Purity and Unity

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message reminds us that as followers of Christ, we have been called to be a light in the world, not just by our words, but by our actions. We are to live in purity, reflecting God's holiness and character, while also treating one another with love and compassion. This is not just a possibility, but a promise - we have the power to become the church that God desires us to be.

Key Scripture References

• Matthew 5:13-16 - Jesus teaches His followers that they are the salt and light of the world. He emphasizes the importance of being a light, not just for their own sake, but for the sake of others, so that all may see God's glory through them.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 - The Apostle Paul writes to the Thessalonian church, reminding them that they have been sanctified (set apart) by God and therefore should live in a way that is pleasing to Him. He encourages them to live in purity, free from immorality and other forms of sin.
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Paul's famous passage on love reminds us that true love is not just a feeling, but an action. It involves patience, kindness, humility, and selflessness. This kind of love is essential for building up the body of Christ.
• Ephesians 4:1-3 - Paul exhorts believers to live in a way that is worthy of their calling. He reminds them to be humble, gentle, and patient with one another, just as they are being clothed with the new self in Christ.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - The Apostle Paul warns against unequally yoked relationships, where believers partner with unbelievers or compromise their values. He encourages us to be separate from the world and its ways, while also being a light to those around us.
• Philippians 2:1-4 - Paul's prayer for the Philippians church is that they would have the same love for one another as he has for them. He reminds them that this kind of love requires humility and selflessness, but it is essential for building up the body of Christ.
• 1 Peter 3:13-17 - The Apostle Peter encourages believers to live in a way that honors God, even when faced with persecution or ridicule. He reminds them that their witness is not just about what they say, but how they live.

Key Takeaways

• The first key takeaway is that we have been called to be a light in the world, reflecting God's holiness and character. This requires living in purity, free from immorality and other forms of sin (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8).
• The second key takeaway is that true love involves patience, kindness, humility, and selflessness (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). We must cultivate this kind of love in our relationships with one another.
• The third key takeaway is that we must live in a way that is worthy of our calling. This means being humble, gentle, and patient with one another, just as we are being clothed with the new self in Christ (Ephesians 4:1-3).
• The fourth key takeaway is that believers must be separate from the world and its ways, while also being a light to those around us (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). This requires making intentional choices about how we live and interact with others.

This Week's Challenge

First, take time this week to reflect on your own life and relationships. Are there areas where you need to seek forgiveness or make amends? Are there ways in which you can cultivate more love and kindness towards others?

Second, identify one specific way in which you can live out the message of purity and unity in your daily life this week. This could be as simple as choosing not to engage in gossip or negativity with a friend, or taking time to pray for someone who is struggling.

Reflection Questions

• What does it mean for you to live in purity in the midst of a world that often values impurity and sin? How can you cultivate this kind of living in your own life?
• How can you demonstrate love and kindness towards others in practical ways this week, even if they don't seem to deserve it?
• What are some areas where you feel like the church is not living up to its calling as a light in the world? What steps can you take to help bring about change and restoration in these areas?