Brain Surgery 4.8 Part 4a Thinking pure thoughts

Barclay adds that when hagnos was "used ceremonially, it describes that which has been so cleansed that it is fit to be brought into the presence of God and used in his service.

This world is full of things which are sordid and shabby and soiled and smutty.

Many a man gets his mind into such a state that it soils everything of which it thinks.

The Christian’s mind is set on the things which are pure; his thoughts are so clean that they can stand even the scrutiny of God." (ibid)

So we need to test what think about through the "grid" of hagnos and ask ourselves these simple questions - Will it defile or is it intrinsically pure?

Will it corrupt our thinking if we give attention to it?

Will it stand the scrutiny of God?

Will it make me more like Jesus Who is perfect hagnos?

hagnos

Total KJV Occurrences: 8

pure, 4

Php 4:8, 1Ti 5:22, Jas 3:17, 1Jn 3:3

Philippians 4:8 (KJV 1900)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

1 Timothy 5:22 (KJV 1900)

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

James 3:17 (KJV 1900)

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

1 John 3:3 (KJV 1900)

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

chaste, 3

2 Co 11:2, Tit 2:5, 1 Pe 3:2

2 Corinthians 11:2 KJV 1900

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Titus 2:5 (KJV 1900)

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

1 Peter 3:2 (KJV 1900)

While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

clear, 1

2Co_7:11

2 Corinthians 7:11 (KJV 1900)

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

- so when we talk about pure thinking, we're talking about pure as opposed to be stained, as opposed to being dirty, as opposed to being immoral, or set apart to ungodliness instead of set apart to God.

- We ought to be constantly evaluating our thinking in light of the issue of purity.

- now, someone might come along and say, "Is this even possible?", "Can a person really being growing in purity?"

- the answer is a triumphant "Yes."

- we say that for three reasons:

1) Because believers have received the "washing of regeneration" - Titus 2:5.

Titus 2:5 (KJV 1900)

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

- the Scripture makes it clear that when a man or woman comes to Christ, that person is made new.

- "If any man be in Christ..." - II Cor. 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV 1900)

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

- the matter of even raising this subject ought to make us appreciate the cross-work of Christ...because its only through Him that we could even hope to make progress in the matter of purity.

- "the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit" is intended to have a powerful effect on God's children, including the way they think.

- another reason we can have hope as we come to this subject is:

2) In Christ, we have been set free from slavery to sin - Rom. 6:17-18

- READ Rom. 6:17-18

Romans 6:17–18 (KJV 1900)

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

- we all brought habits of impure thinking into our Christian lives...

- some more than others and some in different ways than others...

- but regardless of the nature of the problem, or the extent of the problem, the blood of Jesus Christ has set us free from

enslavement to those habits.

- we can change, we can become better stewards of our minds...

- we can be growing in purity.

3) We're commanded to, and God's commands give hope.

- READ I Tim. 1:5

1 Timothy 1:5 KJV 1900

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

- READ I John 3:3

1 John 3:3 (KJV 1900)

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

- so far we're saying - this is a very serious subject, but its also a study we can enter with a lot of hope.

- now, the word "pure" occurs just over 100 times in the Bible.

- when you take away occurrences like "pure gold" or "pure silver' (which are interesting but not really part of what we're studying today, the points we're going to use for our outline are the ones that are really used in the rest of the Biblical texts.

- by far, one of the biggest emphases is:

I. God Wants You To Be Purifying Your Heart

A Pure Heart

TEXT: 1 John 3:1-3; Matt. 5:8

Matthew 5:8 (KJV 1900)

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

A. PURITY IS IMPORTANT IN PREPARING TO MEET JESUS.

1. Matt. 5:8. The beatitude – The pure in heart shall see God.

Matthew 5:8 (KJV 1900)

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

2. Involves fellowship – not just eye-balling.

B. DEVOTION TO GOD MUST BE PURE (2 Cor. 11:2-3,4 ).

2 Corinthians 11:2–3 (KJV 1900)

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:4 (KJV 1900)

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

As God directs (vs. 4).

C. PURITY OF LIFE IS ESSENTIAL (1 Tim. 5:22; 2 Cor. 7:1).

1 Timothy 5:22 (KJV 1900)

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV 1900)

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

D. AN IMPORTANT SUBJECT THAT NEEDS STUDY.

I. DEFINITIONS:

A. 1 John 3:3 – PURE - hagnos,

1 John 3:3 KJV 1900

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

a. pure from carnality, chaste, modest;

b. pure from every fault, immaculate: (Thayer).

B. Matt. 5:8 – PURE –katharos,

Matthew 5:8 (KJV 1900)

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

a. to make clean, to cleanse; …

b. in a moral sense; to free from the defilement of sin and from faults; to purify from wickedness: 2 Cor 7:1; to free from the guilt of sin, to purify: 1 John 1:7 (Thayer).

2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV 1900)

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

1 John 1:7 (KJV 1900)

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

II. PURITY OF LIFE DERIVES FROM PURITY OF MIND

A. DEEDS REFLECT OUR HEART’S CONDITION (Prov. 23:7; Matt. 12:35).

Proverbs 23:7 (KJV 1900)

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.

