CENTRAL THOUGHT
Purity of life is God’s command to the believer.
TEXT: 1 Tim 4:12; Eph. 5:1-11; Rom. 6:12-14; Matt. 5:27-32
INTRODUCTION
Purity is God’s gift at conversion to the believer, who is called out of the world and made pure in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is expected to walk and grow in this purity. In 2 Peter 1:5-7, we read, “but also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self- control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love”. This passage deals with Christian character; those qualities and attributes the Lord desires and requires of is as Christians.
When we add these mentioned qualities to our lives, we will be maturing in relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, this becoming more like Him.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
- Help us understand what purity means.
- Help believer realize that purity is practicable today.
- Identify things that defile the believers.
- Help to identify the dangers of not living in purity.
- Identify the factors/ activities that will help believers maintain purity in life.
- Help believers appreciate the benefits of Christian purity.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1A. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE WORD “PURITY”?
Purity is absolute cleanliness of Body, Soul, and Spirit, expected of anyone who will want to “ascend to the hills of the Lord” (the presence of the Lord) Ps. 24:3-4. It is the only condition to see God and dwell where He is Matt. 5:8. It as a springboard for charity and other Christian Virtues (1 Tim. 1:5). Therefore, purity is God’s gift to His people who are called out of the world by the gospel and made pure in Jesus Christ. Since we are made pure by the blood of Christ, we need to practice godliness in our thoughts and actions.
Q1B. IS IT POSSIBLE TO LIVE A LIFE OF PURITY IN TODAY’S WORLD?
(GEN. 6:9-12; DAN. 6:4-6, 2 PET. 2:6-8)
Purity is possible for the believer. We are born again to a life of purity. The Spirit of God that comes into us at new birth enables us to obey the truth and have sincere love for others in Christ. More so, we have been born anew by the abiding word of God. Since purity is God’s gift to His people, it is possible and essential for all believers. We read in Gen. 6:9 “… Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God”. Also, in Dan. 6:4 “… but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him”. If it was possible in the days of old, it is possible and much more necessary now that we are under grace, as we see the day of the Lord approaching. Therefore, every believer should live the life of purity.
Q2. IDENTIFY THOSE THINGS THAT TEND TO DEFILE THE BELIEVER AND SUGGEST SOLUTIONS.
1 COR. 15:33; PROV. 6:27; 1 TIM. 6:6; LUKE 8:14; GAL. 5:13; 1 THESS. 5:22
Sin causes a separation between God and man (Isaiah 59:1-2). For nothing unclean shall enter into the kingdom of heaven (rom. 3:23). This, sin in all its ramification, is at variance with a life purity.
Paul in Cor. 3:5-9 admonished believers to mortify (put to death) any desire or tendency toward sin or impurity; in particular fornication, uncleanness (evil thoughts), lust, and evil passions and greed with are idolatry. These practices are not to be mentioned nor practices amongst those called to a life of purity. The existence of anger, wrath, malice, lying, and blasphemy in a life makes such a life impure. For the wrath of man does now work the righteousness of God.
There are certain tendencies or external influences that tend not to promote a life of purity. These include:
- Type of associations or companies or clubs or societies
to which one identifies. The believer should weigh the aims and objectives of such association against the life of purity to which he is called before plunging to be a member.
- While one’s position and/ or wealth per say may not constitute unholy or impure living, they have a tendency of luring the heart to sleep and to become insensitive to God.
Those that Gad has prospered should not allow God’s blessing to enslave them.
(iii). Cares and riches of this world (Luke 8:14). 1 Peter 5:7 says “casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you”.
- Lack of contentment (1 Tim.6:6).
But the Bible says “Godliness with contentment is great gain”. We should be content with such as we have. (v). evil communication corrupts good manner (1 Cor. 15:33). We are advised to abstain from all appearance of evil ( 1Thess. 5:22).
Q3. WHY IS PURITY NECESSARY IN THE CHRISTIAN’S LIFE?
(MATT. 5:8; 13, 16; HEB. 12:14; 1 PETER 1:14-16, 3:1-2; 1 TIM. 5:22).
Several reasons abound why we must live a pure life. Purity is the very essence of God.
God is pure and he cannot behold iniquity and unrighteousness. The hosts of heaven declare His holiness. Matt 5:8, 13,16 says we are the salt and light of this world.
Therefore, we must show exemplary life. Heb. 12:14 states, “ without holiness (purity), no eye will see the Lord”, and in 1 Peter 1:15 we are enjoined to be holy/ pure in all manner of conversation as God who called us is holy.
