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Blessed are the Pure in Heart — 9/12/2024 10:00 AM
Today's speaker is Garrett Kell, Pastor at Del Ray Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA. Pastor Kell gives six principles for trusting God in the area of sexual temptation. His text is Matthew 5:8.
Notes
Pursuing Purity: A Path to Seeing God in the Midst of Temptation
In Matthew 5:8, Jesus promises, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This promise is challenging, particularly when it comes to sexual temptation. As we navigate a world saturated with seductive images and distractions, this verse offers both hope and a roadmap for overcoming temptation.
1. Pursue Purity to Get God
Purity is not an end in itself but a means to an end: a deeper relationship with God. Jesus didn’t come to foster our shame or self-righteous pride. Instead, He invites us to pursue purity as a posture of the heart, aiming to behold His glory. When we focus on seeing Jesus and experiencing His beauty, our hearts naturally grow in love for Him, making sin less appealing. As John Owen famously said, “Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” This radical pursuit of purity aligns our hearts with God’s, helping us resist temptation.
2. Cultivate Honest Community
Hebrews 3:13 urges us, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today.” We are not meant to walk this path alone. Building honest relationships within a supportive community is crucial. Surround yourself with people who will help you keep your eyes on Jesus and provide accountability. Ask yourself: Who knows you? Who are you truly honest with? Stepping into the light of authentic relationships can significantly impact your ability to remain pure in heart.
3. Refresh Your Soul in Jesus
Life’s weariness can lead us to seek comfort in temporary escapes. Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). When we refresh ourselves in Him, we find true consolation and strength. If we rely on worldly comforts, we will only deepen our discontentment. Make it a habit to turn to Jesus for refreshment and renewal rather than seeking fleeting satisfaction from the world.
4. Get Radical in Killing Your Sin
Jesus calls us to a radical approach in dealing with sin. As He said in Matthew 5:30, “If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away.” It’s better to make drastic changes to avoid temptation than to let it linger and grow stronger. This might mean eliminating certain apps or making lifestyle adjustments. The goal is to protect your heart and soul, ensuring that nothing stands between you and God.
5. Consider Sin’s Consequences
Sin often hides its true cost. Envision where sin might lead you and weigh it against the value of what Jesus offers. Satan’s promises are deceitful, masking the real price of sin. By counting the cost and recognizing the better gift of Jesus, we can make wiser choices.
6. Believe the Gospel Is for Believers
The Gospel isn’t just for those new to faith; it’s essential for believers every day. No matter how far we’ve strayed or how often we stumble, Jesus’ grace remains. “Nothing will separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:39). Embrace this truth and let Jesus be your refreshment.
Pursuing purity leads us to a closer relationship with God. By embracing these principles, we can navigate temptation with hope and confidence, knowing that in seeing God, we find our deepest joy and fulfillment.