How can we strive to be "without stain or wrinkle" in our lives? The Glorious Standard Jesus Sets “to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:27) Why Spotless Matters • A holy Bride honors the worth of the Bridegroom (Hebrews 10:29) • Purity draws a clear line between light and darkness (Philippians 2:14-15) • Clean lives testify that the gospel truly transforms (Titus 2:11-14) The Cleansing Work Only Christ Accomplishes • “Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.” (Ephesians 5:25-26) • “The blood of Jesus His Son purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) • Our part begins with receiving that finished work through faith and daily confession (1 John 1:9) Personal Practices That Keep Us Stainless • Soak in Scripture – “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3) – Read, memorize, and meditate; let the Word expose and remove stains (Psalm 119:9, 11) • Walk by the Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) – Depend on His power, not sheer willpower • Exercise Quick Repentance – Keep short accounts; confess at once when the Spirit convicts – Replace hidden sin with visible obedience (James 5:16) • Cultivate Christlike Attitudes – “Put off… anger, rage, malice… put on compassion, kindness, humility.” (Colossians 3:8-14) – Guard heart motives, not just outward actions • Practice Relational Purity – Forgive as Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32) – Reject sexual immorality in all its forms (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) • Serve Others in Love – Purity is never isolation; it overflows in sacrificial service (Galatians 5:13) Guarding Against New Wrinkles • Watchfulness: stay alert to subtle compromises (1 Corinthians 5:6-8) • Worship: regular fellowship, Lord’s Supper, and praise realign the heart (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Accountability: invite mature believers to speak truth and correct you (Proverbs 27:17) • Renewal: present your body as a living sacrifice, refusing conformity to this age (Romans 12:1-2) Living Expectantly Until the Wedding Day • “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3) • “Make every effort to be found at peace with Him, spotless and blameless.” (2 Peter 3:14) • Daily choices, empowered by grace, prepare us for the moment Christ unveils His radiant, unwrinkled Bride. |
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