MAINTAINING PURITY IN A SINFUL WORLD

Title: MAINTAINING PURITY IN A SINFUL WORLD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Peter 1:15-16
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:2; Matthew 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4; 2 Corinthians 6:17; Philippians 4:8

INTRODUCTION:
Living in a world filled with temptation, immorality, and sin, maintaining purity as believers can feel like a constant challenge. The pressures of society, media, and peer influence often pull us away from God’s standards of holiness. However, as Christians, we are called to live pure lives, reflecting the holiness of God in every area of our lives. In this sermon, we will explore the importance of maintaining purity, how we can do so in a world that constantly pushes against our values, and the rewards of living a pure life in accordance with God’s Word.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE CALL TO PURITY

Purity is not just an outward act, but an inner state of being that aligns with God's holiness.

a) Purity Is a Reflection of God’s Nature
God is holy, and He calls His people to reflect His holiness in every area of their lives (1 Peter 1:16). Purity is not an option; it is a command for all believers.

b) Purity Is a Witness to the World
In a world full of sin, maintaining purity is a powerful testimony of God’s transformative power in our lives. It is a way we testify to the goodness of God’s standards (Matthew 5:16).

c) Purity Is a Choice
Maintaining purity requires making intentional decisions to follow God’s Word and to avoid the temptations that would lead us astray (Romans 12:2).

d) Purity Is a Lifelong Process
Purity is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey of continually aligning ourselves with God’s will and His Word (Philippians 4:8).

e) Biblical Example:
Joseph’s purity in the face of temptation, when he fled from Potiphar’s wife, is a powerful example of maintaining holiness in a sinful world (Genesis 39:7-12).

2. THE CHALLENGES OF MAINTAINING PURITY IN A SINFUL WORLD

There are many pressures and temptations that can lead believers away from purity.

a) Cultural and Societal Pressure
Society often promotes immorality and ungodliness, making it difficult for believers to stand firm in their commitment to purity (Romans 12:2).

b) Media and Entertainment
The media often glorifies sinful behavior, making it challenging for believers to maintain purity when constantly exposed to such influences (Philippians 4:8).

c) Peer Influence and Relationships
Relationships, especially with those who do not share our faith, can be a source of temptation. The pressure to conform to worldly standards can weaken our resolve to live pure lives (2 Corinthians 6:17).

d) Fleshly Desires
The sinful nature that remains in believers often seeks to lead us into impurity through lust, greed, and other desires (Galatians 5:16-17).

e) Biblical Example:
The Israelites, despite experiencing God’s miracles, repeatedly fell into sin by adopting the practices of surrounding nations (Exodus 32:1-6).

3. THE IMPORTANCE OF PURITY FOR BELIEVERS

Purity is not only an act of obedience, but it also brings numerous benefits to the life of the believer.

a) Purity Enables Fellowship with God
Sin separates us from God, but living in purity allows us to maintain intimate fellowship with Him (Psalm 24:3-4).

b) Purity Guards Our Hearts and Minds
When we live pure lives, we protect our hearts from the corrupting influence of sin and the distractions that can hinder our spiritual growth (Proverbs 4:23).

c) Purity Leads to Blessing and Favor
God promises to bless those who keep their lives pure and who follow His commandments (Matthew 5:8; Psalm 119:1-2).

d) Purity Strengthens Our Testimony
A life of purity strengthens our witness to the world and proves that the Gospel can change lives (Titus 2:7-8).

e) Biblical Example:
Daniel, in the midst of Babylonian captivity, maintained his purity by refusing to defile himself with the king’s food and wine. His commitment to purity led to God’s favor and promotion (Daniel 1:8-20).

4. HOW TO MAINTAIN PURITY IN A SINFUL WORLD

While living in a sinful world presents challenges, there are practical steps believers can take to maintain purity.

a) Renew Your Mind with God’s Word
The Word of God is our primary tool for resisting temptation and maintaining purity. Meditating on Scripture daily helps transform our minds and strengthen our resolve (Romans 12:2).

b) Avoid Situations That Tempt You
The Bible teaches us to flee from temptations. Being wise about the situations we place ourselves in can help us avoid falling into sin (1 Corinthians 6:18).

c) Accountability and Fellowship
Surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers who can encourage, pray for, and hold us accountable is essential for maintaining purity (Hebrews 10:24-25).

d) Pray for Strength and Guidance
Prayer is a vital tool in maintaining purity. We should seek God’s help to overcome temptations and to keep our hearts pure (Matthew 26:41).

e) Biblical Example:
Jesus, when tempted in the wilderness, relied on the Word of God to resist the devil’s offers. His example shows us how to fight temptation with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11).

5. THE REWARDS OF PURITY

God promises both spiritual and practical rewards for those who remain pure.

a) God’s Presence and Fellowship
Purity enables us to experience God’s closeness and presence in our lives (James 4:8).

b) Peace of Mind and Heart
Living a pure life brings peace, knowing we are walking in obedience to God’s will (Isaiah 26:3).

c) Strength to Overcome Temptation
Maintaining purity strengthens us to resist future temptations, knowing that we are walking in God’s strength and not our own (1 Corinthians 10:13).

d) Eternal Reward
God promises eternal rewards for those who remain pure and faithful to Him (Matthew 5:8; Revelation 22:14).

e) Biblical Example:
The apostle Paul, despite facing great persecution, maintained purity in his walk with God, and his life became a powerful example of the rewards of purity in Christ (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

CONCLUSION:
Maintaining purity in a sinful world is a continual challenge, but it is a challenge that God equips us to meet. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God’s holiness, even when the world around us pulls us in the opposite direction. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the strength of the Word of God, and the support of fellow believers, we can live pure lives that bring glory to God. Let us commit to purity, knowing that it is not only an act of obedience but a powerful testimony to the world of the transforming power of the Gospel.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to live a pure life that reflects Your holiness.

2. Father, renew my mind daily with Your Word and help me to resist temptation.

3. Lord, strengthen my resolve to flee from sin and to walk in Your righteousness.

4. Father, surround me with believers who will encourage me in my walk of purity.

5. Lord, keep my heart and mind pure, that I may fellowship with You without hindrance.

6. Father, help me to avoid situations and relationships that lead me away from purity.

7. Lord, grant me the strength to stand firm in my faith despite the pressures of the world.

8. Father, purify my thoughts, words, and actions so that I may live according to Your will.

9. Lord, help me to honor You in all areas of my life, living in purity before You.

10. Father, I ask for Your grace to remain pure, knowing that it brings me closer to You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will walk in purity and experience God’s closeness and peace.

2. Your testimony of purity will lead others to Christ and bring glory to God.

3. The strength to resist temptation will be released upon you as you commit to purity.

4. God will grant you favor and protection as you maintain a pure heart before Him.