Purity of Heart
Purity of Heart17
Ahab Did More to Provoke the Lord
By F.B. Meyer01KI 16:33ROM 1:28F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound wickedness of King Ahab, who, influenced by his wife Jezebel, led Israel into the depths of idolatry and immorality, provoking the Lord more than any other king. Ahab's choice to worship Baal and Ashtoreth, along with the associated licentious practices, corrupted the spiritual life of the nation. Meyer warns of the close connection between impurity and spiritual decline, urging young people to maintain purity and blamelessness in their lives. He encourages believers to allow Christ to cleanse their hearts and govern their lives, promising that through purity and obedience, they will see God. The sermon serves as a call to resist the temptations of a corrupt world and to uphold a life dedicated to God.
Jesus Is Seeking Overcomers (Revelation 14:1-5)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0JHN 14:23JAS 1:26JAS 3:61JN 3:3REV 14:1Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes that Jesus is actively seeking overcomers who will follow Him instead of the beast, highlighting the importance of purity in speech and heart. He contrasts the mark of the beast, represented by an unholy tongue, with the Father's name written on the foreheads of the faithful. Waldvogel calls for believers to guard their hearts and tongues, as true religion is not merely about outward appearances but about Christlikeness and purity. He reassures that the Lamb of God is pursuing each individual, desiring a deep, transformative relationship that leads to holiness. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to open their hearts to Jesus, allowing Him to reign supreme in their lives.
Purity of Heart and Life
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 24:3MAT 5:8C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the vital importance of purity of heart, asserting that true cleanliness comes from the Spirit and the Word, leading to outward holiness through obedience. He explains that our affections influence our understanding; if we love evil, we cannot grasp goodness, and a foul heart results in dimmed perception of God. Spurgeon highlights the privilege of seeing God, which is granted to the pure in heart through Christ, and stresses that this vision is contingent upon the removal of sin from our hearts. He encourages believers to pursue godliness, echoing Moses' desire to see God's glory, and reminds us that the hope of seeing God inspires us to purify ourselves. Ultimately, he prays for purity of heart so that we may fully experience God's presence.
1 Peter 1:22
By John Gill0JHN 13:34HEB 10:221PE 1:22John Gill emphasizes the importance of brotherly love as a result of the purification of the soul, which is made possible through the grace of God and the blood of Christ. He explains that true purity is internal, stemming from faith and obedience to the Gospel, and that this purity leads to genuine love for one another. Gill highlights that this love should be unfeigned, fervent, and extend to all believers, reflecting the essence of Christ's commandment and the evidence of true regeneration. The sermon calls for a love that is not only heartfelt but also consistent and enduring among the brethren.
The Pure in Heart
By Thomas Brooks0MAT 5:8ROM 7:22Thomas Brooks emphasizes the beatitude 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God' from Matthew 5:8, illustrating that a pure heart can exist even amidst sin and corruption. He compares the purity of the heart to gold, air, and springs, which may have impurities but still retain their essence. Brooks acknowledges that all Christians carry a body of sin, yet there is a divine grace within them that continually seeks to cleanse and purify their hearts. He encourages believers to recognize the ongoing work of grace in their lives, which helps them to overcome spiritual filth. Ultimately, the pure in heart are promised the profound blessing of seeing God.
The Beatitudes the Sixth Beatitude
By A.W. Pink01SA 16:7PSA 51:6EZK 36:26MAT 5:8ACT 15:9ROM 5:12CO 5:17TIT 3:51JN 1:7A.W. Pink expounds on the sixth Beatitude, 'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God,' emphasizing that true purity of heart is not about sinlessness but about a sincere and genuine relationship with God. He critiques the false notion of complete eradication of sin in believers, pointing out that even the greatest saints struggled with sin. Pink explains that purity involves a transformation of character through regeneration, leading to a heart aligned with God's will. The promise of seeing God is both a present spiritual discernment and a future hope of intimate communion with Him. Ultimately, the pure in heart are those whose affections are set on God, leading to a deeper understanding and fellowship with Him.
Blessed Are the Pure
By Leonard Ravenhill891:17:47MAT 5:8PHP 3:7Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound truth of being 'pure in heart' as a pathway to seeing God, reflecting on the deep spiritual implications of purity and the necessity of surrendering all to Christ. He draws parallels between the struggles of biblical figures like Paul and the modern Christian experience, urging believers to recognize their spiritual poverty and the need for divine grace. Ravenhill challenges the congregation to pursue a deeper relationship with God, understanding that true fulfillment comes from a heart aligned with His will, rather than worldly accolades or riches. He highlights the paradox of the Christian life, where losing oneself leads to true gain in the kingdom of God. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live out the Beatitudes, particularly the call to purity, as a reflection of Christ's character in a world that often values the opposite.
Matthew 5:8
By Chuck Smith0PSA 86:2JER 17:9MAT 5:8MAT 23:25Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of purity in heart as a central tenet of Christianity, explaining that true blessedness comes from a sincere and undivided heart that seeks God. He contrasts the external righteousness of the Pharisees with the internal transformation that comes from a pure heart, which is essential for seeing God. Smith highlights that the heart is the source of all human troubles and that only through divine cleansing can one achieve purity. He encourages believers to focus on their relationship with God, as the desire to see Him should drive their pursuit of holiness. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart aligned with God's will, prepared for an eternal encounter with Him.
