Guiding Question
What’s the best way to be morally pure in a world that constantly pulls us the other way?
Summary
Robert Lewis challenges believers to confront the ever-present pull of sin, not by merely resisting it, but by replacing it—through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. The message opens with a stark reality: sin is not just around us; it’s in us. Using both humor and Scripture, Lewis exposes the deceptive nature of sin and the limitations of simply trying to “fight” it.
Drawing from Titus 2:11–14, a passage used as an early church creed, Lewis explains how Jesus not only brings salvation but also purifies lives. The key to moral purity, he argues, is not just in putting off sin but in actively pursuing Jesus. Lewis critiques the legalistic “fight sin” approach common in past generations and offers instead the “freedom-through-pursuit” model—developing new desires by loving and following Christ.
He ends with practical applications: one, seek forgiveness through Jesus immediately, and two, commit to a long-term path of spiritual growth through Scripture and obedience. That, he says, is how your story ends in freedom.
Outline:
Opening Insight – “Sin is not my friend”—but why does it stay so close?
Two Reasons Sin Persists – It's deceptive and it's part of our nature.
A Missed Target – Illustrating sin as “missing the mark” (harmatia).
Titus 2:11–14 – Jesus came to save and purify a people for Himself.
What We’re Called to Deny and Embrace – Ungodliness, worldly passions vs. self-control, uprightness, and godliness.
Wrong Approach to Moral Purity – Fighting sin head-on doesn’t work; it wears us out and leaves us vulnerable.
Right Approach to Moral Purity – Pursuing Jesus transforms desires, replacing sin’s hold with superior joy.
Results of Pursuing Jesus – Freedom, joy, influence, and the life we've always longed for.
Two Applications – Seek forgiveness now; commit to obeying God’s Word as the path to freedom.
Key Takeaways
Sin is deceptive and internal—it disguises itself as a better way and lives within us.
Moral purity cannot be sustained by sheer willpower or prohibition.
Jesus came not only to save but to purify His people for good works.
Pursuing Christ is the only effective path to lasting moral purity.
Right living follows right focus: when Jesus becomes our joy, sin loses its pull.
The goal isn't just to be "clean"—it's to live freely, purposefully, and fully through a relationship with Christ.
Scriptural References
Isaiah 53:6 – “All we like sheep have gone astray…”
Romans 7:15–24 – Paul’s struggle with the evil within.
Titus 2:11–14 – Jesus came to save and purify a people zealous for good deeds.
Luke 11:24–26 – A house swept clean but empty is still vulnerable.
Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death…”
1 Timothy 4:12 – Be an example in purity and conduct.
John 10:10 – “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.”
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful…to forgive…”
Recorded 9/5/04
