Pastor Peter Mason - August 4, 2019
The Pathway for Purity from Proverbs
The Pathway for Purity from Proverbs Proverbs 5:1-23
The book of Proverbs describes the path of life by two words, ’orach and derek. These words are often used synonymously.
They literally mean a physical path, way or road. In English we use the word path to describe a narrow, curvy trail in the woods.
However, these Hebrew words are more often used figuratively to refer to one’s life style, way of life or conduct of behavior.
That way of life can be righteous or wicked. In Proverbs 2:19, good or righteous conduct is described as “the path of life.”
This morning I am referring to this righteous way as the “path of purity.”
Purpose
Proverbs provides wisdom regarding the “path of purity.” Our study today is to understand God’s purpose for sexuality and
why following his plan for purity provides the greatest fulfillment.
Culture
Our culture presents a false view of sexual intimacy which when followed leads to hurt, dissatisfaction, broken relationships and
even death.
God’s Design for Human Relationships is to Reflect His Character
God’s love, purity and faithfulness are to be reflected in marriage between one man and one woman where God designed sexual intimacy
to be expressed. “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her . . .” (Eph. 5:25).
God’s Design for Sexuality
1. Procreation (Genesis 1:28)
2. Personal relationship—sex is referred to as “knowing” your spouse (Genesis 4:1). When Adam “knew” Eve this meant sexual intimacy.
3. Pleasure (Proverbs 5:18-19)
"God created sex not only for reproduction but also for enjoyment, and he didn't put the 'marriage wall' around sex to rob us
of pleasure but to increase pleasure and protect it" (Warren Wiersbe, p. 48).
4. Protection (1 Corinthians 7:1-5)
5. Praise (Colossians 3:17)
The Pathway for Purity from Proverbs
God designed sex to be expressed in the marital love between a man and a woman—husband and wife—celebrating a life-long commitment.
1. Follow God’s wisdom (Proverbs 5:1-2)
a. from the example of your parents and
b. from the perspective of godly friends
2. Satan comes as an “angel of light” to deceive (vv.3-4)—temptation looks very attractive, but is, in fact, very destructive.
Sin meets a real need in a wrong, distorted way.
a. The temptress comes with words that are sweet (flattering) and smooth (delightful, v. 3).
b. Nevertheless if swallowed, her words make the person tempted by them feel bitter (ashamed) and wounded (hurt, v. 4).
3. Count the cost of wandering off the path of purity (vv. 4-6, 9-14). The deception of immorality leads to . . .
a. Disappointment
b. Destruction
c. Death
4. Keep away from tempting situations (vv. 7-8)
5. Focus on enjoying and strengthening your marriage relationship (vv. 15-20)
a. Focus on your marriage
b. Invest in your marriage
c. Be faithful to your marriage
6. Ultimately, we stand before the LORD and are accountable to him for our actions (vv. 21-23)
a. The greatest protection for purity is living in the presence of God.
b. We need to live conscious of God’s greatness and goodness providing what is best for us.
God’s Forgiveness—"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:9-10).