The Role of Community in Purity
PURITY IN AN IMPURE WORLD
When Scripture commands, "You shall not commit adultery," it's speaking to far more than just the physical act of genitals colliding. This commandment opens the door to an entire world of innocence and purity, calling all of God's people to a life that is perfectly spotless in every aspect. In a culture where moral boundaries are increasingly blurred, it is crucial to understand that adultery, as defined by Scripture, goes far beyond mere physical infidelity.
THE DECEPTION OF MINIMIZING SIN
Consider the infamous attempt to downplay the seriousness of adultery, like when William Jefferson Clinton famously declared, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." Such efforts to obfuscate, redefine, or minimize sin stand in stark contrast to the unyielding clarity of God's Word, which leaves no room for such ambiguity or philandering.
Adultery, according to God's standard, includes every unchaste thought, action, and inclination that mars the purity He demands from us. The Westminster Larger Catechism wisely instructs us to maintain "chastity in body, mind, affections, words, and behavior and to preserve this purity in both ourselves and others."
A CALL TO HOLY LIVING
This command is more than a prohibition; it's a divine mandate for you and me to cultivate a life of holiness. It challenges us not just to avoid sin but to actively guard, nurture, and promote purity in every aspect of our lives and those around us. In a world that often celebrates moral compromise, God calls His people to rise above, to shine as beacons of righteousness, and to uphold the sanctity of chastity with unwavering commitment.
VIGILANCE IN EVERY AREA OF LIFE
This holistic approach to chastity demands vigilance in every area of our lives. Our first line of defense begins with ourselves—guarding our thoughts, safeguarding our desires, and taking deliberate action against anything that might lead us toward impurity. It means avoiding situations that tempt us, censoring the media we consume, and refusing to laugh at or entertain sin. As John Piper famously observed, we often laugh at the things God hates. Even shows that seem mild by today's standards—like Friends—promote a laissez-faire attitude toward sex, which is contrary to God's law. How much more vigilant should we be today when the media we consume is far more explicit?
Jesus made it unmistakably clear that lustful thoughts are tantamount to committing adultery in the heart. Just as we discussed the gravity of anger in relation to murder last week, we see that even a single lustful thought is, spiritually speaking, no different from the physical act of adultery. This realization should lead every one of us to repentance. As Martin Luther so profoundly stated, all of life is repentance—an ongoing, heartfelt turning away from sin and toward God.
THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY IN PURITY
But this command extends beyond our individual lives. We are not isolated beings; we are part of a community, a family in Christ. The Westminster Confession assumes, and I want to emphasize today, that we are called to be a tangible help to one another. We must be a vibrant community that knows each other's struggles, not to expose or belittle but to support, uplift, and encourage. It's not enough for us to live lives of purity alone. We are called to be life rafts for one another, offering the conversation, prayer, and accountability that our brothers and sisters need.
Just as mold thrives in the dark, so does the sin of lust when hidden away. We can implement all the safeguards in the world—accountability software on our computers, keeping electronics in common spaces, sharing accounts and passwords—but without the genuine fellowship and accountability that comes from a strong Christian community, the flesh will find ways around these measures. We desperately need each other in the fight against sin, whether it's lust or any other struggle. Isolation breeds sin, but community fosters holiness.
If we have lived in isolation, withholding help from others, even out of ignorance, let us repent. Let us seek out where others need help and offer it generously. As we go to the throne of grace, let's ask for God's forgiveness and strength to be a community marked by purity and mutual care.
APPLICATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT
In a hyper-sexualized culture that bombards us with godless entertainment, we must be ever more vigilant. Even in Christian media, where actors simulate marital relationships, we see compromises that ought to grieve our hearts. We must reject the lax standards that have allowed spiritual sewage to enter our homes. Instead, let us joyfully safeguard purity, not just for ourselves but for each other.
Practical Steps for Application:
Guard Your Eyes and Mind: Be deliberate in avoiding media that tempts you toward impurity. Set boundaries on what you watch, read, and listen to.
Cultivate Godly Relationships: Surround yourself with friends and mentors who will hold you accountable in your pursuit of purity. True community is essential in overcoming sin.
Engage in Regular Repentance: Make it a habit to repent daily, acknowledging where you've fallen short and seeking God's grace to grow in holiness.
CONCLUSION: A COMMUNITY OF HOLINESS
In a world where impurity is not just tolerated but celebrated, we are called to be different. We are called to be a people marked by purity, both individually and collectively. Let us strive to live out this calling with intentionality and commitment, supporting one another in our pursuit of holiness. As we do, we will not only honor God but also become a powerful witness to the world around us, demonstrating the beauty and freedom of a life lived in obedience to His commands.
Let us go forth, not as isolated individuals, but as a unified body, committed to upholding the purity that God demands and delights in, for His glory and our good.
