"Keep Thyself Pure"Text: 1 Timothy 5:22 Theme: Personal holiness in relationships, speech, and conduct.IntroductionPaul’s letter to Timothy gives guidance to a young pastor navigating life and ministry.Key verse: 1 Timothy 3:15 – "...that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God..."Chapter 5’s theme: "Keep thyself pure."Purity isn’t just about abstinence or morality but encompasses our relationships, words, and lifestyle.Main Points1. Be Pure from the Parrots (v. 19)Illustration: Parrots repeat everything they hear, symbolizing gossip and careless talk.Warning: Gossip distracts people from God and aligns with Satan’s purpose.Practical Wisdom: 7 Times to Remain Silent:When not Spirit-filled (Ephesians 5:18).When lacking full information (Proverbs 18:13).When tempted to gossip (Proverbs 26:22).When angry (Proverbs 15:1).When you haven’t listened carefully (Proverbs 29:20).When words don’t edify (Proverbs 17:27).When wisdom advises silence (Proverbs 22:17).2. Be Pure from the Preferrers (v. 21)Challenge: Show no partiality.Scripture: James 2:1-9 reminds us to treat everyone equally, regardless of status.Action Step: Pray for others to be saved, and avoid favoritism that compromises purity in relationships.3. Be Pure from the Partakers (v. 22)Warning: Associating with sinful behaviors can make us complicit.Illustration: A white plant growing at a coal mine’s entrance remains unspotted despite the surrounding dirt.Lesson: Like the plant, Christians should reflect purity amid the world’s moral pollution.Biblical Example:Enoch walked with God for 300 years (Genesis 5:22), even in a time of rampant wickedness.Practical ApplicationsGuard Relationships: Choose companions who encourage godliness.Filter Your Words: Think before speaking, and avoid conversations that dishonor God.Shine Your Light: Matthew 5:15 – Be a beacon of purity in a dark world. Visit our Church Website: https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/

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