Douglas Jacoby Podcast
CLEAN – podcast 4 (Purity in James-Peter-John)
Episode Summary
Douglas continues his series called CLEAN, today looking at Purity in James-Peter-John.
Episode Notes
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
Introduction
- Reminder: purity is a broad concept. Narrowing the definition to a single sin lets us off the hook!
- How are you doing this year (so far) with purity of thought, speech, and lifestyle? How's your focus?
- Just as in OT so in NT...
Scriptural study
- James 1:27
- The pollution of the world makes us apathetic and self-absorbed
- Sodom (Ezek 16:48) is a lamentable example of a people polluted by the world
- Their hallmark sin of sodomy is not even mentioned in this passage (though it is alluded to)
- Not to care about those in emotional or psychological agony renders our religion impure -- even worthless (Jas 1:26).
- James 3:17
- This verse appears in the conclusion of a chapter on the tongue.
- In speech, attitude, fellowship, outreach, interactions at home, response to criticism, etc., we are to stay pure.
- 1 Pet 1:22
- It's hard to love and give to others with a troubled conscience.
- Notice also that our hearts are purified by obedience.
- This is probably also an allusion to rebirth (water, spirit) -- obeying their gospel (Acts 5:32; 2 Thess 1:8; etc).
- 1 Pet 3:2
- Context: winning over a spouse -- but it has wide application.
- Winning over anyone who isn't ready for reason and studying the scripture...
- Rev 19:8
- The imagery of clean garments is opposite that of Isa 64:4-7.
- In fact, this verse refutes the common Protestant (esp. Calvinist) interpretation. Purity entails obedience and is within reach.
- Rev 19:14 -- from the beginning of the Bible to the end, purity is a crucial concept and essential for our lives as followers of God.
Case study:
Simon the Sorcerer
- What happens when we are careless, heedless as to the condition of our hearts?
- Failure to keep our hearts pure (Prov 4:23) can lead us to a bad, bad place.
- Simon Magus is a colorful and clear example of where we can end up if we neglect to fail to keep a pure heart.
- Acts 8:5-6, 9-10, 12-13, 18-24.
- Did Simon turn the corner and become pure in his devotion? No – later went to Rome and caused a lot of trouble for Peter…..
- Let's keep our hearts pure today!!!