Memory Verse
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 39:1-14
INTRODUCTION
It is a common practice in marketing to place prices on articles for sale. The value of an article determines its price. Purity is of eternal value and, therefore, must be priced accordingly. May the Holy Spirit teach and bless us as we examine this important aspect of the Christian life.
OUTLINES
1. WHAT IS PURITY?
2. THE PRICE OF PURITY ILLUSTRATED
3. AFTER THE CROSS IS THE CROWN
WHAT IS PURITY
Purity is absolute cleanliness of body, soul and spirit, expected of anyone who will want to ascend to the hills of the Lord - Psalm 24:3-4. It is the only condition to see God and dwell where He is - Matthew 5:8. It is a springboard for charity and other Christian virtues, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks – 1 Timothy 1:5; Matthew 12:34b-35a.
THE PRICE OF PURITY ILLUSTRATED
The prosperous, pure, gracious, honoured and favoured Joseph" at Potiphar's house, later paid the price of not yielding to temptation. These include false accusation, ridicule, demotion, dishonour and imprisonment - Genesis 39:7-20. It is written that whosoever will live a godly life in Jesus Christ cannot but suffer persecution - 2 Timothy 3:12. There can be no crown without a cross. However, the suffering of this' present time can never be compared to the glory that is to be revealed Romans 8:18.
AFTER THE CROSS IS THE CROWN
The pure are fearless and bold - Job 11:15; Pro.28:1. They shall be privileged to rapture with the Lord at His appearance - Eph.5:27; 2 Peter 3:14. The pure shall be enthroned with God - Rev.3:21. Therefore, the pure are privileged:
- To eat spiritual food - Revelations 2:7.
- To have a new name -Revelations 2:17.
- To rule over nations.
- To be clothed with the robes of righteousness.
- To inherit all things - Revelations 21:7.
CONCLUSION
Prices should be readily paid for any noble Christian venture. As Christians whose aspiration is to make Heaven, there must be a strong determination never to tarnish the name of the Lord Jesus Christ who paid the greatest price for our redemption with His precious blood, no matter the cost. His grace is our sufficiency Philippians 4: 13.
QUESTIONS
1. What is purity?
2. How does the life of Joseph illustrate the price for purity?
3. What are the benefits of purity?
BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: Leviticus 11:45 - Be holy for God is holy.
TUESDAY: 2 Corinthians 7:1 - Cleanse yourself of all filthiness.
WEDNESDAY: Hebrews 12:14 - Without holiness, you shall not see God.
THURSDAY: 1 Peter1:16 -Remain holy.
FRI DAY: 2 Peter 3: 11 - Be of holy conversation.
SATURDAY: Matthew 5:20 - Be righteous to enter Heaven.
SUNDAY: Hosea 10:12 - Sow righteousness.
