For over 20 years, Dr. Jay Strack has been working with young Christian leaders throughout the U.S. and teaching them have a better understanding of God's Word and His calling in their lives. The topics chosen for the Student Leadership University Study Guide Series represent part of the teaching model that Dr. Strack has developed over the years and address tough questions that young people are asking today.

In Life, Dr. Strack and David Edwards will take the student on a journey to reveal that purity is more than the sum of what we don't do, but instead is an issue of how we live our lives day by day. Students will learn the foundations of living a pure life--mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally--and will be challenged to assess their own lives and discover how they can purposely make alternate choices that will enhance their growth in purity.

LIFE

Thomas Nelson

Contents

INTRODUCTION...........................................................5KEY....................................................................61. MYTHS, LIES, AND FABRICATIONS ABOUT A PURE LIFE.....................92. PURITY FROM THE INSIDE OUT..........................................233. BULLETPROOFING YOUR LIFE............................................394. SELF-DESTRUCTION....................................................555. MENTAL FLOSS........................................................696. THE PERSON YOU WANT TO BE WITH......................................837. IT MATTERS HOW YOU LIVE.............................................978. IT'S NEVER WRONG TO DO RIGHT........................................111NOTES..................................................................129ABOUT THE AUTHORS......................................................132

Chapter One

KEY SCRIPTURE

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. -1 Timothy 4:12

COULD THIS BE YOU?

James J. Braddock was nicknamed "Cinderella Man" by a reporter during his 1935 comeback. In his first round as a professional boxer, Braddock emerged a winner. But in time, he started losing the majority of his fights. When the Great Depression hit in 1929, unable to make money as a boxer, Braddock left the ring and returned to the docks so he could provide for his family.

The rough years of the Depression affected the entire country. Many people were starving, men were being laid off daily, and families were sending their children to the homes of relatives in the hopes they might have a better chance of surviving. When Braddock was unable to find work, the proud ex-boxer swallowed his pride and applied for relief. He was ashamed to be on welfare, but his wife and three children needed food.

Finally, in 1934, Braddock got a break. He stepped in as a replacement boxer and won the fight by knocking out his opponent.

His success as a heavyweight boxer continued from 1937 into 1938. During the time he was on assistance, Braddock kept a running tally of all the money he'd been given. Now that he was able to provide for his family as a boxer, he went back to the welfare office and returned the money he'd been given. Braddock's thoughts were, "They paid me. I returned it; let them give it to somebody else because they were good enough to give it to me. [I was in] a spot where I could pay it back."

WHY KNOW IT?

* Only 6 percent of all teens believe that there are moral absolutes.

* Only 9 percent of self-described born-again teens believe that moral truth is absolute.

transfuse (trans FYOOZ): to cause to pass from one to another; transmit

There has been so much emphasis put on sexual purity that we may forget how we actually get there. It begins with a pure heart.

The Christian does choose a different lifestyle than the culture-a meaningful lifestyle. We have to know why we believe and stand for purity, or ultimately we get lost in the crowd culture.

Purity is no different than any other goal. It has to be thought through and broken down into manageable steps. In setting any goal, there are four questions to ask:

1. What do I want to do?

2. Why do I want to do it?

3. When will I get it done?

4. How will I accomplish it?

If you take a group of people and allow them to vote on which of those four are the most important, you will get four different answers. What seems like the logical choice-you have to know exactly, specifically what you want to accomplish and then the others will naturally follow, right? How seems logical-you have to know how to accomplish the goal. But logic and reason do not drive us to the finish line. It is only when we have a unmistakable definition of why we want to begin a project, try a hobby, make a friend, or learn something new that we are able to not only begin it, but also to finish it. Why drives the what and how of every goal.

GROUP DISCUSSION

Define why purity is important to you. Write two to three sentences about it here: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

Now that you have a strong why on paper, dwell on it often, think it, tell it, and focus on it.

Those efforts will give you ownership of this important quality so that it's not your mom's idea or the church's idea, but your heart's call.

* * *

Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. -2 Corinthians 10:5

Popular myths about purity have to be destroyed in your personal life. Quit arguing with yourself, and stop allowing evil reasoning to rob you of a powerful life. This reasoning takes us right to the edge of our convictions-how far can we go and not get caught? How far is too far? If you play on the edge, you will one day fall off the edge. Once and for all, accept the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

infuse (in FYOOZ): to cause to be permeated with something (as a principle or quality) that alters usually for the better

The mind is a powerful motivator. It has the power to encourage or discourage. It is where the journey to a devoted heart begins. When the mind is overcome and taken captive, it lays down all authority of its own and walks in obedience to Christ. Filling the mind with positive why is essential, but so is destroying the lies that stand in our way as obstacles to the goal of a pure life.

MYTHS, LIES, AND FABRICATIONS ABOUT A PURE LIFE

Myth 1: Purity is only about what I do sexually.

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. -1 Timothy 4:12

Truth: Purity is about example.

Paul speaks to young Timothy, who is probably close to your age, and says, "Just because you are young doesn't mean you can't be an example to others."

* To be an example is to be a pattern for others to follow.

* It is a huge responsibility, one that only a pure heart can fulfill.

Truth: Purity is about the influence you can have on others.

Paul tells Timothy to be a positive influence for purity in both his speech and in his actions.

* When influencing others for good is an essential daily goal, then we will be inspired to live a life of purity.

ASK YOURSELF

Ask yourself, "Why do I want to live a pure life?" You have to have clear, sure answers before you can be successful in this area. "Because I'm supposed to" will leave you powerless. Choose to live far above the culture standards because it is important to you to do so.

Truth: Purity is about what or who you love.

* Who or what holds your affections? * What type of lifestyle are you drawn to, do you think about, and do you "love"? * The authentic mark of a Christian is a pure love for people, without regard for selfish gain or love in return.

