Living a Holy Life: In Purity of Love

Sremon Outline:

Introduction

• Review
• The word of God serves as the means God uses to purify our lives in Christ.

I. “You have Purified Your Souls” – Three Aspects (v. 22a)

• “In Obeying the Truth” (Galatians 3:1, 11; Colossians 2:14)
o “Through the Spirit” (Heidelberg Catechism #79)
o “In Sincere Love of the Brethren” (1 John 5:1)

II. Love One Another Fervently with a Pure Heart” (v. 22b-23)

• “Agape” Love
• Born from an Incorruptible Seed (v. 23; 1 Peter 1:18)
o Lives and Abides Forever (Hebrew 4:12; John 6:63)

III. “The Word of God Endures Forever” – Quote from Isaiah 40:6-8 (vs. 24-25a)
• Contrast between Our first birth and Our New Birth
o All Flesh is as Grass – It Withers
o The Glory of Man as the Flower of Grass – It Falls Away
o The Philosophies of Men and Commandments of Men Wither and Fall Away (Ephesians 4:14; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

Conclusion/Application (v. 25b)

• “This is the Word which by the Gospel was Preached to You”
• The Incorruptible Seed Produce Incorruptible Fruit, Purifying Our Heart so Our Love for One Another will be Pure, Unmixed with the World’s Philosophies and Commandments of Men – A Love that is unfeigned, fervent, unconditional, and sacrificial – an enduring love that will not wither, nor fall away.