Lesson 9: Purity 101
BIBLE COMMENTS
Understanding the Context
At the heart of purity is the desire to praise God and to live as a God-
centered disciple. This is the emphasis found in Psalms. The Hebrew
title for this book is Tehillim, literally meaning “prayers,” and the English
title is a derivative of a Greek word referring to a sacred song or poem
used in worship. Somewhat analogous to a modern church hymnal,
Psalms is organized into five distinct books. Psalm 24 is part of Book
I (Psalms 1–41) which focuses on King David and on the royal, kingly
traditions associated with his dynasty. Like many other Psalms, Psalm
24 expresses healthy spirituality in terms of fusing worship and obedi-
ence, both essential in the pursuit of purity.
The book of Ephesians (in particular the second half) builds upon
the heart of worship established in the Psalms and provides applica-
tion for disciples living in the midst of an impure world. Ephesians 1–3
emphasizes the incredible gift of transformative salvation offered to
every Christ-follower. The transitional hinge verse is Ephesians 4:1, “As
a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling
you have received.”
Chapters 4–6 concentrate on exhorting disciples to live according to
God’s call on their lives. In other words, having received salvation, how
then is the disciple to live a life ordered by that salvation? The open-
ing pericope in Ephesians 5 falls within a broader set of instructions for
Christian living that describe how disciples can effectively live “not as
unwise but as wise” (5:15) in order to make “the most of every opportu-
nity” (5:16) in an often impure world. Highly effective disciples pursue
pu r it y.
Interpreting the Scriptures
The Foundation for a Habit of Purity (Psalm 24:1–2)
24:1–2. It is possible the immediate context of this Psalm was either the
capture of Jerusalem or the celebration surrounding the transportation