Matthew 12:35 KJV 1900

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

1. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind (Luke 10:27).

Luke 10:27 (KJV 1900)

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

2. Our love should be genuine (Rom. 12:9).

Romans 12:9 (KJV 1900)

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

B. WE ARE CALLED TO A CHANGED MIND (Rom. 12:2)

Romans 12:2 (KJV 1900)

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

C. AND A NEW PERSPECTIVE (Col. 3:1-2).

Colossians 3:1–2 (KJV 1900)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

D. IMPURITY COMES FROM AN EVIL HEART (Gen. 6:5; Heb. 3:12; Matt. 12:34-35).

Genesis 6:5 (KJV 1900)

And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Hebrews 3:12 (KJV 1900)

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Matthew 12:34–35 (KJV 1900)

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

III. 3 ELEMENTS ARE INVOLVED IN A PURE HEART.

A. CLEAN THINKING.

1. Man forgets God when he exalts himself (Rom. 1:22-24, 28-32; Eph. 4:17-19).

Romans 1:22–24 (KJV 1900)

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Romans 1:28–32 (KJV 1900)

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Ephesians 4:17–19 (KJV 1900)

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

2. Leads to degrading bestial behavior (2 Pet. 2:12; Jude 10).

2 Peter 2:12 (KJV 1900)

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

Jude 10 (KJV 1900)

But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

3. Sheep scattered and distressed – without a shepherd (Matt. 9:36).

Matthew 9:36 KJV 1900

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

4. We don’t have to grope in the darkness (John 8:12; 6:63).

John 8:12 (KJV 1900)

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 6:63 (KJV 1900)

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

5. What we feed on effects us (Phil. 4:8; Psa. 1:1-3).

Philippians 4:8 (KJV 1900)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Psalm 1:1–3 (KJV 1900)

Blessed is the man That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

B. SINCERE MOTIVES.

1. The problems of the Pharisees.

a. They sought the favor of men (Matt. 6:1 ff.; Gal. 1:10).

Matthew 6:1ff KJV 1900

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Galatians 1:10 (KJV 1900)

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

b. There treasures were laid up on the earth (Matt. 6:19-24, 33; 2 Cor. 4:16-18).

Matthew 6:19–24 (KJV 1900)

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV 1900)

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (KJV 1900)

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2. Others (Jas. 4:3; 3 John 9 - 2 Pet. 2:18-19; 1 Tim. 4:6).

James 4:3 (KJV 1900)

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

3 John 9 (KJV 1900)

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

2 Peter 2:18–19 (KJV 1900)

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

1 Timothy 4:6 (KJV 1900)

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

3. God desires a true heart (Heb. 10:22; Josh. 24:14; 2 Cor. 1:12)

Hebrews 10:22 (KJV 1900)

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Joshua 24:14 (KJV 1900)

Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.

2 Corinthians 1:12 (KJV 1900)

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

4. A true heart proves itself (Phil. 2:22; 1 Pet. 1:6-7).

Philippians 2:22 (KJV 1900)

But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

1 Peter 1:6–7 (KJV 1900)

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

C. SINGLE-MINDED COMMITMENT.

1. The teaching of Jesus (Matt. 6:24). Serving a master.

Matthew 6:24 (KJV 1900)

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

2. Paul’s attitude.

a. Gave up everything (Phil. 3:7-8).

Philippians 3:7–8 (KJV 1900)

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

b. Eye on the goal (Col. 3:1-2).

Colossians 3:1–2 (KJV 1900)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

c. Crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20; Acts 20:24; 2 Cor. 4:7-12, 13-14).

Galatians 2:20 (KJV 1900)

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Acts 20:24 (KJV 1900)

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

2 Corinthians 4:7–12 (KJV 1900)

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

2 Corinthians 4:13–14 (KJV 1900)

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

d. A commitment borne of faith (2 Cor. 5:1, 7; 2 Tim. 1:12).

2 Corinthians 5:1 (KJV 1900)

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV 1900)

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

2 Timothy 1:12 (KJV 1900)

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

e. Total – all things – commitment (1 Cor. 9:23).

1 Corinthians 9:23 KJV 1900

And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

3. Where is your heart? Is it where Jesus can guard it?

A. PURITY OF LIFE IS DEPENDENT ON A PURE HEART.

B. OCCASIONALLY THE HEART MUST BE RENEWED.

C. RENEWAL OCCURS THROUGH BIBLE STUDY AND APPLICATION.

D. HAVE YOU DONE WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO DO?

- the word "pure" often is used in conjunction with the word "heart" in the Scripture.

- a good example of that is Psalm 24:3-4

Psalm 24:3–4 (KJV 1900)

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place?

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, Nor sworn deceitfully.

A. A key to fellowship with God

- READ Psalm 24:3-4

Psalm 24:3–4 (KJV 1900)

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place?

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, Nor sworn deceitfully.

- (could also add I John 1)

1 John 1 (KJV 1900)

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

- many people today are looking for fellowship with God.

