The Be-Attitudes - Part Vi Series

This morning we will be continuing our series called "The Be-Attitudes." We are looking at the issue of purity today and our passage comes from Matthew 5:8.

Matthew 5:8 (CEV)

God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see Him!

Let’s take a few moments to define purity. Purity may be described or defined in several of the following manners:

Without blemish

Undefiled

Perfection

Flawless

Purity is prized in our society. Think about some of the following things:

Gold

Diamonds

Old cars

The more purity the item has the greater it’s value. I find it ironic that even in today’s morally flawed society, Virginity is still prized and sought after in a mate.

Ultimately purity sets apart the very best. For this reason God Demands Purity. Consider the Old Testament instructions for the building of the temple and it’s furnishings. Gold, oil, wood, etc…the finest of materials. Instructions for sacrifices - spotless lambs without physical abnormalities or defect. The emphasis on cleansing and purification. For example cleansing before sacrifice and cleansing after war. Consider Numbers 31:19-24 for a moment:

Numbers 31:19-24 (NLT)

And all of you who have killed anyone or touched a dead body must stay outside the camp for seven days. You must purify yourselves and your captives on the third and seventh days. Also, purify all your clothing and everything made of leather, goat hair, or wood." Then Eleazar the priest said to the men who were in the battle, "The LORD has given Moses this requirement of the law: Anything made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead – that is, metals that do not burn – must be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure. These metal objects must then be further purified with the water of purification. But everything that burns must be purified by the water alone. On the seventh day you must wash your clothes and be purified. Then you may return to the camp."

God sets a high priority on purity. The greatest level of purity deals with the inside of a man. Purity of the Heart. Consider the importance of purity. Outward appearances may be deceiving a man can have pure actions, but wicked thoughts. Purity is God’s requirement for fellowship with Him. Look at Psalm 24:3-6:

Psalm 24:3-6 (NLT)

Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD’s blessing and have right standing with God their savior. They alone may enter God’s presence and worship the God of Israel.

There is however a problem. Look at Job 25:4:

How can a mere mortal stand before God and claim to be righteous? Who in all the earth is pure?

Job 25:4 (NLT)

All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.

Romans 3:23 (CEV)

We are all sinners and it is our very heart that needs purity. Purity Comes From Within. Read Titus 1:15 with me:

Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are defiled.

Titus 1:15 (NLT)

You may be thinking, how can I ever be pure. For each of us purity begins with Jesus.

God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself. He is the one who made us acceptable to God. He made us pure and holy, and he gave himself to purchase our freedom.

1 Corinthians 1:30 (NLT)

Only through Christ Jesus are we made pure. It is His purity that comes forth in our lives.

It is important to foster purity in your life. Here are a few steps that will help to promote a spirit of purity in your daily life.

Purifying your thoughts – Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 (NLT)

And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Purify your actions – 2 Timothy 2:22

2 Timothy 2:22 (NLT)

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

Purify your service – James 1:27

James 1:27 (NLT)

Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.

Purify your influences – Psalm 119:9