For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
"Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8).
(1) PURITY: A constant theme in Jesus’ teaching is that God looks not only at outward actions, but at what goes on inside a person.
- “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasury of his heart brings forth good things. But an evil man out of his evil treasury brings forth evil things.” (Matt 12:34-35).
- “You cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside may be clean also” (Matt 23:25,26).
This purity isn't physical or hygienic or even sexual—but inward:
- Proverbs 16:2: All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.
- 1 Cor 4:5: Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
- Phil 1:18: But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
- There are many other passages on purity of motive:
- “Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8)
- Plus Proverbs 4:23 and many more verses.
(2) SEEING GOD: If the heart is right (pure), we can see God.
- Wrong motives block our vision of God -- as dust in the air makes it hard to see the stars at night.
- Deliberate ignorance (Rom 1:18-21)
- Deliberate sin (Eph 4:18-19)
- While no one can (fully) see God, we know him through Christ (John 1:18; 14:9). This means that the pure in heart are able to experience his love, power, and other attributes.
- Jesus is also talking about the age to come, when we’ll see God “as he is” (1 John 3:2).
- “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself—as he is pure.” (1 John 3:2-3)
- Focus on Christ leads to transformation.
Application
- Daily time to think on Christ.
- Devotional time
- When sorely tempted
- Stop thinking of purity as an option
- Without holiness, no one will see the Lord
- More: CLEAN series (31 podcasts)
- Take special note of others whose motives seem especially pure. Imitate them.
Next: Blessed are the Peacemakers