In what ways can we remain "clean" through Jesus' teachings today? Rooted in the Text “Already you are clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3) What “Clean” Means in Jesus’ Vocabulary • Forgiven—washed from guilt (1 John 1:7) • Set apart—belonging exclusively to God (Hebrews 10:10) • Enabled—empowered to obey (Ephesians 2:10) How Jesus’ Teachings Keep Us Clean Today 1. Saturate the Mind • Read and rehearse Scripture daily; His word is the cleansing “water” (Ephesians 5:26). • Memorize key passages that confront specific temptations (Psalm 119:11). 2. Abide in Christ • Remain relationally connected through obedience (John 15:4-5). • Let His words remain in you by continuous meditation (Joshua 1:8). 3. Confess Quickly • Agree with God about sin the moment it surfaces (1 John 1:9). • Receive immediate restoration rather than carry hidden defilement (Proverbs 28:13). 4. Walk in the Spirit • Depend on the Spirit’s power, not self-effort (Galatians 5:16). • Follow His promptings; He never leads into impurity (Romans 8:14). 5. Choose Pure Company • Fellowship with believers who honor holiness (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Avoid partnerships that dull spiritual sensitivity (1 Corinthians 15:33). 6. Guard the Gates • Eyes: filter entertainment through Philippians 4:8. • Ears: reject teaching that contradicts Scripture (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Mind: take every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). 7. Serve with Clean Hands • Put truth into action; obedience fortifies purity (John 13:17). • Meet tangible needs—good works extinguish selfish impulses (Titus 2:14). Results of Staying Clean • Intimate fellowship—“I will come to him and dine with him” (John 14:23). • Fruitful living—“He who abides… bears much fruit” (John 15:5). • Unhindered prayer—“Whatever you ask… it will be done” (John 15:7). • Persistent joy—“Your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Putting It All Together Staying clean is not a one-time rinse but a lifestyle of abiding, confessing, guarding, and serving—continually washed by the living, powerful words of Jesus. |
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