Purity on SermonAudio

Prioritizing Purity - Pastor Mike Austin - 1 John 3:1-3 (7/12/26 PM)

In Matthew 5:8, Jesus teaches His listeners that it's the inside of a person that matters, and it is God that can change our desires. Pastor Ben Bessett preaches testing the heart, seeking after God, and the glorious reward.

This sermon defines the biblical role of church leaders by establishing that elders and deacons are divinely appointed by God rather than humanly selected. It outlines their primary responsibilities as protecting the purity of the gospel, serving as spiritual examples, and acting as team captains to deploy members for ministry. The speaker emphasizes that this leadership structure exists to help believers become better worshipers, edifiers, and evangelists within the local church body. Believers are called to submit to this authority with joy, recognizing it as a gift from Christ designed for their spiritual growth and the health of the congregation. Ultimately, the text argues that obedient submission to godly leadership fosters unity and prevents the disarray associated with sheep without a shepherd.

Like David in Psalm 69, Jesus was opposed for being zealous for God and the purity of His worship. And yet, if God is your God, like Jesus, may it be your desire that His name may be glorified in spirit and truth in His church. May it also deeply grieve you to see her polluted by false worship and bad theology, and therefore move you to keep her pure through continual re-examination and action to remove what doesn't belong, all to the glory of your God and King!

The sermon explores the profound longing of Christ for fellowship with His disciples as He institutes the Lord's Supper, revealing a tender heart that prioritizes communion over personal suffering. It emphasizes that the ordinance is not merely a ritual but a love feast that reminds believers of the costly redemption achieved through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. The message calls Christians to examine their hearts honestly for hidden sin and unforgiveness, ensuring they approach the table with purity and reverence. Furthermore, it highlights how sharing the table levels social distinctions and strengthens unity among believers as members of one spiritual family. Finally, the sermon points forward to the future hope of the marriage supper of the Lamb, where faith will become sight and believers will enjoy eternal communion with Christ.