Lesson 5: Holiness in Thought and Action
Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:27-30
The Heart of Purity
Jesus begins by quoting the seventh commandment: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’” (Matthew 5:27). The Pharisees viewed righteousness in terms of external obedience to the law, but Jesus reveals that God’s standard goes far beyond outward actions. “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). Here, Jesus exposes the root issue - sin begins in the heart long before it manifests in actions.
This teaching aligns with Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Purity isn’t just about avoiding external sin but about cultivating an inner life that honors God. A lustful gaze reveals a divided heart, one that prioritizes selfish desire over faithfulness to God and others.
Radical Measures for Spiritual Purity
Jesus then uses striking imagery to emphasize the seriousness of sin: “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell” (Matthew 5:29). This hyperbolic statement doesn’t mean literal self-mutilation but rather conveys the necessity of drastic action in removing sin from our lives. If we’re to walk in holiness, we must be willing to cut off anything that leads us away from God.
This teaching echoes Colossians 3:5, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” The call to radical purity demands intentional boundaries, discipline, and a heart fully surrendered to God’s transforming power.
Key Principles
Jesus teaches that sin isn’t just about outward actions but the condition of the heart (Matthew 5:27-28).
We must be willing to take drastic steps to remove temptations that lead us away from God (Matthew 5:29-30).
The pursuit of purity is a lifelong commitment to honoring God in our thoughts, desires, and actions (Proverbs 4:23, Colossians 3:5).
Bible Study Questions
How does Jesus’ teaching on adultery go beyond the external commandment in Exodus 20:14?
Why does Jesus emphasize the role of the heart in purity? (Matthew 5:28)
What does it mean to “tear out” an eye or “cut off” a hand in the context of sin? (Matthew 5:29-30)
How does Colossians 3:5 relate to Jesus’ teaching on radical purity?
What practical steps can we take to guard our hearts against lustful thoughts?
Why is it important to take sin seriously, even when it seems small or internal?
What cultural influences make it difficult to pursue purity today, and how can we resist them?
How does the pursuit of holiness reflect our love for God and commitment to his kingdom?
What are some ways that accountability and community can help in maintaining purity?
How can we encourage others in their pursuit of holiness without falling into legalism?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
Are there areas in your life where you’ve tolerated sinful thoughts or desires? How can you surrender these to God?
How do Jesus’ words challenge the way you think about purity and holiness?
What practical steps can you take this week to guard your heart and mind?
Have you ever had to “cut off” something in your life to grow in faithfulness to God? What was the result?
How can the grace of Christ empower us to pursue purity without falling into guilt or despair?
What role does prayer play in overcoming temptation?
How can Scripture memorization help in resisting lustful thoughts and desires?
In what ways can you encourage purity in your family, friendships, or church community?
How does understanding God’s holiness impact your desire to live a life of purity?
What encouragement would you give to someone struggling with sexual sin or temptation?
Action Steps
Take an honest assessment of what you watch, read, and listen to, and remove anything that leads you into temptation.
Find a trusted friend or mentor to encourage and pray with you as you pursue holiness.
Memorize key Bible verses about purity and regularly pray for God’s strength to resist temptation.
Thank you for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and blessed by reflecting on this passage. You can discover more devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources by clicking here: Walking Points. If you found this study helpful, please consider sharing it with others and encouraging them to subscribe as well.