Pursuing Jesus Through Purity: Part 3

Last Monday and Friday, I posted the first three points for Adam Tyson’s breakout session entitled, “Pursuing Purity in an Impure World” as well as my comments on what I learned for each point. See Monday’s post HERE and Fridays’ post HERE.

Here is Point 4 along with my thoughts! Hope y’all enjoyed the series and take a moment to leave a comment!

“³ For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ⁵ not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; ⁶ and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. ⁷ For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. ⁸ So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

4.     Honor and serve other people (vs. 6)

“…and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you.”

I must not transgress my brother. By either purposefully or accidentally compromising my purity or someone else’s or both, I am sinning against God AND another person. Even if you like someone and he likes you back, you are both sinning against each other if you use each other for selfish pleasure, security, etc.

I talked about these on Monday already, but I’m going to say it again.

WRONG QUESTION: How far is too far?

RIGHT QUESTION: How far can I run? How holy can I be?

We must be pure…in thoughts

            See The Springboard Approach by Liza Grace for more practical tips in this area.

There’s a difference between appreciating beauty and lusting. And by lusting, I mean wanting and trying to get something that doesn’t belong to you at the expense of another person for your pleasure. This can include wanting attention, affirmation, security, touch, the thrill of romance, etc.

Ladies, one of the very common ways a girl can get herself into trouble in her thoughts and emotions—and eventually body—is by putting herself into vulnerable situations. Don’t ever be alone with another guy in a room. Even if you trust him. Be wise. When you are in a tempting situation and your emotions are involved, it is very hard to resist. So don’t put yourself in a tempting situation.

Remember: succumbing to temptation isn’t worth it.

We must be pure in…dress

Don’t unnecessarily cause others to stumble. Sometimes we dress immodestly ignorantly and other times with full awareness. I found my brothers, parents, and The Modesty Survey (which I believe has been taken down) by The Rebelution to be extremely helpful as I decide what to buy and wear.

As Adam Tyson put it, “Clothes are meant to conceal, not reveal.”

Whenever you want to wear a questionable item of clothing, ask yourself, “Am I wearing this to conceal or reveal?”

Do you wear clothes to attract attention or respect?

In the long run, both you and the people around you will benefit more from you dressing modestly. Ultimately, of course, guys are responsible for their thoughts. However, as their sisters in Christ, it is our duty to try and help them out in any way possible—especially in a culture like ours. 

Remember, the guys you will attract by immodesty are not the kind of guys you want to marry.

Godly guys appreciate, respect, and admire modesty.

One thing I discovered from The Modesty Survey was that almost all guys agreed that, while the clothes do matter, it’s more about the way we act. A girl who wears completely modest clothing but who acts inappropriate can be more of a stumbling block than a girl who acts modestly but unintentionally wears immodest clothing.

Modesty is a heart issue. While I recommend evaluating your wardrobe, I would more strongly encourage you to evaluate your heart.

Wrapping up…

Some final thoughts that Adam Tyson shared was that we should fear the wrath of God because He is an avenger of evil (vs. 6). We are also called to remember our purpose as Christians (vs. 7) , that we should love Christ more. Trust and obey what God says because He knows what’s best. He has a vantage point that I don’t and my sin will have real consequences. It is worth far more (both now and in eternity) to trust Him and not indulge in sin.

Finally, I must yield myself to the Holy Spirit (vs. 8). It’s the Holy Spirit that gives me strength and power to live pure!

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Matthew 5:8

What are your thoughts on purity and pursuing purity in thought life and dress? Any stories to share? Share in the comments! Also feel free to discuss things that you do/don’t agree with in the comment section!