Lesson One: Pondering Purity
August 3, 2010 § 11 Comments
“Simplicity reaches towards God,
Purity apprehends and tastes of Him.”
– Thomas A Kempis –
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,
having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience,
and our bodies washed with pure water.”
– Hebrews 10:22 –
Lesson One: Pondering Purity
(Questionnaire and Discussion)
While doing research for this Bible Study, I read several of the most popular Women’s Magazines searching for articles on the issue of purity. I was not surprised to discover there were very few. Purity, it seems, is not a popular topic.
While reading these magazines, I began to see a pattern in the types of articles. Almost every magazine contained at least one questionnaire, survey or quiz. Apparently, as women, we love to answer questionnaires.
Questionnaires are research instruments used to gather data and feedback. For group discussions, questionnaires start conversation and give the basis for a meaningful exchange of ideas.
The topics and issues of this study are designed to challenge your thinking and promote an in-depth study of God’s word on the subject of purity in all areas of your life. What better way to do this than to begin with a questionnaire?
There are 47 questions in this lesson, far too many to discuss during a weekly bible study meeting. No space is provided for written responses because the purpose is to start discussions rather than gather data.
Prior to the class meeting, take enough time to contemplate your answers and mark the questions you wish to discuss with others. Begin with the questions that you feel most comfortable discussing.
Do not be concerned if find you have no answer for many of the questions. The purpose of this Bible Study is to pinpoint those areas and dive into God’s word and discover the truth for ourselves.
Some questions are of a personal nature and may be improper for discussion in a group setting. For that reason, you are encouraged to answer all questions for your own benefit but use discretion if other members choose not to engage a particular topic.
Now, find a quiet place where you can consider the questions and let’s get started.
Lesson One: Pondering Purity
(Questionnaire and Discussion)
- What is the definition of purity?
- What is the opposite of purity?
Lesson Two: Purity in Order
(Power, Protection, and Peace)
- What is the definition of power?
- What is the opposite of power?
- Are your prayers are powerful?
- What is the definition of protection?
- What is the opposite of protection?
- Is your life fully protected by God?
- What is the definition of peace?
- What is the opposite of peace?
- Are you living a life of peace with God?
Lesson Three: Purity in the Obvious
(Flirting, Flattery, and Foolishness)
- What is the definition of flirting?
- What is the opposite of flirting?
- Do you feel flirting is harmless?
- What is the definition of flattery?
- What is the opposite of flattery?
- Do you feel flattery is harmless?
- What is the definition of foolishness?
- What is the opposite of foolishness?
- Do you feel you are wise or foolish?
Lesson Four: Purity in the Obscure
(Meandering, Modesty, and Meekness)
- What is the definition of meandering?
- What is the opposite of meandering?
- Do you feel that meandering is harmless?
- What is the definition of meekness?
- What is the opposite of meekness?
- Do you feel you show meekness in your life?
- What is the definition of modesty?
- What is the opposite of modesty?
- Do you feel modesty is important?
Lesson Five: Purity in the Oblivious
(Authority, Appearance, and Appetite)
- What is the definition of authority?
- What is the opposite of authority?
- How does authority impact your relationship with God?
- What is the definition of appearance?
- What is the opposite of appearance?
- How does your appearance impact your relationship with God?
- What is the definition of appetite?
- What is the opposite of appetite?
- Do you feel your appetites/desires are under control?
Lesson Six: Purity in the Obedient
(Status, Satisfaction and Substance)
- What is the definition of status?
- What is the opposite of a status?
- Describe your status in relationship to God.
- What is the definition of satisfaction?
- What is the opposite of satisfaction?
- Are you satisfied in all areas of your life?
- What is the definition of substance?
- What is the opposite of substance?
- Are you living a life of substance?
Pursuing The Word
1. Our reaction to God reveals the purity of our heart. Whatever is in our hearts shapes our view of God. Read the following verses and list the reason some see God as hostile, froward, or unsavory.
2. Hebrews 10:22-24, instructs us to draw near to God, hold fast, and encourage others. Read this passage and discover …
- In what condition are we to draw near to God? (v. 22)
- What Jesus done with our minds and our consciences? (v.22)
- What has Jesus done to our bodies? (v.22)
- With clean hearts, minds and bodies – what are we to do then? (v.23)
3. Just as you can tell the type of tree by its fruit, read the verse below to discover what is the behavior of one who is pursuing purity in their lives.
4. We need to know the condition of hearts and the remedy God gives. The following verses give us the answers.
- Jeremiah 17:9 – what is the natural condition of our hearts?
- Psalm 119:9 – what is the remedy?
Pursuing the Walk
- After reading, reflecting and contemplating the questionnaire, note those questions you would like to discuss with your study group.
Personal Purity
- Write out how your concept of how pursuing purity has changed while preparing and participating in this lesson.
Pursuing Purity 
Nice website!!
really good teaching for self examination and drawing closer to God. Thankx for this Website
I’m a 19 year old college student that leads the Study and discipleship group for high-school girls at my church. I find this website to be a particular blessing because the topics discussed in these lessons goes hand-in-hand with what we are studying in class. When I first set up some guidelines for the class, the idea was to go deeper than just physical purity to find out what it really means to be ‘Pure’ in the sight of the Lord. So thanks! And God bless. ❤
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Hi,
Where do you lead your group? I am a 23-year old college student/working professional who co-leads a Bible Talk group at Howard University in Washington, DC. Its a group of 7 disciples on our campus. I heard you use the word discipleship and my ears ringed. Not many people do. I became a disciple at the age of 18. I would love to know more about your story. The campus ministry at my church is trying to reel in the teens to follow Christ. I would love some advice. Feel free to email me etriche24@gmail.com
Erica Triche
Thank you!
blessed. thank u!
You’re absolutely right…There isn’t much talk about Purity in the magazines…or websites. I’m glad I happened upon this page. I’m having a Purity Conference at my church targeting the youth and needed a few ice breaker questions but your site gave me more than I bargained for. Thank you for posting this page it has blessed me with a wealth of information.
This is such an awesome resource. Thank you so much for making it available to us! Blessings!
Wonderful lessons!Thank you.
I’m really blessed,God bless you!!
My grandmother’s favorite scripture: “blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God”always stayed with me. I am now 67. The timelessness of your lesson is impressive! From studying the related scriptures, I better grasped the deception in trusting our hearts on matters. And the devil disguises himself, among other things, as Christian friends who mean well while encouraging impure behaviors. Only God can purify us, and only if and when we’re receptive to purity. Thank you for the insights!