Scripture: Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

2 Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. 3 For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches. 5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?” 6 Jesus replied, “Well, did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, [Quoted from Isaiah 29:13] “These people honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 And in vain they worship Me teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” 8 All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.”

I. Purification Process Of The Heart

“And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible but not with God, for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:26-27)

A. A Heart Purified By Faith in God

Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (confidence) of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” (Genesis 22:12)

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:7-8)

“But He knows the way that I take; When he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)

B. A Heart Purified By The Word of God

That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word. (Ephesians 5:26)

In the Parable of the Sower,

• 1. First, there is the hard heart, the seed that falls along the roadside. This represents people who hear the Word of God, but never really believe.
• 2. Then there is the shallow heart. That is the seed that falls on stony ground. This signifies the people who hear the Word of God and receive it with joy, but because there is no root to sustain them, they wither.
• 3. Next, there is the crowded/busy heart. Slowly and surely, these people, busy with the cares and riches of the world, just lose interest in the things of God.
• 4. Finally, there is the fruitful heart that receives the Word. The seed falls on good ground and the plants produce a rich harvest.

How? By

• Hearing
• Reading
• Studying
• Memorizing
• Meditating

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

II. You Will See God

… no man shall see Me and live. (Exodus 33:20)

He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To Him be honour and eternal dominion. (1 Timothy 6:16)

Seeing God's Heart

... He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ (Acts 13:22)

Blessed are they who have not seen and yet have believed. (John 20:29)

Challenge

When the heart is pure, the vision is clear.

The Purification Process

• Purified by Faith
• Purified by the Word