1. In our lesson we are emphasizing the instruction given in the latter part of this verse -- "keep thyself pure." 2. This is an important responsibility, and the Bible has much to say about it. 3. To illustrate, this same letter teaches us to: a. set the proper example "in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12) b. be pure in our relationships with other people (1 Timothy 5:1-2). 4. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. GOD HAS ALWAYS REQUIRED HIS PEOPLE TO KEEP THEMSELVES PURE
A. The verses we read in 1 Timothy apply to Christians. B. Years earlier, David wrote some information in Psalm 24:3-4 for the benefit of the Israelites. C. Keeping pure has always been a challenge because the world is impure -- "the whole world lieth in wickedness" (1 John 5:19). D. However, the Bible assures us that we can remain pure. 1. Noah lived in an impure world, but he "found grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:8). a. In Genesis 6:9 Noah is described as "a just man." b. This verse also says: "Noah walked with God." 2. Joseph suffered greatly because of impure people, but he remained pure. a. Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him, but he resisted her (Genesis 39:7-9). b. (James 4:7b) "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." 3. Jesus was "in all points tempted like as we are" (Hebrews 4:15). a. However, Jesus faced His temptations "without sin." b. Jesus "did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" (1 Peter 2:22). E. God requires His people to keep pure, and many Bible characters show us that we can do so. F. When God requires something from His people, He also teaches us how to do it. G. With this thought in mind, let us turn our attention to . . . II. INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP US KEEP OURSELVES PURE
A. We first need to understand that God is the One who makes us pure. 1. We learn this from David's request in Psalm 51:10. 2. God purifies us when we obey the Gospel (1 Peter 1:22-23; John 3:5). 3. Keeping pure is a continual process (1 John 3:2-3; 1:7). B. Jesus revealed the key to keeping pure in Matthew 5:8. 1. The Lord showed that His followers must be "pure in heart." 2. This is important because the condition of our hearts will affect: a. our words (Matthew 12:34b-37) b. our actions (Matthew 15:18-19). 3. Being "pure in heart" is the key to living a pure life. C. To be "pure in heart" we must: 1. think on the right things (Proverbs 23:7; Philippians 4:8) 2. pursue the right kind of wisdom (James 3:17) 3. practice pure religion (James 1:27). Conclusion:
1. We live in an impure world, but God requires His people to keep pure. 2. God has shown us in His Word how to be purified and how to remain pure. 3. Let us remember that the "pure in heart" are the ones who will "see God" (Matthew 5:8b).
