For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Introduction

• Reminder: purity is a broad concept. Narrowing the definition to a single sin lets us off the hook!
• How are you doing this year (so far) with purity of thought, speech, and lifestyle? How's your focus?
• Just as in OT so in NT...

Scriptural study

• James 1:27
  • The pollution of the world makes us apathetic and self-absorbed
  • Sodom (Ezek 16:48) is a lamentable example of a people polluted by the world
  • Their hallmark sin of sodomy is not even mentioned in this passage (though it is alluded to)
  • Not to care about those in emotional or psychological agony renders our religion impure -- even worthless (Jas 1:26).
• James 3:17
  • This verse appears in the conclusion of a chapter on the tongue.
  • In speech, attitude, fellowship, outreach, interactions at home, response to criticism, etc., we are to stay pure.
• 1 Pet 1:22
  • It's hard to love and give to others with a troubled conscience.
  • Notice also that our hearts are purified by obedience.
  • This is probably also an allusion to rebirth (water, spirit) -- obeying their gospel (Acts 5:32; 2 Thess 1:8; etc).
• 1 Pet 3:2
  • Context: winning over a spouse -- but it has wide application.
  • Winning over anyone who isn't ready for reason and studying the scripture...
• Rev 19:8
  • The imagery of clean garments is opposite that of Isa 64:4-7.
  • In fact, this verse refutes the common Protestant (esp. Calvinist) interpretation. Purity entails obedience and is within reach.
• Rev 19:14 -- from the beginning of the Bible to the end, purity is a crucial concept and essential for our lives as followers of God.

Case study:
Simon the Sorcerer

• What happens when we are careless, heedless as to the condition of our hearts?
• Failure to keep our hearts pure (Prov 4:23) can lead us to a bad, bad place.
• Simon Magus is a colorful and clear example of where we can end up if we neglect to fail to keep a pure heart.
• Acts 8:5-6, 9-10, 12-13, 18-24.
• Did Simon turn the corner and become pure in his devotion? No – later went to Rome and caused a lot of trouble for Peter…..
• Let's keep our hearts pure today!!!