For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14

The greatest contrast between unbelievers and believers is their lifestyle. If the Christian is walking with Jesus Christ as a true disciple, then he is living a life of purity for the world to see. In no way can you say that Jesus is your Lord and continue to practice sin.

We have identified that a disciple is a follower of Jesus who is learning His ways. We have also found in all areas that a disciple puts Christ first in all areas of his life. At this point, we expand on the profile of a disciple by saying that a disciple is committed to a life of purity and is taking steps to separate from sin.

The commitment to purity of life involves:

• Repentance

Repentance is not just sorrow for sin. The repentant sinner is sorry that he has offended a Holy God and is determined to change. Repentance brings about change.

• A change of attitudes
  • A change in attitude regarding sin in our own life
  • A change in attitude about salvation
    • God is the one who did it (Ephesians 2:8-9)
  • A change in attitude about matters of daily living
    • Relationships
    • Conduct
  • Change of desires
  • An abhorrence of sin
    • We recognize sin for what it is in the sight of God and we deliberately turn from it
  • Break off influences
    • Remove sinful and bad influences from our lives
• A battle for purity
  • We have the help of the Holy Spirit
  • The battle between flesh and Spirit (Galatians 5:17-18)
• Evidence of purity
  • Pure in thoughts
  • Pure in speech
  • Pure in dealings with others
  • Pure in business dealings
  • Pure in our conduct

The battle for purity is a matter of obedience to God, a commitment to Him to live His way. What do we do when we fall? Repent and begin again. A disciple is committed to a life of purity and is taking steps to separate from sin.