Sermons from Moorpark Presbyterian Church

The Practice of Personal Purity

by Dave Wilkinson

Hebrews 12:1-3

February 28, 1999

In the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Derek Redmond, a young black athlete from Great Britain took his stance in the starting blocks. The track and field stadium was filled with spectators preparing to watch the semi-finals for the 400-meter race. Millions of others watched on television. Tuning in from England were Derek Redmond's mother and pregnant sister. The gun sounded, and the runners were off. Derek felt great. His pace was impressive. But about 100 meters into the race Derek heard a loud pop and crumpled to the track. He had been felled by a torn hamstring. As he lay on the track's hot, rough surface, burning tears coursed down his face. "Not again, he thought to himself. How could this happen again?"

Although he was one of the fastest runners in the world, Derek Redmond was also injury-prone. Common runners' injuries had sidelined him repeatedly. In 1988 Derek had earned the right to represent his country in the Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea. But only 90 seconds before his qualifying heat in the 400-meter race, he was forced to withdraw because of a pulled Achilles tendon. That injury resulted in five surgeries. But through grueling therapy and an indefatigable determination, Redmond somehow managed to qualify for the 1992 Games in Barcelona. And now, 100 meters into the race, he had fallen again. Back home watching on TV, Derek's mother wept uncontrollably. His sister went into false labor. Those in the stadium watched in obvious shock.

This is a heartbreaking account. But it is not an isolated one. In the human race, runners fall all the time. It is part of the plight of living in an imperfect world. Years ago, the precedent was set -- a fall on a garden path in a place called Eden. Everyone ever born battles a fallen nature and falls victim to sinful choices. When we come to Christ, our fallenness is both forgiven and continually challenged by the godly nature imparted to us by the Holy Spirit.

However, as we saw in Romans 6, even though we now have the ability to stand up to our sinful self, we also have the ability to fall flat on our faces. And, like Paul says about himself in Romans 7, we do fall more often than we'd like to admit. But this doesn't mean we are disqualified from the race. It certainly doesn't mean we can't get up and leg out our remaining laps on the track of faith.

Listen to these words from Hebrews chapter twelve. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Hebrews likens our walk of faith to a marathon race in the ancient Olympics. The grandstands are filled with heroes of the faith. Some are listed in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews -- runners who have already persevered and finished their race. They watch those of us who still have -- to quote a line from Robert Frost -- promises to keep and miles to go before we sleep.

The writer of Hebrews refers to the sin that so easily entangles itself around us. . The King James Version uses the phrase "a besetting sin." Eugene Peterson in The Message calls it a parasitic sin. A professor at Wheaton College uses the term "a signature sin."

This particular kind of sin is a recurring temptation with which you regularly struggle. It is that sin that you "own" (or, in reality, it "owns" you). It is the sin that, at least to an extent, defines your character.

Gilligan’s Island featured a core cast that is familiar to millions of Americans: Gilligan, the lazy, but large-souled hero. Skipper, the big, blustery, lovable bear of a captain. The Howells, wealthy beyond belief. Movie star Ginger. Sweet-and-simple Mary Ann. And, of course, the Professor.

In his book, The Embarrassed Believer, PBS commentator Hugh Hewitt who spoke at the men’s breakfast in January describes how he was taught to remember the traditional Seven Deadly Sins by identifying each of them with a character in Gilligan’s Island. We might say that these are the signature sins of each character.

Gilligan--sloth

Skipper--gluttony

Mr. Howell--anger

Mrs. Howell--greed

Ginger--lust

Mary Ann--envy -- she wanted to be like Ginger

And the Professor--pride -- he could do anything but fix a hole in a boat -- and he knew it.

Now, If you were an eighth character on Gilligan’s Island, what would be your signature sin? For many men, it is pornography that leads to sexual lust, fornication, or adultery. For some, it is envy. For some, rage. Others have signed off on workaholism, gluttony, or alcohol abuse. Still others are tripped up routinely by lying, profanity, or gossip.

Like Derek Redmond, each of us has a recurring runner's injury which renders us vulnerable. And when we fall, we burn with shame and a sense of hopelessness, a victim of our own vulnerability. Or maybe we don't shame like we once did. Maybe we have fallen to that particular temptation so many times we have rationalized its existence in our lives. That's what happens when we no longer see our sin from God's point of view. We no longer feel guilty -- but we no longer feel the proximity of God's sweet presence either.

