Purity on SermonAudio

Should it really be that difficult to find a virtuous woman? or a man of virtue? In Proverbs 31 we read the words, "Who can find a virtuous woman?" The verse goes on to tell us that her value exceeds that of rubies. A virtuous person is valuable. Thus the question is asked, "How valuable are you?" or how virtuous are you?

This sermon explores the concept of finding true satisfaction by seeking what pleases God rather than fallen man, using Matthew 3:17 as the foundational text. It establishes Scripture as the sure source for knowing divine will, contrasting biblical prophecy with worldly distractions and false religions. The message emphasizes that God delights in His Son Jesus Christ, offering believers comfort and acceptance through union with Him. It further exhorts the church to pursue sanctification by aligning their desires with God's, particularly through worship that adheres strictly to biblical commands. Ultimately, the preacher encourages confidence in approaching God, assured that prayers are heard because they are offered in the name of the beloved Son.

The sermon focuses on the absolute holiness of God as revealed in Isaiah chapter six and the song of the seraphim. It explores the uniqueness, purity, and perfection of God's nature, emphasizing that holiness is His essential character rather than merely an attribute. The message highlights how God's holy wrath against sin was satisfied at the cross through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It calls believers to reverence for God and to reflect His holiness in their lives and worship. The preacher urges the audience to recognize their own sinfulness in light of God's purity and to find forgiveness only through Christ's blood.

The sermon establishes God's righteousness and justice as essential attributes flowing from His holiness, countering accusations that He is responsible for evil. It argues that sin entered the world through Satan's deception and human disobedience, making all people guilty before a holy God. The message highlights Romans 3 to demonstrate that while no one can be justified by the law, God provided a way of salvation through Jesus Christ. By accepting Christ as propitiation, believers are justified freely by grace, allowing God to remain just while justifying those who have faith. The conclusion urges listeners to live in light of this truth by walking in the Spirit and setting their affections on heavenly things.

The Seventh Commandment calls you to sexual purity not only in your actions, but also in your thoughts, desires, and what you allow into your mind. Rather than trying to manage temptation, God calls you to flee from it and guard your heart because you love Him and desire holiness. When the law exposes how far you fall short, it points you to Christ, whose righteousness covers you and whose grace enables you to pursue a life of purity and faithfulness.

The sermon explores the theme of Christian unity by examining Psalm 122, which depicts Jerusalem as a city firmly bound together. The preacher contrasts the ideal of unified worship with the historical and contemporary divisions within the church, acknowledging that while doctrinal purity requires fighting false teaching, believers must not fracture over secondary issues. Drawing on Ephesians 4, the text urges Christians to maintain the unity of the Spirit through humility and patience, recognizing that true cohesion is found in Christ rather than uniformity. The message highlights that while perfect unity awaits the believer's glorification, the church militant should strive for peace and love among diverse brothers and sisters. Ultimately, the preacher calls the congregation to prioritize their shared allegiance to King Jesus over sectarian rivalries.

Chapter timestamps: Note: Times are estimated 0:00 What Are You Thinking? 5:48 Perfect Peace and Your Thought Process 7:58 Trusting God With Your Mind 9:49 Take Every Thought Captive 11:35 Think on These Things 12:42 Think on Things That Are True 15:04 Be Honest in Your Thinking 16:12 Think on Things That Are Just 17:07 Think on Things That Are Pure 18:20 Think on Things That Are Lovely 20:59 Is It a Good Report? 22:26 If There Be Any Virtue 31:13 Are Your Thoughts Praiseworthy? 32:55 Set Your Affection on Things Above 33:29 Your Thoughts Lead to Your Actions 35:18 A Way of Life, Not a Checklist 41:08 Focus on Who You Are in Christ 42:24 Your Position in Christ 44:51 Right Thinking Through Christ 45:45 You Don't Have to Be Enslaved by Your Thoughts 46:14 Physical Factors and Your Thought Life 48:09 Keep Your Mind Stayed on God

This sermon emphasizes Joseph's purity, integrity, and fear of God when he was tempted by Potiphar's wife in Genesis 39. The message teaches that fornication and adultery are dangerous sins that must not be reasoned with or entertained, but fled from, because they can destroy lives, reputations, homes, and consciences. Joseph refused the daily pressure of temptation, would not betray his master, and recognized that such wickedness would be sin against God. Though he was falsely accused and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph kept his integrity before the Lord, and the Lord was still with him, showed him mercy, and continued to use his life as a powerful example of faithfulness and purity in a wicked world.