The Power of Purity Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: The Power of Purity-------------------------- Date: 8/1/2001 Keyword: "purity" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Passage: 1 Timothy 4:12* Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Questions 1. Paul expected that Timothy would have known the look of dismissal from older folks who didn’t take him, the younger man, seriously. Whether you are "young" or "old," have you ever received a look of dismissal?   2. What five traits does Paul recommend to Timothy to enhance his credibility with those who might look down on him?   Practical help The way a young person speaks, acts, loves and trusts God go a long way toward establishing credibility with others who might look down their noses at him (or her). Besides these, though, Paul lists one final trait: purity. Regardless of a person’s age, when we see in him (or her) an obvious commitment to sexual purity, we are drawn to respect them. Likewise, a lack of a commitment to sexual purity engenders disrespect. "Impurity" in any form — lewd talking, sleeping around, or involvement with Internet or other forms of pornography shout out, "Don’t take this person seriously!" There is something childish about them, something that says, "Don’t give them weighty responsibility." Looking for yet another reason to cease and desist from your porn habit? Learning to control your sexual appetite and to practice purity (an old but not old-fashioned concept!) will add weight to your character and lead to your being taken seriously by those around you. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2001 by eXXit *"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission."