Peaceful Purity Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Peaceful Purity ----------------------- Date: 06/20/1999 Keywords: "purity" "peacemaker" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. eXXit advertises itself as a web site designed to help you "stand strong in the face of sexual temptation." In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul lists nine "fruit of the Spirit," fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in the life of the believer. Each of these fruits - if produced - will greatly aid a believer who seeks to "stand strong". At eXXit, we believe: that the fruit of the Spirit is produced in the life of a healthy Christian, just as apples appear on a healthy apple tree; that if there is any love or joy or peace in a Christian, it is ultimately the work of God; that Christians can cooperate with the Spirit's desire to produce His fruit in their lives by yieldedness, faith, obedience and involvement in ministry. We hope you enjoy and benefit from the next month and a half's meditations on Galatians 5! Send us any feedback. We'd love to know what you think. Passage: James 3:17-18* 17. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. Questions 1. Where does purity come from?   2. What about peace; where does it come from?   3. Is there any peace that comes into your life as a result of porn?   Practical help This list is a lot like the "fruit of the Spirit" list in Galatians 5. But, by putting purity at the top of the list, it seems James is saying that without purity, there's not much chance of adding the other fruits like peace to your basket. Or, maybe you're struggling with porn because in your life there's not much peace. Maybe it seems the only way you can get some "peace and quiet" is alone in your room. The peace that James is encouraging can't be found in isolation, because its essence is peaceful relationship. The call to peace is more than just a call to lack of conflict. It's the job of peacemakers to make peace, to dive into those conflicts that are so wearisome and to chase out the evil desires that cause them. Have the courage to battle Satan head-on, with the full armor of Ephesians 6, so that when the battle is done, you can enjoy peace. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 1999 by eXXit * Scriptures are from The Holy Bible: New International Version, © Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved.