Strong in Purity (2)

Welcome

Devotion

Revelation 2:26 NKJV

And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—

Prayer

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Strong in Purity

I know (eyes see) your works

Love - affection, good-will, benevolence toward other Christians

Service - to render service, to help

Faith - firm persuasion in something, conviction of the truth of anything

Patience - endurance, steadfast endurance, one that is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith

You Don’t Know What You Are Doing!

Proverbs 14:12 NKJV

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Ephesians 5:6 NKJV

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Scriptural Purity

1 Timothy 4:1–2 NKJV

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,

Matthew 15:9 NKJV

And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

Colossians 2:20–23 NKJV

Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

1 Timothy 1:3–7 NKJV

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.

Discern False Teaching

By its Content

1 John 4:2–3 NKJV

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

By the Custom

Matthew 7:15–20 NKJV

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

By the Consequences

1 Timothy 6:3–5 NKJV

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

Scriptural Purity Leads to Spiritual Purity

1 Peter 1:22 NKJV

Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

Spiritual Purity

Psalm 119:9 NKJV

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

John 15:3 NKJV

You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

John 17:17 NKJV

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Ephesians 5:26 NKJV

that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

Pray for knowledge, understanding, and discernment. (Before and during)

Study and meditate on the Scriptures to hear God’s counsel about the issue

Jot down the places where you have not obeyed God

Surrender to obeying God no matter where God’s Word may lead. (Paul’s example)

While praying, ask the Father who are the godly, mature men or women (depending on the issue) who will counsel and pray with you

Consider the many “wait on God” teachings of Scripture. Commit to taking enough time for making a wise decision.