Purity: the condition or quality of being pure; freedom from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes.

Walking in purity means choosing to love and obey God more than anything or anyone else and expressing that love and obedience by wholeheartedly devoting your life to God.

• Walking in purity is the expression of our spiritual character.

• Purity is about the motive of the heart. It’s where I lay my heart and motives before the Lord and say, “I want them to be Your motives, Lord!”

• Our part is to walk in obedient relationship with God. God’s part is to transform our hearts.

1.

Proverbs 16:2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.

o Have you ever tried justifying your motives only to know deep down inside you are wrong?

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Luke 9:23 Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Colossians 3:2-5 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

o Set your mind… Put to death… You can’t have pure actions without pure thoughts.

Practical application:

• What do you fill your mind with? Especially when you are idle?
• Will I replace sinful thoughts with the Word of God when they come into my mind?
• Do you think if no one is watching, it’s ok to see, hear, or do? What about movies?
• If no one ever knows what I am doing (giving, serving, sacrificing), would I still do it?

2.

o Greek: Kardia – the emotional, spiritual and mental center of each of us. If my physical heart is sick, then my whole body is sick.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

o It takes work. Keep your heart with all diligence—from it flows the springs of life.

Luke 11:34-36 Your eye is a lamp to your body, when your eyes are good the whole body also is full of life. [Mind’s eye]

Proverbs 3:3-5 3Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck write them on the tablet of your heart. 4Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Purity starts with surrendering to Jesus.

● Surrendering your dark thoughts and motives to Jesus. (Romans 12:1)

● Sanctified: the process God takes us through to grow us up and purify us.

Ezekiel 36:26 “I will give you a new heart.” New Covenant promise.

o When we surrender fully to the Lord, He purifies our hearts. Walking in purity is a heart issue!

AREAS THAT WAR AGAIST PURITY

o Are my thoughts of jealousy rational or irrational? Mature/immature?

o Do I really need what I desire? Will I truly be content?

o Is God able to supply my needs?

o Pornography: bring into the light, get into a Pure Desire/Conquer small group—get help.

o For more information on Pure Desire or Conquer groups, contact Matt Yetter at 208.777.7325

o Ask yourself, “Is losing your family worth it?”

LIFE HACKS:

1. Ask yourself, “Do I really want to change?”

a. If Yes, ask: What is holding me back? What is going on inside that needs to change in order for this sin to be put to death?/ What steps am I taking or can I take to get help?

b. If the answer is “not really” or you’re not sure, ask yourself, “Why?” Be totally honest with yourself and with God. God will not force you to change./ Ask yourself, “What will be the consequences if I don’t get help? What do I stand to lose?” (my job, trust of my spouse, respect of others, self-respect, friends…)/ Give God access to your heart by surrendering these dark places to Him.

2. Come to God each morning in humility and transparency, praying for help.

3. Schedule your time so you are not idle—both abiding time and your calendar.

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS IN LIFE GROUPS OR WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Passages to consider: Proverbs 2:12-22; Proverbs 6:23-29; or select one from the sermon.

• Talk about how your “life hack” from last week worked for you.
• What stood out to you from the sermon?

Purity addresses having innocence, an absence of temptation, a devotion to the Lord, and not being self-seeking. It addresses the motives of our heart and reaches into all realms of our lives, including the area of sexuality. (Note: some of these questions may be addressed better in same-gender discussion groups)

1. What makes purity a crucial issue as we follow Jesus?

2. What does God’s word reveal about God, us, and the world in this area?

3. What are ways you, your family, and those in your own world are being impacted by especially the lack of purity? What challenges are you facing?

4. Psalm 119:9-11 says hiding God’s word in our hearts helps us keep pure. What has been your experience with this? What is helpful?

5. What “life hack” (way of living) helps you be aware and deal with the issues of purity? A) What do you need to do in this area? Be specific and make a plan.

6. As we conclude the Life Hack series, what wisdom or insight have you gained?