Have you ever seen someone doing something you thought was cool and tried to learn how to do it too? (play an instrument, juggle, dance)
We tend to imitate the people around us, especially our friends. What kinds of things have you picked up from your friends? (habits, styles, shows, etc.)
It might seem prideful to say out loud, but in what ways do you think you are worth imitating? What are some areas you hope people don’t imitate you?
Read
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. -1 Timothy 4:12
How would you define biblical purity?
Why do you think Paul (who wrote the passage above to Timothy) thought it was important for Timothy to set an example in purity?
What things about our culture make it difficult for someone to live a pure life?
Pastor Jonathan said that purity is something that begins inside us and is lived out in our actions. Does this make sense to you? How can this understanding help us live in purity?
Make it personal
To live a pure life, we must be careful what we allow into our minds and hearts. Make a list of things in your life that may be contaminating your mind (ex: music, Netflix, friends). Discuss as a group how you can keep these things from putting junk in you.
Is there anything you can do regularly to help yourself to live a pure life?
Even more personal
Sexual purity is a difficult thing to have in our culture. If you are comfortable, discuss with your group any struggles you have or pressures you feel in this area. (Please do not to be explicit or vulgar in your descriptions and conversations)
Pornography has become a major struggle for many people and is something that can cause great harm in our lives. If you were giving advice to someone on how to deal with this struggle, what advice would you give?
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
-1 John 1:9
What hope do you gain from this verse?