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WHAT PURITY REALLY MEANS

1. Not just outward behavior, but inward cleanliness (Matt. 5:8)
2. The condition of the heart from which life flows (Prov. 4:23)
3. Recognizing that sin begins within before it appears outwardly (Matt. 15:19-20)
4. Living with a focus on what is right and holy before God (Phil. 4:8)

WHY EVERY CHRISTIAN NEEDS PURITY

1. Because sin develops in the heart before it is practiced (Jas. 1:14-15)
2. Because the heart determines the direction of life (Prov. 23:7)
3. Because impurity destroys fellowship with God (Isa. 59:2)
4. Because God calls His people to holiness (1 Pet. 1:15-16)
5. Because only those with a pure heart will dwell with God (Psa. 24:3-4; Matt. 5:8)

HOW TO GUARD THE HEART

1. Carefully control what we allow into our minds (Prov. 4:23; Job 31:1; Psa. 119:37; 101:3)
2. Fill the mind with things that are pure and right (Phil. 4:8)
3. Flee temptation instead of entertaining it and flirting with it (2 Tim. 2:22)
4. Store God’s Word in the heart as protection (Psa. 119:9-11)

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE HEART IS LEFT UNGUARDED

1. Sin grows quietly beneath the surface (Heb. 3:13; 1 Cor. 5:6)
2. The conscience becomes dull and insensitive (1 Tim. 4:2; Eph. 4:18-19)
3. Character weakens over time (Gal. 6:7-8; 2 Pet. 1:8-9)
4. Hidden sin eventually becomes visible (Num. 32:23; Ecc. 12:14)