PURIFYING THE HEART- “Our Ethic & Morality”

Text: 1 Timothy 1:5 and Psalm 119:9-11

Introduction: In order to love as Jesus loves we must build his ethical standard in our heart.  We must build practical standards of his character and love into our hearts that we might have a moral foundation or base to move us to love like Him. 

Point 1: Defining Ethics and Morality

• Our ethical standard will govern our morality

• Ethic: The standard or recognized, acceptable principles and practices of right conduct governing a group of people. 

• Morals:Being or acting in accordance with the standards and precepts of goodness, virtue, and right behavior.

Comparison:How do the ethical standards of society now compare with the Christian ethic? 

Point  2: Building God’s Ethical Standard for Our Life

• To purify the heart is to construct God’s standard

• Matthew 12:33-37 Jesus, in this passage of Scripture is calling each person to take personal responsibility in “Making his life good.” Meaning, we are responsible to develop our moral standard. 

• Psalm 119:9-11: The Word of God is the standard by which we are to build our ethical standard.  Our words and actions need to be aligned with God’s Word. 

Point 3: Living a Judeo/Christian morality in this World

• Life in Christ is to willfully act on His ethical standard 

• Ephesians 4:17-32 Described is the ethical standard of the world rather than the standard of Christ’s life. The repentance process and examples of this process are given for our instruction to bring about moral transformation. 

• Ephesians 5:1-2 In this passage we are called to love sacrificially just as Christ loved and continues to love us. Evaluate self- are you selflessly laying down your life for others?

Conclusions:Our morality is based on our ethical standard!

Practical Applications:

What were the take-aways from today’s sermon?

In your opinion, does modern Christendom mirror Christ’s life or the culture we live in? Explain why you believe this.

Give practical ways a person can hid/treasure God’s Word, His ethical standard, in the moral chamber of their heart?

Give some practical ways we can work on imitating Christ’s morality in our daily lives?

Points for Prayer:

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