Christian Purity #2
A. Last week we saw that Christianity is the supreme champion
of purity.
1. We are to be the defenders, the advocates of both Moral and
Spiritual Purity.
a. There is also an antagonist, enemy of purity in the world.
Destroy all purity of body, soul,
spirit.
(A) Successful in darkening the hearts, minds. Hates moral, spiritual
purity.
(1) He is active, busy, never rests. 1 PET 5:8-9. (a) Use trickery,
deceite 2 COR 11:14?15. For Satan himself transforms
himself into an angel of light. Therefore dont be surprised
when his servants
pass themselves of as ministers of righteousness.
(b) Paul warns the church at Thessalonica with these words in
2 THESS.
2:9?10. This brings us to a very important truth.
(2) You can tell the difference between Gods children and
the hildren of the
Devil.
(a) 1 JNO 3:10.
(b) People literally live their lives as Children of the Devil
and you can know who they
are.
(B) Paul spoke to such a one at Paphos on the Island of Cyprus.
Man named Elymas.
(1) Paul looked him in the eye and spoke these words, ACTS 13:9?11.
There are
people like that today who
Hinder, Destroy the work of God and the Body of Christ.
(2) Paul preached this same message in every congregation he worshipped
with or
wrote a letter to. EPH 2:2-3, he talks about people who, ...walk
according to the
course of this world, according to the prince of the power of
the air, (Thats Satan)
the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, (Children
of Satan) whom
conduct themselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires
of the flesh and of the
mind, and are by nature children of wrath...
(3) Then he closes by assuring them in EPH 5:5-7, For this
you know, that no
fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater,
has any inheritance
in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with
empty words, for
because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of
disobedience.
Therefore do not be partakers with them.
b. Paul stresses the importance of moral and spiritual purity
and their impact on you
personally in relationship to your body, soul and spirit.
(A) Body is temple of the Holy Spirit. Where you and God come
together In fellowship.
(1) What you do in your body can grow you spiritually or make
you akin to a demon.
(a) EPH 6:12. The power of Satan is focused on your soul and spirit.
(b) ROM 6:11-23. You become the slave to what has captured you
through your uncontrollable fleshly appetities. It, not God, sin
becomes your Master.
(B) More than the physical body is at stake Thats not the
only body affected by moral
Impurity.
(1) Immorality on the part of one member of the body brings reproach
on the
Whole body.
(a) 1 COR 12:12-13, 25-26. We are members of the Body of Christ.
Vs. 25-27.
That is a vivid picture of mutual concern, intrest and accountability.
You are your
brothers keeper.
(b) God says, Purity is not only a personal matter. Congregational
responsibility.
(1) As a Body (Congregation) we are to achieve & maintain
spiritual and MORAL purity.
(a) That purity is not for our glory. Gods glory. When we
fail to maintain
Moral purity, Gods glory, Gods name is blasphemed
& Jesus is crucified
again & brought to open shame in the community where we claim
to be the
body of Christ.
(b) Christianity is to be the champion, strong advocate, defender
of purity and
the only way you can do that is by moral & spiritual purity
in the life of every
member.
(2) If you dont believe that. Why even bother to open the
doors?
(1) Let us never shame, dishonor our God by forsaking our sacred
responsibility. Glorify God by upholding His Word and by Christian
purity in our lives.
(2) ACTS 20:32.
Spur8/12/2001 pm
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