Shining Your Light: Commitment, Righteousness, and Purity
Summary
In my sermon, I emphasized the importance of living a life that reflects the transformative power of the gospel, particularly in the areas of righteousness, commitment, and purity. I began by reminding the congregation of our theme for the year, "Shine Your Light," and the call to be different from the world by embodying the righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees. I pointed out that while the Pharisees were meticulous in their outward obedience, they missed the heart of God's law, which is about love and motives.
I then delved into the topic of commitment, particularly in marriage, highlighting the alarming divorce rates and the common reasons for marital breakdowns, such as a lack of commitment and infidelity. I stressed that as Christians, we must shine our light through our commitment to marriage, citing Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:27-32, which address the issues of adultery and divorce. I explained that Jesus calls us to a higher standard, one that not only avoids the physical act of adultery but also the lustful thoughts that lead to it.
I also discussed the importance of being radical in confronting our sins, especially lust. I urged the congregation to take serious measures to avoid temptation, such as removing certain apps from their phones or avoiding places that might cause them to stumble. I emphasized that our walk with God is more important than any temporary pleasure we might derive from sin.
Furthermore, I addressed the commitment to our word, drawing on the phrase "my word is my bond." I pointed out that in a world where people often break their promises for personal gain, we as Christians should be known for keeping our word. I explained that Jesus taught us to let our "yes" be "yes" and our "no" be "no," without the need for elaborate oaths.
I concluded the sermon with a call to action, inviting those struggling with sin to seek help and to be serious about their commitment to God. I encouraged the congregation to examine their hearts and to be willing to be radical about sin in their lives. I also addressed the women in the congregation, urging them to dress modestly to avoid being a stumbling block to men, and I encouraged men to help their wives and daughters in this regard.
Finally, I spoke to parents about the importance of protecting their children from the dangers of the internet by setting boundaries and using filtering software. I shared my personal standard for my family, which includes not allowing cell phones until the age of 16 and using filters on all electronic devices.
Key Takeaways:
1. True righteousness is not merely about external adherence to the law but involves the motives and love behind our actions. As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard of righteousness that reflects the character of God Himself. ([37:05])
2. Commitment in marriage is a powerful testimony to the world. By remaining faithful to our spouses, not just in action but also in thought, we uphold the sanctity of marriage and demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. ([41:01])
3. The battle against sin, especially lust, requires radical measures. It is not enough to avoid sinning outwardly; we must also guard our hearts and minds, taking whatever steps are necessary to maintain purity. ([46:49])
4. Our word should be our bond. As Christians, we should be known for our integrity and honesty, ensuring that our "yes" means "yes" and our "no" means "no," without the need for elaborate oaths to prove our sincerity. ([57:31])
5. Protecting our families from the influences of sin, particularly through the internet, is a responsibility we must take seriously. Setting boundaries and using tools to filter content are practical ways we can guard the hearts and minds of our loved ones. ([51:15])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:20 - "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
2. Matthew 5:27-32 - "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."
3. Matthew 5:33-37 - "Again, ye have heard that it hath been said of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say about the righteousness of the Pharisees and the standard expected of His followers? ([35:42])
2. According to Jesus, what constitutes adultery beyond the physical act? ([41:01])
3. What radical measures does Jesus suggest to avoid sin, particularly lust? ([46:49])
4. How does Jesus instruct His followers to handle their promises and oaths? ([57:31])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees? What does this imply about the nature of true righteousness? ([35:42])
2. How does Jesus' teaching on lust challenge the common understanding of adultery? What does this reveal about the importance of inner purity? ([41:01])
3. What might be the practical implications of Jesus' advice to "pluck out" an offending eye or "cut off" an offending hand in today's context? ([46:49])
4. Why does Jesus place such importance on letting our "yes" be "yes" and our "no" be "no"? How does this relate to our integrity as Christians? ([57:31])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where your righteousness is more about outward appearance than inner transformation? How can you align your motives with God's standards? ([35:42])
2. In what ways can you guard your heart and mind against lustful thoughts? Are there specific actions you need to take to avoid temptation, such as removing certain apps or avoiding particular places? ([46:49])
3. How can you demonstrate a higher standard of commitment in your marriage or relationships? What steps can you take to ensure faithfulness not just in action but also in thought? ([41:01])
4. Think about a recent promise you made. Did you keep it? How can you improve in being a person whose word is reliable and trustworthy? ([57:31])
5. For parents: What boundaries and tools can you implement to protect your children from the dangers of the internet? How can you balance protection with trust as they grow older? ([51:15])
6. How can you support your spouse or family members in dressing modestly and avoiding being a stumbling block to others? What conversations might you need to have to address this issue sensitively? ([49:28])
7. Consider your daily interactions: Are there ways you can be more honest and straightforward in your communication? How can you ensure that your "yes" means "yes" and your "no" means "no"? ([57:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Heartfelt Righteousness Transforms Lives
The pursuit of righteousness is not a mere adherence to rules and regulations but a journey that begins in the heart. It is about aligning one's motives and actions with the love that is at the core of God's commandments. This form of righteousness goes beyond the superficial compliance that the Pharisees displayed; it is a deeper, more genuine expression of faith that impacts every aspect of life. It calls for an introspection of one's motives and a commitment to live out the gospel in a way that truly reflects God's character. This righteousness is visible to others and shines as a light in a world that often values appearance over substance. It is a call to be different, to exceed the standards set by religious legalism, and to embody the transformative power of the gospel through love and genuine obedience [37:05].
