Blessed Are The Pure In Heart

Introduction

Biblical: Matt 5:3-12; Matt 5:8

Subject: Two misunderstandings, two defining concepts, and two purifying practices

Body

Two Misunderstandings

“Pure in heart” does not mean “sinless perfection.”

Exposition: 1 John 1:8

There’s a purity of heart God gives us when we are saved, a purity of heart God is working in us as we follow Jesus, and a purity of heart God will complete in us when Christ returns.

We will never achieve sinless perfection until Christ returns!

Illustration: “Purity of heart does not lie in what we attain but in what we pursue—Christ.” —A pastor // What am I giving my heart to? Happy are those whose hearts are fully given to God.

Becoming pure in heart is active—not passive.

Exposition

Eph 2:8-9 (saved by grace through faith and not by works) or Phil 2:12-13 (work out your own salvation with fear and trembling)?

Justification = all God… Sanctification = an active partnership with God through his Spirit and his Word.

“In forgiveness, we come to the Lord empty-handed… [we can only] receive by faith the gift that Christ offers. But when it comes to our sanctification, the position is different. As a believer in Christ you are not empty-handed. God’s Spirit lives in you. You have a new heart, and God has put you in a position where, by his grace and in his strength, you are able to act.” —Colin Smith

Illustration: I got a membership to the gym, but I didn’t get in shape until I started exercising.

Two Defining Concepts

A pure heart is an undivided heart.

Exposition: James 4:8

The opposite of being pure in heart is being double-minded. To be pure in heart is to be single-minded, or single-hearted, or to have undivided loyalty.

Matt 5:8, “they shall see God” … Matt 6:22, “if your eye is healthy (single, focused on one thing)”… Happy are those whose hearts are fully given to God.

There comes a point in our lives at which we must decide what or who is the defining reality of my life? To what or who am I giving my whole life? My entire being? My whole heart?

Illustration: In premarital counseling: “The way to love your spouse the best is to love Jesus the most.”

A pure heart is a clean heart.

Exposition: 1 John 1:7, 9… The fact that God forgives our sin is amazing. But God goes beyond amazing. Not only does he forgive us but he also cleanses us.

Illustration: I worked in the yard all day, hot, sweaty, covered in dirt… showered, clean clothes.

Application: If you’ve ever felt unclean, defiled, or impure because of what you’ve done or what’s been done to you, there’s hope. God forgives and cleanses us through Jesus.

Two Purifying Practices

Confession: 1 John 1:9… Examen Prayer (words, actions, attitudes)

Adoration (aka, worship)

Exposition: Matt 5:8; Heb 12:1-2

Hebrews 12:1–2 (NIV) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

To “fix our eyes on Jesus” means to focus on him, love him, worship, him, adore him, to keep Jesus always in view and keep my life moving in his direction.

Illustration: When I fix my eyes on Jesus, he becomes a filter through which I see the rest of life. And he begins to filter out of me those impurities which do not align with his heart.

Application: Make the worship of God a filter for your life.

Conclusion: Take Heart

Lam 3:22-23… When you fail—and you will—don’t lose heart. God’s love never changes. His mercies are new every morning. Praise God for his grace! And remember, purity of heart is not in what you achieve but in what you pursue. Happy are those whose hearts are fully given to God.