- What famous person comes to mind when you think of ‘pure in heart’? What friend or family member? What do these people specifically do or say (or don’t do or say!) that you would think of them in this way?
- According to Matt. 15:19; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 1:21; Gen. 6:5-6, what is the nature of the heart of man?
- What standard did the Pharisee in Luke 18:11 use to make himself feel “pure” before God? Is there a difference between inward purity and outward performance? From the following passages, clarify the true standard that God expects (1 Pet. 1:15-16; Matt. 5:48)?
- What is received when we cultivate this quality in our lives (Psalm 24:3-4; 73:1; Heb. 12:14)?
- If God can see into my heart, can I ever really be inwardly pure before him? Read 1 John 1:8, Psalm 119:9. How might beginning each day confessing your need for God by reading His Word and ending each day by confessing your sins to Him change the way you live? Who would be the first to notice your change of heart? How would this help you to see God more clearly during the course of your day?
- To be done privately before the Lord. Read Prov. 20:9. Take time to pray and admit to the Lord that you can’t purify your own heart and then think of two things you long for Christ to cleanse from your heart. Trust God for his power to overcome and his forgiveness to cleanse your heart. Be encouraged by reading Paul’s words in Titus 2:14.