Accountability to God - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill14K25:24PSA 51:10MAT 5:8JHN 10:10ACT 15:8ROM 3:232CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 4:22HEB 12:141JN 1:9Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the critical need for accountability to God, illustrating the transformative power of genuine repentance and the pursuit of purity in the heart. He recounts a personal story of a woman who, after a deep cry for mercy, experienced true salvation, contrasting it with his own struggle with sin and misery. Ravenhill argues that the greatest sin is the desire to run one's own life apart from God, and he stresses that true Christianity is about allowing Christ to live within us, leading to a pure heart and a renewed spirit. He challenges the modern church's tendency to downplay sin and calls for a return to recognizing the need for deep, inward cleansing and the power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek purity, as it is the foundation for true power in their lives and ministries.
For the Courses of the Doorkeepers.
By F.B. Meyer01CH 26:1PSA 24:3F.B. Meyer emphasizes the vital role of doorkeepers in both the physical and spiritual realms, highlighting their responsibility to maintain the sanctity of the House of God and the temple of the heart. He notes that just as doorkeepers were needed to manage access to the temple, we must also guard our hearts against disloyal and evil thoughts that can lead to alienation from God. Meyer encourages the church to welcome all, while also ensuring that its holiness is preserved through careful oversight. The sermon calls for vigilance in our inner lives, urging believers to submit their thoughts to the Spirit's scrutiny to maintain a pure relationship with God.
Better Than a Golden Head
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 24:3MAT 5:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound value of a pure heart over mere intellectual knowledge, asserting that holiness is the true treasure that leads to a relationship with God. He explains that a heart filled with holy affections surpasses a mind filled with mere curious ideas, and that true fulfillment comes from a life of holiness. Brooks concludes that those who possess a pure heart are destined for heaven, as their lives reflect the purity and holiness that God desires.
Purity of Heart
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 5:8JHN 15:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of purity of heart for spiritual fruitfulness, using the analogy of cherry trees affected by parasites that hinder their growth. He reflects on the importance of a pastor's role in nurturing a healthy vineyard, urging that a church should embody the purity and righteousness that Christ desires. Tozer prays for believers to align with Christ's high priestly prayer, striving for a heart that is pure and capable of producing genuine spiritual experiences. He warns against the futility of emotional experiences devoid of true righteousness, asserting that sound conduct is foundational for authentic spirituality.
A Person After God's Own Heart
By John Wesley0PSA 139:1John Wesley emphasizes the profound relationship between God and humanity, as illustrated in Psalm 139, where David acknowledges God's omniscience and omnipresence. He reflects on David's plea for God to search his heart, revealing the importance of self-examination and the desire for a pure heart. Wesley highlights that true humility and spiritual poverty lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a closer relationship with God. He encourages believers to invite God to reveal their inner thoughts and sins, assuring them that through Christ and the Holy Spirit, they too can become people after God's own heart. The sermon challenges listeners to seek purity and authenticity in their spiritual journey.
Sermon on the Mount, 3
By John Wesley0MAT 5:8John Wesley emphasizes the profound teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the blessings associated with purity of heart, peacemaking, and enduring persecution for righteousness' sake. He explains that true love for our neighbor must stem from a genuine love for God, and that the pure in heart will experience a deep connection with God. Wesley warns against the false teachings that focus solely on outward actions without addressing the heart's condition, urging believers to strive for inner holiness. He concludes by encouraging Christians to rejoice in persecution, as it signifies their alignment with Christ and the promise of eternal rewards.
The Beatitudes
By Thomas Watson0MAT 5:3Thomas Watson preaches on 'The Beatitudes', emphasizing the transformative power of self-denial and the importance of a pure heart in the life of a Christian. He illustrates how God uses affliction to refine believers, contrasting the fires of purification with those of damnation. Watson highlights that true happiness and blessedness come from recognizing our spiritual poverty and mourning for sin, which leads to a deeper relationship with Christ. He encourages believers to embrace meekness and mercy, as these qualities reflect the character of Jesus and are essential for receiving God's grace.
Purifying Within (Communion Means Receiving God's "Unfeigned Love of the brethren.")
By Hans R. Waldvogel0MAT 5:8JHN 13:34ROM 13:101CO 13:1GAL 5:22EPH 4:2HEB 12:141PE 1:221JN 3:31JN 4:7Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of purifying our hearts to embody the unfeigned love of the brethren, as commanded by Jesus. He reflects on the importance of loving one another as Christ loved us, highlighting that true love goes beyond mere tolerance and requires a transformation of the heart. Waldvogel warns against the internal evils that can corrupt our love, urging believers to seek God's purifying love to cleanse their hearts. He encourages the congregation to desire this inner beauty and purity, reminding them that communion with God also means communion with one another in love. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt commitment to live out this divine love in our relationships.
Psalm 24: Seeking the Lord
By Art Katz0PSA 24:1Art Katz emphasizes the profound truth that the earth and all its inhabitants belong to the Lord, as He is the Creator. He challenges believers to recognize their role in proclaiming this truth and ascending the hill of the Lord with clean hands and pure hearts. Katz highlights the necessity of ongoing purification and the importance of the church as the gate through which the King of Glory enters. He warns against the distractions and vanities that hinder our pursuit of God, urging a disciplined and sincere seeking of His face. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a generation that seeks the Lord, recognizing that the earth is the Lord's and that our lives must reflect this reality.