Radical Purity

Sermon Notes

In Matthew 5:27–32, Jesus teaches that purity is more than avoiding adultery. It begins with the heart. He says that anyone who looks at another person with lust has already committed adultery in the heart. He also addresses divorce, showing that marriage is God’s design for lifelong covenant faithfulness.

Jesus raises the bar, exposing the Pharisees’ shallow view of righteousness and pointing us to our need for Him. Radical purity means living with hearts and lives aligned with God’s holiness.

Key Takeaways

  • Purity is about the heart, not only behavior.

  • Lust is a serious sin that damages relationships with God and others.

  • God designed marriage to be permanent and faithful.

  • Jesus raises the standard, showing our need for grace.

  • Radical purity calls us to live set apart for God.

    Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think Jesus raises the standard from external action to the heart?

  2. How does understanding lust as sin change the way you see purity?

  3. What does this passage teach us about God’s view of marriage?

  4. Where are you tempted to lower God’s standard in your own life?

  5. How can grace help you live with greater purity this week?

Recommended Resources

Read the CityBridge Elders' statement on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage.

Transcript

Purity Beyond the Surface

In Matthew 5:27–32, Jesus raises the standard of purity. The command not to commit adultery was clear. But Jesus says it goes deeper. Looking at someone with lust is already adultery in the heart.

He is not lowering the bar. He is showing that God cares about more than behavior. He cares about desires, thoughts, and motives.

The Seriousness of Sin

Jesus uses strong language. He says if your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out. If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off. He is not telling us to harm ourselves. He is showing how seriously we should treat sin.

Sin destroys. And purity requires decisive action. You cannot treat it lightly.

God’s Design for Marriage

Jesus also speaks about divorce. The Pharisees had made divorce easy. They allowed it for almost any reason. Jesus reminds them of God’s design. Marriage is meant to be a covenant,faithful and lasting.

Breaking that covenant lightly is not God’s way. He calls His people to honor marriage as a gift and responsibility.

The Call to Radical Purity

Radical purity is not about appearing holy. It is about a transformed heart. Jesus raises the standard so we see our need for Him. We cannot reach purity on our own. We need grace.

By His Spirit, we can live with integrity in both heart and action. Purity is possible,not because of our strength, but because of His work in us.

 
Sunday MessagesBrad KirbyRadical