1. Qualities of a pure heart - 3

2. Honesty  A quality of integrity, but worthy of some more consideration  Honesty, “Fairness or straightforwardness of conduct, adherence to the facts”.  One who is absolutely truthful and can be fully trusted.

3. Honesty  We must be truthful Eph. 4:25, Rev. 21:8

4. Honesty Examining and applying God’s word!  2 Tim. 2:15, “rightly dividing the word of truth”  Cf. 2 Pet. 3:16  IF we want to please God we must be brutally honest in our studies!

5. Honesty Dealing with others  Matt. 5:13-16, our example  2 Cor. 8:21, “Honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but in the sight of men.”  See Matt. 5:37

6. Honesty Making judgments  Matt. 7:1-5, be careful in judging.  BUT, see vs. 6, John 7:24  Addressing prejudice, ignorant conclusions, assuming the worst, etc.

7. Honesty Don’t lie to yourself!  A big problem to consider!  An increasingly popular tactic – redefining terms, etc. cf. Matt. 15:3-6

8. Self-Control  Describes one who has mastered his desires and actions.  Rather than being ruled by his emotions and desires, he controls them.  Self-discipline, temperance, moderation, sobriety, etc.

9. Self-Control  Needed in all that we do!  Every sin involves our level of self-control. Broken homes, relationships, neglected responsibilities, mediocrity.  Personal disasters – addictions, poor health, tongue control, disorderliness, etc.

10. Self-Control  Also vital to a pure heart!  It will determine our spiritual growth, how we use our time, how we handle conflict, etc..  No self-control – poor Bible study and prayer habits, poor attendance and tardiness, problems with brethren, attitude toward worship, etc.

11. Self-Control  James 3:2, start with the tongue! Master that and you can master all.  2 Pet. 1:6 – after “knowledge” in our pattern of growth  Galatians 5:23 – a “fruit of the Spirit”

12. Self-Control  A quality of leaders in the church  1 Tim. 3:2 - Elders 1 Tim. 3:8-13 – Deacons; 1 Tim. 4:12-16 – preachers, 1 Tim. 3:11 – wives of leaders

13. Self-Control  Titus 2:1-10 – A quality for all ages and groups  1 Cor. 9:25-27 – both athletes and Paul!  Acts 24:25 – Paul before Felix

14. Self-Control  Proverbs 25:28, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.”  Proverbs 16:32, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”

15. Self-Control  We MUST control our lives. Too many today fail to take responsibility!  Don’t let someone else determine your eternal destiny! Rom. 10:12, 14  Can you turn to your brethren for help? Jas. 5:16, 1 Thess. 5:14

16. Self-Control  HOW does one learn self- control?  It is a determined mindset! You have to make up your mind!  Take an honest spiritual inventory of your life 2 Cor. 13:5

17. Self-Control  Realize the consequences of your decisions. Both good and bad! Luke 9:23  Purify your heart – James 4:8

18. Self-Control  Make yourself do what you need to do! Cf. 1 Cor. 9:25- 27  Deal with your distractions – don’t worry Matt. 6:25-33

19. Self-Control  Pray for wisdom and strength Jas. 1:5-7, 1 Pet. 5:6-7  Know what your ultimate goal is – Heb. 12:1-2, Phil. 3:12-14

20. Are you controlling what develops your heart?