"By this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:3-6 ESV)
Reflection: How does your daily life reflect a righteousness that stems from love and genuine motives rather than just external compliance?
Day 2: Marriage: A Covenant of Commitment
In a world where the sanctity of marriage is often undermined, the commitment to one's spouse stands as a testament to the transformative power of the gospel. This commitment is not limited to the mere avoidance of physical acts of infidelity but extends to the purity of one's thoughts and intentions. Upholding the sanctity of marriage requires a steadfast dedication to the vows made before God and each other. It involves actively guarding one's heart against lustful thoughts and seeking to honor one's spouse in both thought and deed. This level of commitment is a powerful witness to the world and demonstrates the strength and depth of a Christ-centered marriage. It is a reflection of Jesus' teachings, which call for a higher standard of faithfulness—one that begins in the heart and is lived out in every aspect of the marital relationship [41:01].
"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." (Hebrews 13:4 ESV)
Reflection: What are practical ways you can strengthen your commitment to your spouse today, both in thought and in action?
Day 3: Radical Measures Against Sin
The battle against sin, particularly lust, is not won by half-hearted attempts or mere avoidance of outward transgressions. It requires a radical approach, one that acknowledges the seriousness of sin and takes decisive action to prevent it. This may involve setting strict boundaries, such as removing sources of temptation from one's environment or seeking accountability from fellow believers. The goal is to maintain purity of heart and mind, recognizing that temporary pleasures are not worth jeopardizing one's relationship with God. This radical stance against sin is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth and maturity, and it is a necessary step in living a life that is pleasing to God [46:49].
"Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." (Romans 13:14 ESV)
Reflection: What is one radical change you can implement in your life to guard against lust or any other sin you struggle with?
Day 4: Integrity in Speech Reflects Integrity in Heart
In a culture where words are often cheap and promises easily broken, the integrity of one's speech is a powerful reflection of one's character. As followers of Christ, the call to honesty and reliability is paramount. This means that one's "yes" should be trustworthy and one's "no" resolute, without the need for elaborate oaths to bolster credibility. This simplicity and integrity in communication not only build trust with others but also honor God, who values truthfulness. It is a practical expression of living out the gospel, demonstrating that as believers, one's word is indeed one's bond [57:31].
"Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." (Colossians 3:9-10 ESV)
Reflection: Can you think of a recent situation where you could have been more honest or reliable? How can you make amends and demonstrate integrity in your speech going forward?
Day 5: Safeguarding Families in a Digital Age
The responsibility to protect one's family from the pervasive influences of sin, particularly through the internet, is a task that must be taken seriously. In an age where digital content is readily accessible, setting boundaries and utilizing filtering software are practical steps to shield loved ones from harmful material. These protective measures are an extension of the commitment to purity and righteousness, ensuring that the hearts and minds of family members, especially children, are guarded. It is an act of stewardship over the spiritual well-being of the household, reflecting a proactive approach to nurturing a godly environment [51:15].
"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8 ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to better protect your family from the negative influences of the internet and digital media?
Quotes
1) "Jesus Christ states that we as Christians should be different than the world around us. We are to shine our light by our commitment to marriage. The statistics show us that around 50% of all marriages end in a divorce and that's just not in the world, that's including within churches as well. 50%." [42:18]
2) "Jesus says not doing the physical act is not righteous enough, that's not good enough. I'm dealing with the heart. God expects more from us. Even going to the eye, it's not enough to just avoid the physical act of adultery. Jesus states that we have to deal with the heart issue of love." [44:13]
3) "We must be radical in confronting our lust, that is the heart of adultery. If you have a problem looking at things on a certain app, you know what you need to do? Delete that app. Be serious about this. If you have a problem about going to certain places where it's causing you to sin, stop going to that place." [46:49]
4) "We need to be serious about this. It is better to go through life without the phone and looking at things than to go to hell. The Bible tells us that all adulterers will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. The person whose life is characterized by adultery and by lust is not a saved person, is what he's saying." [48:46]
5) "If you want to be different, make it by your commitment, and people will notice. When you stop gazing at things that are sensual, when you stop dressing in a way that brings glory to your own body instead of Glory to God, when you work through marriage problems instead of turning your back on your vows, when you keep your promises even at personal cost or inconvenience to yourself, this type of living is so different, it's so different than what the world lives, that you'll Shine the Light of Jesus Christ." [01:04:16]
6) "If you're giving your kids unfettered, unfiltered access to the internet, you're being foolish. You're setting them up for trouble. You're setting them up to fall into sin. Our standard as our family is until our kids are 16, they don't get a cell phone. They don't need it. Every electronic device that they have, we have filters on them." [51:15]
7) "Believers should be known as people of Integrity. The believer must be the type of person that always keeps their word and therefore no Oaths are needed. There was a time in English History when honor was the highest virtue of a person, and a man who broke his word was the lowest form of a man." [01:00:40]
8) "Jesus Christ calls us to be different in this world. We are not to look at a woman with lust in our hearts. We have to be radical. The amount of times that people are committing adultery in their hearts is very scary and it's very sobering. We're to be different. Jesus Christ calls us to be different in this world." [45:27]
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