Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet
Promote Purity
Bryan Schneider · November 13, 2021
Exodus 20:14
sharonrpc.org/sermons/promote-purity
Summary
- The seventh commandment requires purity in body, mind, affection, speech, and conduct, not merely avoidance of physical adultery.
- Jesus exposes lustful looking as heart adultery and commands decisive action against occasions of sin.
- Sexual sin promises pleasure but produces bondage, secrecy, fractured trust, and harm to spouses, families, and the church.
- Purity is positive: honor embodied life, practice modesty and self-control, protect others, and cultivate faithful delight and attentive love within marriage.
- The Holy Spirit does not leave believers alone; in Christ they can confess, flee immorality, establish wise boundaries, and pursue joyful holiness.
Reflection and discussion
- Which private habit, image, conversation, or relationship is training desire away from holiness?
- What immediate boundary would help me flee rather than negotiate with temptation?
- How can I protect another person's dignity instead of treating that person as an object?
- If married, how can I give my spouse attentive, patient, and faithful love?
Key terms
- Purity
- Whole-person faithfulness to God's design for sexuality in thought, desire, speech, body, and relationship.
- Heart adultery
- Jesus' description of cultivating lust toward someone who is not one's spouse.
- Flee
- Promptly leaving temptation and its access points rather than testing one's resistance.