ken’s mom went to the pantry and began to get small bits of trash and throw it in the family’s dinner salad. Ken protested, “Mom, what are you doing? You’re putting trash in the salad.” His mom replied, “I thought you would not mind a little trash with your meal; it is just a small amount.” without another word, Ken got the point and decided not to go to the R-rated movie.

None of us want to mix food and garbage for a meal. We don’t want to eat something unclean. Sometimes, we forget God has commanded us to live Holy and pure lives.

Christians are to live godly lives. To be godly simply means to have a love for God that causes us to live a life pleasing to Him. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, God commands us to live Holy lives. “Holy” means “set apart, different”, not stained by the garbage of the world. By living a life of purity and holiness, we are able to have a positive witness for Christ. HERE ARE THREE AREAS OF LIFE THAT CAN HELP US BE PURE:

I. OUR THOUGHTS.

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—thing about such things” (NIV). What we see, hear, and think will come out in our actions. Impure actions begin with impure thoughts.

II. OUR SPEECH.

In Matthew 12:34, Jesus said, “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (NIV). What we talk about is a reflection of our heart. A Christian’s speech should be noticeably different from that of other people. What we say not only affects our own purity, but also the purity of those who hear us.

III. OUR ACTIONS.

In Galatians 5:19-25, we are reminded that what we do with our bodies and how we behave is a clear indication of our walk with God. Many people worship the gods of sex, alcohol, or drugs, which all have their root in selfish desires. God has commanded us to respect our bodies in a way that pleases Him and that will glorify Him.

CONC: If you are truly going to make a difference for Christ in your family and among your friends, then they will have to see a difference in you.

∙ Do you have anything in your thoughts, speech, or actions not pleasing to Christ?

∙ Do you have one of these areas where you need to “take out the garbage?”