Another reason why we must be pure is that it is our reasonable service (Rom.12:1). If we have been truly redeemed, then it is our reasonable service that we present our body, soul, and spirit as a holy sacrifice unto God.
In conclusion, purity is both a command and our reasonable service to the Lord.
Q4. IDENIFY SOME OF THOSE FACTORS/ ACTIVITIES THAT CAN HELP THE BELIEVER LIVE A LIFE OF PURITY. (PS 119:9,11,105; HEB. 10:25; JAM. 4:7; ROM. 12:3; JOHN 15:5; ROM. 6:6-7; 1 PETER 2:1-2; PHIL. 2:3)
Some of the factors/ activities that can help the believer live a life of purity include:
(a). The fear of God: God’s fear should dominate our hearts. It is recorded in scripture that “by the fear of God, men depart from evil” (Prov. 16:6). It is this kind of fear that made Joseph to resist and refuse Potiphar’s wife overtures to him commit adultery with her (Gen. 39).
(b). Abstaining from all appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22) The believer who desires a walk in purity must be vigilant, and consciously abstain from evil and every appearance of it. This attitude will make us keep away from places where we know we have strong influence and temptation to commit sin.
(c.) Being Spirit controlled: We should allow the Spirit of God to direct our lives. “For as many are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom. 8:14). Living the spirit- controlled life will help us manifest the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), which remains the evidence of God’s presence in our lives.
(d.) Exercising oneself to godliness: in 1 Tim. 4:7, we are encouraged to exercise ourselves unto godliness. This means a deliberate effort (practice) everyday of maintaining a life of purity- seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness first, in all our ways.
(e.) Studying God’s word and praying always: Through prayers we maintain communion with God, and through communion with Him, He directs out paths daily. By the studying of God’s word, we increase in His knowledge and grow in understanding of Him and His ways.
(f.) Appropriating God’s promises. (1 Peter 1:3, 4). This is particularly helpful in times of trials and temptations. When we believe His word and appropriate His promises, we will always experience His victory.
(g.) Patience: This is a godly virtue, which is a necessity for a believer that wants to maintain purity. ( 2 Peter 1:5,6)
(h.) Do not neglect fellowship. (Heb. 10:25) Attending Holy Spirit led worship meetings strengthen and build a believer. Exhortations, testimonies, praises, and prophesies during church meetings enhance spiritual growth and purity.
Q5. WHAT ARE SOME BENEFITS OF BEING AN EXAMPLE OF A BELIEVER IN PURITY?
There are many blessings associated with living a life of purity. Some of them are:
(a.) It reveals the identity of a Christian: Believers were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11:26). People observed that their lifestyle was like that of Christ, so they appropriately called them Christians. In the same way, if we practice purity in our offices and living environment, people will easily identify us as His followers.
(b.) Answered prayers. God has promised to answer our prayers. The prayers of those who make a practice of sin will not be answered (Ps. 4:3; 66:18).
(c.) Protection: The man who walks in purity in guaranteed protection by God (Ps. 32:6; 91:1; Isa. 43:2). No weapon fashions against such an individual will prosper (Isa.54:17).
(d.) Peace: The peace of God resides in the heart and entire being of the man who lives a pure life. (Isa. 26:3; Jn. 16:33)
(e). Unlimited Prosperity: Such a one will prosper in Body, Soul, and Spirit (Ps. 1:1- 3; 3 John 2), whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
Living a pure life is the evidence of Christ’s presence in one’s life. The believer therefore must:
-Remember that God makes us pure, and trust Him to help us remain pure. (Phil. 1:6; 2:13)
-Remember that we do not have the power to make ourselves pure. (Titus3:3-8)
-Avoid the things that hinder purity such as useless discussions (1 Tim. 4:7-12) and binding traditions of men, being yoked with unbelievers ( 2 Cor. 6:14-18).
-Practice pure religion by helping the helpless ( James 1:26-27)
-Meditate on God’s word, and think about Jesus often (Phil. 4:8-9)
MEMORY VERSE
Matt. 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday: The fear of God makes us depart from evil. Gen. 39:7-9; Prov. 16:6
Tuesday: Avoid the things that hinder purity. 1 Tim. 4:7-12
Wednesday: Abstain from all appearances of evil. 1 Thess. 5:19-22
Thursday: The privileges of the pure. Rev. 3:21; 2:7, 17
Friday: Cleans yourself of all filthiness. 2 Cor. 7:1; 6:18
Saturday: Purity by what we think about. Prov. 23:7; Phil. 4:8