Josh McGuire - Purity | Austin CFC | 2020-08-30
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that a key motivation for working is to have something meaningful to share with others. He stresses learning from both biblical mistakes and personal failings, noting that true spiritual life comes not from self-merit but through the precious blood of Christ. The central theme is achieving purity, which he argues is an essential characteristic for all godly men, drawing parallels to other virtues.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
An eight-year-old in rural OklahomaJosh uses a childhood story about living in a mobile home with a single air conditioning unit and trying to peek at adult movies to illustrate how children desire maturity by seeing what is hidden.
What does the world teach about maturity?The world teaches that as you age, you can handle more filth and consume more graphic content through movies, video games, and media.
The disciple's pursuit of purityUnlike the world's standard, a follower of Christ desires to become more pure as they age, just as Christ is pure.
The brownie illustration and modern temptationsUsing an illustration of a delicious brownie tainted with dog poop, Josh explains how sin should disgust us, especially in an era of endless digital temptations.
Four motivations of purityJosh states his primary goal is to help everyone develop a stronger desire for purity by examining four specific motivations from scripture.
Motivation two: So Christ can finish what He beganWe pursue purity so we do not hinder Christ from redeeming us and purifying for Himself a people zealous for good works.
Motivation three: To receive pure wisdom from GodGodly wisdom must be pure, free from sin and self, so we can know and follow God's will rather than the world's wisdom.
Motivation four: To see GodA pure heart allows us to see God and view His creation and people through His eyes without focusing on faults.
Not just removing the impure, but filling with the pureCleansing the heart of sin without filling it with righteousness leaves a person vulnerable to greater pride and worse spiritual states.
The bowl and the pitcher illustrationImagining the mind as a bowl, we can bring our filthy thoughts to God, whose endless pure water washes away the dirt as we confess.
Testing our thoughts with Philippians 4:8We must guard our minds and test our daily intake—such as the news—against what is true, honorable, and pure.
Perfect peace through setting our minds on GodKeeping our minds pure and dwelling on God Himself brings the wonderful promise of perfect peace amidst the struggles of life.
