Preaching on The Purification of the Christian in His Life.

The Purification of the Christian in His Life.

Our guiding scripture comes from 1 Timothy 4:12, where the Apostle Paul exhorts the young Timothy, "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." This powerful verse calls us to a standard of holiness that permeates every aspect of our being.

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INTRODUCTION:

A. We all feel very short when speaking on this subject. It is true. When we consider the call to purity, each of us becomes acutely aware of our own imperfections, our daily struggles, our moments of weakness, our inherent human frailties, and the ever-present reality of our own fallacies and faults. The journey towards purification is a humbling one, for it constantly reveals the gap between who we are and who God calls us to be.

B. Many Christians have been destroyed by a moment's pleasure, and that is what Satan desires. The enemy of our souls seeks to lure us with temporary gratification that ultimately leads to spiritual ruin. The Christian life is a constant battle against these temptations. Therefore, the Christian must strive to be pure in all the days of his life, which the Lord grants him, recognizing that this is a lifelong commitment empowered by God's grace.

I. WE MUST BE PURE IN SPEECH. 1 TIMOTHY 4:12

Our words hold immense power, capable of building up or tearing down. Purity in speech is a vital aspect of our Christian witness.

A. The Christian must be pure in what he teaches. Teaching the truth, not lies:

1. Speaking where the Bible speaks and remaining silent where it is silent (1 Peter 4:11). As those who speak for God, we must be careful to ground our teachings firmly in the inspired Word, neither adding to nor subtracting from its divine message.

2. Neither taking away nor adding (Revelation 22:18-19). Tampering with God's Word carries severe consequences. Our responsibility is to faithfully proclaim the truth as it is revealed.

3. So that we will not be ashamed of having misused the word (2 Timothy 2:15). We are called to be diligent students of Scripture, handling the Word of truth accurately, so that our teaching is sound and honorable.

B. He must be pure in what he speaks. Our everyday conversations should also reflect the purity of Christ.

1. Putting away lying (Ephesians 4:25). As children of the God of truth, falsehood has no place in our speech. We are called to honesty and integrity in all our communication.

2. Let no corrupt word proceed out of his mouth (Ephesians 4:29). Our language should be wholesome, edifying, and free from obscenity, vulgarity, and anything that degrades or harms others.

3. For we will be judged by our words (Matthew 12:36-37). Jesus Himself warned that we will give an account for every careless word we have spoken. This underscores the seriousness with which we must guard our tongues.

4. Let us use only words that edify (Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 15:28). Our speech should be gracious, seasoned with salt, and aimed at building others up according to their needs. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers.

II. WE MUST BE PURE IN CONDUCT. 1 TIMOTHY 4:12.

Our behavior, our way of life, should be a living testament to the transforming power of the Gospel.

A. The word refers to customs, habits, and the way we treat our fellow human beings. Our conduct encompasses the entirety of our actions and interactions with the world around us.

B. Some examples where the word is used:

• Galatians 1:13: Paul speaks of his former conduct in Judaism as one of persecuting the church.

• Ephesians 4:22: We are called to put off our former conduct, the old self corrupted by deceitful desires.

• James 3:13: Wisdom from above is demonstrated by good conduct done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

• 1 Peter 1:15: We are called to be holy in all our conduct, just as the One who called us is holy.

C. Within this behavior are the vices that cultivate sensuality. We must be vigilant against anything that stirs up impure thoughts and desires, leading us away from the path of righteousness.

D. Examples of causes and things that can destroy our purity, even if we see them as harmless:

1. “MUSIC”: The lyrics, the mood, and the underlying messages of the music we consume can either uplift our spirits and draw us closer to God or subtly erode our purity by exposing us to ungodly themes and values.

2. “MOVIES”: The visual content we allow into our minds through films and television can have a profound impact on our thoughts and desires. We must be discerning about the stories and images we entertain.

3. “PORNOGRAPHIC MEDIA” - We are talking about magazines. This extends to all forms of pornography, whether in print or digital form. These explicitly cater to lustful desires and have a devastating effect on our purity, our relationships, and our walk with God. Even if we initially perceive them as harmless, their insidious nature can lead to deep spiritual contamination.

III. WE MUST BE PURE IN LOVE. 1 TIMOTHY 4:12.

The love of a Christian should be distinct, rooted in the selfless and sacrificial love of God.

A. “LOVE” - From the Greek word “AGAPE.” This is the noblest form of love, a love that is not based on feelings or reciprocity but actively seeks the good of the loved one. This love is directed:

1. Toward God (Matthew 22:37). We are called to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, expressed through our obedience, worship, and devotion.

2. Toward man (Romans 12:17-21). Our love for others should mirror God's love, extending even to our enemies, seeking their well-being and responding to evil with good.

B. Love must be without pretense (Romans 12:9). Our love should be genuine and sincere, not a mere outward show or motivated by selfish gain. For love is the greatest quality to which we can aspire (1 Corinthians 13:13), the foundation of all other virtues.

IV. WE MUST BE PURE IN THE FAITH. 1 TIMOTHY 4:12.

Our faith is not just intellectual assent but a living, active trust that shapes our daily lives.

A. It is faithfulness to the requirements of the gospel, applying them to our daily lives. Purity in faith means living out the truths we profess, allowing the Gospel to transform our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.

B. Taking up the armor of God (Ephesians 6:16). Faith is our shield against the fiery darts of the evil one, protecting our hearts and minds from doubt and unbelief.

C. Remembering that "WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD" (Hebrews 11:6). Our faith is the very foundation of our relationship with God. Without a sincere and unwavering trust in Him, we cannot walk in a way that honors Him.

D. Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). If we want to be pure in faith, let us always study the word of God, allowing it to nourish our souls, strengthen our conviction, and guide us into deeper understanding and obedience.

Preaching on The Purification of the Christian in His Life.

CONCLUSION:

A. Let us remain pure until the coming of the Lord in:

1. Words: Speaking truth, edification, and grace.

2. Conduct: Living lives that are holy, righteous, and exemplary.

3. Love: Loving God wholeheartedly and our neighbors selflessly.

4. Faith: Steadfastly trusting in God and living according to the Gospel.

B. Let us be pure and clean in all our lives, to please God, for He will reward us. Our pursuit of purity is not in vain. God sees our efforts and promises a reward for those who diligently seek Him and strive to live according to His will. Let us remain pure in a world filled with impurity, shining as lights for Christ until His glorious return.