This week in our 50-Day Spiritual Adventure, we want to experience God's help to live what we say we believe about purity. We want to go on record to say we are tired of giving in to our signature sin. We want to begin a proactive program of preventive maintenance that will allow us to practice purity in our thoughts and in our actions. The passage in Hebrews calls us to "throw off" everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us.

This week's action step is designed to provide a tangible way to throw off all that hinders. It's called "confess and confront a signature sin," The way we approach this confession and confrontation is by working down an acrostic of the word "purity."

Realizing you have what it takes to experience freedom begins with owning the name of your captor. "P" stands for "Put your name by a signature sin." Own up to what trips you up.

Then "U": Unmask who you are before God.

If I were to say the name "Eddie Haskell," what image comes to mind? Of course. the devious chum of Leave It to Beaver's older brother Wally. Eddie was sneaky, rude, and mercilessly cruel to "The Beav" and his friends. But whenever Eddie was in the presence of Ward or June Cleaver (Beaver's parents), he was the most polite young man you could ever imagine. "Good evening, Mr. Cleaver. How are you this fine evening?' "Oh, please, Mrs. Cleaver, allow me to be of assistance to you with those heavy groceries. Is young Theodore not here at present to help you?" If you remember Eddie, you probably remember your reaction to his character. You wanted to gag.

Sadly, that is God's reaction to our reigned righteousness. Like Eddie Haskell, we also know how to put on a good front when it counts. We are experts at covering up. Like Eddie Haskell, we are one way on the inside and another way when we are inside the church. Foolishly, we think we can get away with it. Ignorantly, we think nobody knows about our secret sin. As I think back to that old TV show, I have to smile. We all knew that Ward and June Cleaver were wise to Eddie. They knew what he really was like. And God knows what we're really like.

Do you know what stings the most? We also know what we are like. No matter how hard we try to project an image that is what others expect of us, we look in the same mirror every morning.

Get honest with God. Once you've owned your signature sin, you are in a position to admit to the Lord what he has known all along. The Bible calls that kind of candid honesty "confession" The Lord delights in it. Genuinely express to Him how much you want to quit being known as a gossip or a liar or as one addicted to pornography or alcohol or envy. And if, in all honesty, you really enjoy your secret sin and don't want to live without the temporary satisfaction it brings, ask the Lord to recalibrate your conscience and give you the desire to repent. Admit your hope of being healed. But also confess your fear of failure.

You may hesitate wanting to take steps toward purity because of the number of times you have tried and tripped and fallen face first. But God knows your track record. He knows your reluctance. He can handle your honest doubt. "U' stands for "Unmask who you are before God."

Next is "R": Replace old patterns with new possibilities. Getting rid of your signature sin it may involve changing some life patterns in order to avoid temptation and refocus on positive thoughts or activities.

Now men, I’m going to get personal here. Replacing old patterns may mean that you have to do something that is truly radical and revolutionary. It may hurt. Here it comes.

Surrender the remote control! The symbol of power in today's nuclear family is the remote control unit in the entertainment center. And, quite often it is found in dad's hand. What most dads fail to realize is that the power he holds in his hand has the potential for either good or evil. If the eye is indeed the window of the heart, what are we letting in through the media as we surf the channels from time to time? And, what about the times that you hold that control all alone and you are tempted to linger? Would you be comfortable if you knew that the one who said, 'Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart,' was right there beside you? If you believe what He said, He is!

Replace the remote with involvement. Experiment with some new possibilities. If you're married, how about channeling your appetite for intimacy toward your mate? If you're single, channel your imaginative thoughts into creative expression or nonsexual friendships. Replace those self-destructive emotions of shame and guilt with a renewed sense of the Lord's presence. After all, He promised as much to those who would be "pure in heart."

If you struggle with envy, determine not to look at fashion or decorator magazines that cause you to covet. Can you resist for a few weeks? Why not see if you can? Enter willingly into a "shopping fast." Break the cycle. Picture the possibility of a more contented you. Instead of House Beautiful,.review a family photo album and give thanks for what you see.

Whatever your personal strategy, you'll be exchanging your impure thoughts or behavior for some new patterns based on God's promises. Ask the Lord what positive traits he wants to develop in you to replace your signature sin. Ask him to give you eyes to see the possibilities that His unconditional love makes possible.

Next is "I": Identify scriptures that keep you focused. When you are confronted with temptation, you usually know within the first ten seconds how you will respond. So why not be prepared? Jesus was. When he faced Satan in the wilderness, he spoke out the Word of God He'd hidden in his heart. You can, too. Memorize certain Bible verses that arm you.

'T" is "trust a friend to help you.

Remember Derek Redmond? We left him on the stadium track in Barcelona. But that is not where he stayed. When he crumpled to the track in obvious agony, medical attendants rushed out to assist him. But as they approached, Derek waved them off. He started crawling, struggling to his feet, and hopping forward in a desperate attempt to at least finish the race for which he'd qualified. Suddenly, up in the stadium seats, a big guy wearing a t-shirt and a Nike cap that said "Just Do It!' barreled out of the stands. He pushed aside a security guard who attempted to prevent him from jumping on the field. Running out to the track, he caught up to Derek Redmond and embraced him. It was Jim Redmond, Derek's dad. Wrapping his strong arms around his son's waist, Jim Redmond supported his son's weight, allowing him to stand. Side by side, arms entwined, the two worked their way around the track until they crossed the finish line together. The crowd stood and cheered.

What Derek's dad was for him, a Christian friend or two can be for you. Coming along side you, standing with you, supporting you through encouragement and prayer. Take Action Step 2 seriously. Have you found a fellow adventurer yet? You need to find someone you can trust to walk with you on the slippery path to purity. If you are in a small group, it could be someone from the group. Whoever you choose, ask that person to call you once a week to see you how you are doing. Be only as vulnerable as you feel comfortable. Share your struggles and victories confidentially.

"P-U-R-I-T----Y': Yell for joy whenever you get it right! You can find victory over this signature sin. Jesus can give you power to win. Don't expect a gold medal next week, though. The process may be lifelong. But there can be short-range victories one day at a time. Learn how to celebrate your steps of progress. Go ahead! Talk to yourself. "Lord, with your help, I did it! I resisted what normally trips me up. Thanks, Father! Do you feel as good about this as I do?" Others may not be aware of your secret battle, so they won't be inclined to pat you on the back when you succeed. Reward yourself Just don't despair when you screw up. Forgiveness is worth celebrating too! Vocalize your praise that the Lord isn't keeping score.

And don't give up. With God, purity is possible. "Y': Yell for joy whenever you get it right!

Do you remember the passage in 1 Corinthians 6 where Paul rehearses the signature sins of that first-century congregation? Some struggled with homosexuality, some with promiscuity, some with adultery, some with stealing, others with greed, still others with alcohol, verbal abuse, and idolatry. But they didn't just roll over and cry uncle or simply plead for grace. They discovered the life-changing power of God and overcame the sin which had enslaved them and came to define them. Listen to what Paul says. He lists the various sins and then says, "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

Charles Swindoll, former pastor of the Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton, describes two radically different approaches to the Christian life. He says that we can choose between a "corrective theology or a preventive theology."

You can decide that you're going to see what all you can get by with in life and when you fail, run quickly to Jesus and ask him for forgiveness. That's the corrective theology. or else you can actually follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to live a life that is oriented toward life and righteousness. That's the preventive theology.

Swindoll helps us get a handle on the difference through his own experience in teaching his son how to drive. He says that there are two ways he could have taught. One is the corrective way. He could give him lessons in first aid. He could have shown him where all the hospitals are on a map of Orange County. He could give him insurance forms with extensive instructions on how to fill them out and how to quickly process a claim. Swindoll says that that would be the corrective way. The assumption is that there is going to be an accident and you better get yourself ready for it.

The other approach is the preventive way of teaching one's son to drive. This is simply instructing him on how to drive safely. It is a positive approach. You learn some basic rules and abide by them and sharpen your skills and reflexes in them and you may drive year after year without an accident. Granted, accidents can happen. It is good to be aware of what to do in those situations. But it is better to apply ourselves to prevention rather than cure.

Many of us, Swindoll says, have fallen into the corrective theology. We know how to confess and receive forgiveness. And that is an essential freedom -- one that we all need to avail ourselves of. But even better than confession and forgiveness, we have the privilege of living as lives grafted to the vine of Jesus Christ -- deriving not only forgiveness for sin but actual power to live lives of righteousness.

Go back with me to the Olympic track and field stadium one last time. The passage in Hebrews reminds us how we can overcome our signature sin. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith .... ' We've got to keep looking at him. Focusing our eyes on the prize of purity requires first focusing on Him. For it is Jesus who gives us the desire and the determination and the durable power to pull it off.