1. Pursuing Purity

2. Paul’s Pursuit of Purity Why did he persecute the church? Acts 9:1-2Why did he persecute the church? Acts 9:1-2 To pursue purity is to be zealous for God Acts 22:3-5To pursue purity is to be zealous for God Acts 22:3-5 Just as zealous after obeying the gospel Galatians 1:6-10Just as zealous after obeying the gospel Galatians 1:6-10 Charges us to be zealous Titus 2:11-14Charges us to be zealous Titus 2:11-14

3. Purity in the Church He sought purity in doctrineHe sought purity in doctrine –In Rome Romans 15:5-6; 16:17 –In Corinth 1 Corinthians 1:10; 5:1-8 –In Ephesus Ephesians 4:1-6; 1 Timothy 1:3-5

4. Purity in the Church He sought purity in doctrineHe sought purity in doctrine Each of us has responsibility 1 John 4:1Each of us has responsibility 1 John 4:1 –Including things taught in private 2 Timothy 3:6; 2 Peter 2:1-3 –Two purposes: Correct & save 2 Timothy 2:24-26Correct & save 2 Timothy 2:24-26 Stop the spread Titus 1:10-11Stop the spread Titus 1:10-11

5. Purity in Our Brethren Paul compelled believers to blaspheme Acts 26:11Paul compelled believers to blaspheme Acts 26:11 –Saying Jesus was NOT the Son of God –To get them to “come to their senses”

6. Purity in Our Brethren Withdraw ourselves to save erring brother 1 Corinthians 5:5Withdraw ourselves to save erring brother 1 Corinthians 5:5 We have a responsibilityWe have a responsibility –Look out for interests of others Philippians 2:1-4 –Bear one another’s burdens Galatians 6:1-2 –Giving others the attention they need 1 Thess. 5:14 Example of Epaphras Colossians 4:12-13Example of Epaphras Colossians 4:12-13

7. Purity in Ourselves Paul’s inward pursuit of purityPaul’s inward pursuit of purity –Strove for a clean conscience Acts 24:16 –Lest he become disqualified 1 Corinthians 9:25-27

8. Purity in Ourselves Paul’s inward pursuit of purityPaul’s inward pursuit of purity Insisted upon self-discipline in othersInsisted upon self-discipline in others –Practice what you preach Romans 2:21-24 –Flee youthful lusts; pursue righteousness 2 Tim. 2:22

9. Purity in Ourselves Paul’s inward pursuit of purityPaul’s inward pursuit of purity Insisted upon self-discipline in othersInsisted upon self-discipline in others Essence of pure religion James 1:27Essence of pure religion James 1:27 What it means to be a child of God 1 John 3:1-3What it means to be a child of God 1 John 3:1-3 Jesus prescribed purity in Laodicea Rev. 3:18- 19Jesus prescribed purity in Laodicea Rev. 3:18- 19 Obedience leads to inner change 2 Cor. 7:9-11Obedience leads to inner change 2 Cor. 7:9-11

10. Pursuing Purity In Our Doctrine In Our Brethren In Ourselves