Purity from Inside Out

Introduction:

When people are squeezed through stress & temptation – what comes out is on the inside. The private world of a person is revealed in trials based on their actions, response, or reactions to a situation. If we expect to make good choices, represent Christ well, and remain pure – we have to put effort into getting there and staying there. Today begins a series of lessons on purity & overcoming temptation. Let us seek to infuse God’s way into our life. Purity is a choice. In the Psalms, David often speaks of a deep, passionate relationship with God. How do you get one of those?

I. Psa. 101:1 – Purity begins with praise!

A.        I will sing of lovingkindness & justice.

B.        Decide today to do something different this week.

1.          Replace one secular song you listen to with a heartfelt song of praise for God.

2.         Eliminate one secular song & read a psalm instead!

C.         When you praise God, you redirect your thinking for evil & negative to pure & positive.

II. Psalm 101:1 – Purity focuses on who God is.

A.        To you, O Lord, I will sing praises.

B.        To have a pure heart & life – focus on God.

1.          Focus on the character of God.  1 Peter 1:15

2.         Focus on God’s gift of eternal life – 1 John 4:8-9.

3.          Focus on God’s unconditional love – 1 John 4:10.

C.         Focusing on the character of God results in awe & gratitude.

III. Psalm 101:2b-3 – Purity transforms our private world.

A.        Ironically – David’s eyes are what got him into trouble.

a)          2 Sam. 11:1 – He could have turned away. Walked back inside.

B.        David chose to keep looking – a disastrous choice took over him.

C.         David lost this battle for purity.

D.        Our decisions on purity help influence the decisions/actions of our children/friends/associates.

1.          Who are some persons you know who could be encouraged to live a pure life if your example was as consistent as possible?

2.         Let us pray for consistency & victory against temptation!

IV. Psalm 101:3-4 – Purity requires separation.

A.        David: I ate the actions of those who walk away from God.

1.          Didn’t hate the person – hated the action.

2.         A person who seeks purity is not drawn to evil – he/she is repelled by it!

B.        Augustine: Purity of the soul cannot be lost without consent.

V. Psalm 101:6-7 – Purity loves pure company.

A.        David would not associate with those who do not seek purity.

1.          Didn’t want them in his house; choose them as friends; did not hire them.

B.        Where do you find pure people?

1.          The church is an absolute necessity for the pure-in-heart Christian!

2.         Congregational praise & worship – should be viewed as a strengthening experience!

3.          Small group bible study – builds spiritual bonds with each other & a strong relationship with God.

4.         Pure friendships – friendships that bring out the best in you & want the best for you.

Conclusion:

What is inside you? Are you committed to a life of purity? Want to begin today?