A Heart Marked by Purity

A Heart Marked by Purity

Write down what you think the definition of purity is.

1 Corinthians 7:34

God has given you the power of the Holy Spirit to enable you to stay pure, to resist the flesh, and to fortify you with His self-control.  (Galatians 5:22-23)

God has entrusted you with this most precious possession  --  your purity!

1.     Your PHYSICAL purity is something very special and should be preserved at all costs.

2.    Your MENTAL purity is where it all starts.  What you think greatly determines how you behave.

3.    Your SPIRITUAL purity deals with your heart.  A Christian desires purity.

God makes it very clear in the Bible that He wants His women to be pure.

Titus 2:3-5

God specifically instructs the older women in the church and in the faith to teach and train the younger to be pure.

God calls all Christians to be pure and to keep themselves pure.

The word pure means - without stain, to be free from pollution, to be clean, and to be innocent and guiltless.

What are some examples of pollution that we are talking about here?

1.    Sexual sin

2.    foul language

3.    attitudes

4.    dress

5.    what we participate in…anything that gives the appearance of evil (not of God)

Proverbs 3:3 - Let’s pray that God’s Holy Spirit and God’s Holy Word will impress upon you the changes you must make regarding your own purity and your view of the importance of your purity.

Pray bout the instruction each scripture sends to your heart about your purity:

1 Timothy 5:22

Philippians 4:8

2 Timothy 2:22

Titus 1:15

Now let’s talk a little bit about Christian Standards, what they are, where they compare to our current standards, and where we need make changes.

Christian Standards:

1.    Dating

When should we date?  I wasn’t allowed to date until I was 16.  My personal opinion is anything younger than that is way too young.  Sixteen is still too young.

I know that is not the “popular” viewpoint, but let’s think about the responsibilities that come with dating.  What age are you truly mentally mature to take on this responsibility?  It may differ for each person.

Choose to remain morally pure no matter what….no matter what the pressure of the world puts on you.

This choice is solely yours and it must be made before you begin dating and before each date you go on…..no matter your age.

2.    Our Dress/Appearance

1 Timothy 2:9

When I see girls dressed in a suggestive way, I not only turn my head away, but I pray for them.

Obviously there is a deeper issue -- they are looking for affirmation in the wrong ways.

My question is this, is that how you want to be seen?  As a sex object?

Or would you rather be known and respected for your character, not just your outward beauty.

I love seeing women who dress in a way that is not disrespectful to themselves.  Ladies, God tells us to be holy and pure with our bodies.

Even though our culture tells us it’s OK to wear suggestive clothing, I want to challenge you to walk a different road. 

There are plenty of ways to be “hip and trendy” and to look great without being seductive or flirtatious. 

Let’s be holy and pure and modest in our dress.

3.    Our Mind

Where do impure thoughts and interests come from?

Galatians 5:19 - the flesh.

Where else?  - the world, TV, movies, magazines, etc.

What we see and read - the information is then planted in our minds.

What are we to think about instead of sensuous and worldly thoughts?

Philippians 4:8

God also tells us that our impure thoughts reveal an impure heart.

Matthew 15:19

What do you think about?  What do you think about others?  Is it pure?

Psalm 119:9-11

4.    Our Mouths

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths!

What are we to talk about instead?  Ephesians 4:29

Whether we admit it or not, what we allow ourselves to think will sooner or later be expressed by our mouths.

Our thoughts lead to words.  Matthew 12:34

Just like the song:  Oh be careful little eyes what you see…Oh be careful little ears what hear….Oh be careful little mouths what you say…

5.    Our Standards

Set your standards, and set them high.

What are some standards that you can think of that need to be raised?  For yourself, your daughter, your son, your sister, your brother…

6.    Our Body

Your physical purity is important to God.  Why?

Because…

Your body is a temple. - 1 Corinthians 6:19

Your body is not your own. - 1 Corinthians 6:19

Your body is bought with a price. - 1 Corinthians 6:20

Your body is to honor and glorify God. - 1 Corinthians 6:20

1     Thessalonians 4:3-5

A Word About the World

The Bible urges you and I - Romans 12:2

It’s soooo easy for us to be conformed to the standards and morals of our society.

Therefore…

Romans 12:2                       1 John 2:15              2 Timothy 2:22        1 Thess. 4:5

John 17:14, 16

God has a plan for your life.  What is it?

God’s plan for you is that you keep yourself pure in body, mind, and spirit and that you serve Him.

God is to be the consuming priority of your life.  You are His child.  Therefore you are to live for Him and according to His Word.

You are to live the way He wants you to live.  Proverbs 31:30

Forgiveness - Romans 3:23

            Confess your sins - 1 John 1:9

            Forsake your sins - Proverbs 28:13

The Eight A’s:

            Acknowledge God’s standard.

            Assume God’s standard as your standard.

            Admit any and all sin against God’s standard.

            Avoid compromising situations.

            Avoid compromising people.

            Ask for accountability.

            Acknowledge the consequences impurity reaps.

            Aspire to a life of obedience - a holy life has a voice!

Read Psalm 119:9-11

What question is asked?  What answer is given?  What is God’s message to your heart?