- baby boomers talk about "wanting to connect with God"

- but many of those same individuals are not willing to do what is required to have fellowship with God.

- fellowship with God requires purity...

1) purity in the sense that we've repented and rusted Christ as Lord and Savior

2) and purity in the sense of attempting to live a more pure life in the inner man.

- no one else knows whether your thoughts are pure or impure, but God does, and fellowship with Him is dependant in part on our attention to this area.

- a person who values fellowship with God is going to give this area of life attention.

B. Can even be accomplished after one sins

- Psalm 51:10 - READ

Psalm 51:10 (KJV 1900)

Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me.

- the wonderful thing is that even after we blow it, we can askfor God's forgiveness, and know that that stain can be cleansed.

- our mind doesn't have to get dirtier and dirtier year after year after year.

- this is also important because it was a:

C. Central theme of Christ's message and ministry.

- Matthew 5:8 - READ

Matthew 5:8 (KJV 1900)

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

- that's why the Pharisees hated Christ so much.

- they were exactly the opposite of what Matthew 5:8 is speaking of, and they had little interest in giving attention to what Paul is talking about in Philippians 4:8.

Matthew 5:8 (KJV 1900)

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Philippians 4:8 (KJV 1900)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

- see, whatsoever things are pure...think on these things.

- I'd like to ask you this morning, how do your thinking habits stack up to this particular criteria?

- because I was traveling this week, I worked on Sunday school pretty early in the week...and I found myself asking, "Steve, was that a pure thought?"

- that's a very helpful process.

- I think many times we'll be amazed at how many thoughts don't meet that criteria and need to be put off.

- God wants you and me to be purifying our hearts.

- we ought to be people who place a

I."PRIORITY ON PURITY".

- now, building on this:

II. God's Primary Purifying Agent Is His Word

A. Constant Description of God's Word

- The Scripture is pure!

- Psalm 12:6

Psalm 12:6 (KJV 1900)

The words of the Lord are pure words: As silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

- Psalm 19:8

Psalm 19:8 (KJV 1900)

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

- Psalm 119:140

Psalm 119:140 KJV 1900

Thy word is very pure: Therefore thy servant loveth it.

- over and over God's Word is described as that which is pure.

- we discern what is impure by comparing it to the Scripture.

- we think thoughts that are pure by going to the Scripture.

- the commandments of the Lord are pure.

B. Beware of being drawn away from this purifying agent.

- II Cor. 11:2-3

2 Corinthians 11:2–3 (KJV 1900)

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

- the argument of this passage is very important.

- Paul wants this church to be growing in purity so that they might give the best account at the Judgement Seat of Christ.

- but his concern is that they THEIR MINDS WOULD BE DRAWN AWAY from their simple devotion to Jesus Christ.

- How often do God's children try to handle the problems of life through some means other than the Scripture...and as a result their thinking is not purified...

- because they've turned from the very purifying agent that

God ordained for that work to be done.

C. This kind of thinking produces pure deeds.

- Proverbs 20:11

Proverbs 20:11 (KJV 1900)

Even a child is known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

- Proverbs 21:8

Proverbs 21:8 KJV 1900

The way of man is froward and strange: But as for the pure, his work is right.

D. This kind of thinking produces convictions

- Hab. 1:13 - Thine eyes are too pure to approve evil.

Habakkuk 1:13 (KJV 1900)

Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, And canst not look on iniquity: Wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, And holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?

- There's been some talk recently about young people involved in homosexuality --- and the way they are mistreated by others around them.

- and I hope we would be quick to say that its wrong to call people derogatory names, even if we think the way they are living is displeasing to God.

- part of the challenge of living for Jesus Christ is loving those the Lord has placed around us, regardless of their lifestyle.

- so name-calling and other forms of hatred are wrong.

- but its also wrong to give others the impression that their behavior is acceptable, when in fact its offensive to God.

- this is God's world.

- sexuality is God's gift that is to be enjoyed within the bonds of monogamous marriage.

- but sexual relations outside of marriage is sinful and wicked, period.

- Hebrews 13:4 - "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for fornicators and

Hebrews 13:4 (KJV 1900)

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

adulterers will God judge."

- the point is -- people who are growing in purity have convictions.

And while we don't go around imposing those convictions on people with whom we have no relationship, we're surely going to come down on God's side of that issue whenever its appropriate to do so.

- by the way, for those who do want to go around saying that homosexuality is OK, and teaching children that, or trying to impose that "RELIGION" on our community, James 3:1 is appropriate:

"Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgement."

James 3:1 (KJV 1900)

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

- Habakkuk was right that God's eyes are too pure to approve evil.

- and men and women who are growing in purity are going to be people of conviction.

- now let's all of this one step further:

III. People Who Are Growing In Purity Work At It

- let me remind you of a couple of verses we looked at earlier:

- I Tim. 1:5

1 Timothy 1:5 (KJV 1900)

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

- I John 3:3

1 John 3:3 (KJV 1900)

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

A. By putting off...

- INPUT?

B. By putting on...

- INPUT?

IV. Godly Spouses Don't Add to the Problem

A. By advocating impure entertainment

B. By withholding right sexual relationships