* Truth: Purity is about attitude.

Attitude may be the one thing holding you back from living a pure life. If you allow bitterness, anger, jealousy, or other negative emotions or thoughts to rule, you cannot have a pure heart.

[(1)]

What ONE THING (attitude or negative emotion) in your life might be keeping you from a pure heart? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

Myth 2: It's too late for me. I've made too many mistakes.

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." -Isaiah 1:18

Truth: This argument is not only a lie, but it calls God a liar.

To say, "It's too late" is to speak of Christ's death on the cross as though it didn't happen. He came from heaven to earth, suffered shame, humiliation, pain, and rose from the dead, all for one reason-that you could be forgiven! This lie discounts the forgiveness of God down to nothing.

Truth: You cannot measure the forgiveness and grace of God by your own ability to forgive.

The Lord tells us, "Sit down and let's talk about this." He offers to remove the stain on your life that's been marked with a permanent red dye and make it white like snow. His is a complete, restoring forgiveness.

* How does your attitude toward purity influence the way you forgive others? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

diffuse (di FYOOZ): to pour out and permit or cause to spread freely; to extend, scatter

Myth 3: If I choose to do the purity thing, everything will be "all good" all at once.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. -Galatians 6:7

* Truth: The depth of God's mercy and forgiveness does not give us permission to keep sinning.

God is "not mocked," Galatians 6:7 says. In other words, He will not allow His holiness to become an option.

* Truth: The pure heart accepts responsibility for previous choices and the resulting consequences.

A person with a pure heart is willing to make whatever amends necessary with people. For example, you may decide to become morally pure once and for all, but ...

* The people you hurt must be asked for forgiveness. * The person you showed the wrong example to must be talked to. * The results of your sexual immorality (STDs, pregnancy, guilt and shame, sinning against a person) will have to be dealt with.

The good news is that Christ will walk through each of those situations with you because His grace is more than sufficient to help you do the right thing and restore your testimony.

Myth 4: God will give me whatever I want, if I just stay pure.

For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. -Hosea 6:6

Truth: God doesn't owe you anything.

Live for Him because you love Him, because it's the best choice. Otherwise, forget it.

Myth 5: Purity is about the things I don't do.

For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. -1 Samuel 16:7

Truth: Purity is about the private world, not just what you don't do outwardly.

The Bible tells us, "The Lord looks on the heart." You might lie to yourself and tell yourself what a great person you are, but God knows the innermost thoughts and intents of the heart.

Which purity myth holds a position of power in your life? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

Why do you think you have chosen to believe it? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

Purity is about an undying loyalty to Christ and His will. Think of the soldier fighting for his country even when he is wounded and tired and his belly is empty. His loyalty defies circumstances.

* Now that you understand the truth about purity, be ready to share the forgiveness of God with those who may be facing the consequences of their choices. Explain that God's grace will walk with them through the consequences and that you will be their friend.

[FUSE BOX]

Purity is not just about the body; it's about the whole person, beginning in the private world. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

PRIVATE WORLD DEVOTIONS

MONDAY: See it. Read the surrounding passages or chapter for the Key Scripture so that you can get an understanding of the background and context. This helps you to really see the verse.

TUESDAY: Hear it. Read the daily Key Scripture and/or surrounding passage out loud, putting your name in, if applicable. For example, John can do all things through Christ. Thieves have come to destroy John, but Jesus has come that John might have eternal life.

WEDNESDAY: Write it. Write the verse and then what it says about:

* Others: Respond, serve, and love as Jesus would.

* Me: Specific attitudes, choices, or habits.

* God: His love, mercy, holiness, peace, joy, etc. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

PRIVATE WORLD JOURNAL

I am grateful for-I praise you for-I am feeling-I am thinking-I need help with ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

THURSDAY: Memorize it. Take the verse with you-write it on a card or put it in your phone, iPod, or PDA. Go over it throughout the day so that it begins to live in your heart and mind.

FRIDAY: Pray it. Personalize the verse as you pray for yourself or for others or in praise to God. To pray is literally "to think about." Try thinking out loud or writing in your PRIVATE WORLD JOURNAL.

SATURDAY: Share it. Ask the Lord to bring someone to mind or in your path today who needs good news. Don't be shy-just let it out! Whether you IM, write, text, tell, or send it, the joy of God's Word will flow from your heart into theirs.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Date Name Need Answer _______ __________________ ________________ ______________ _______ __________________ ________________ ______________ _______ __________________ ________________ ______________

Chapter Two

KEY SCRIPTURE

I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O Lord, I will sing praises. I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me. -Psalm 101:1-3

COULD THIS BE YOU?

Lance Shelby, a high school senior from Minnesota, was on his way to work when he saw the accident. It was raining heavily, and the car in front of him hydroplaned out of control, went off the road, and plunged into a lake. Shelby's first instinct was to pull over, dive in to the lake, and swim immediately to the car. The driver had already escaped and was helping his wife out of the window as she cried, "I can't swim!" Lance assured her, "Hold on and it will be fine," as he swam with her, using the other arm, to shallow water where they could stand.

When interviewed afterward about the situation, Lance said that when he saw the accident, he figured it wouldn't matter if he was late for work. "I didn't know it was deep. I just swam out there. I felt that God used me to help those people. You never know when God is going to use you in a situation."

In a moment of decision, Lance made the right choice. What was already in his heart came out when he was emotionally squeezed, and he responded with a pure heart, despite the danger to himself.

WHY KNOW IT?

* 50 percent of Americans believe that anyone who is "generally good or does enough good things for others during their life, will earn a place in heaven."

transfuse (trans FYOOZ): to cause to pass from one to another; transmit

When you squeeze a tube of toothpaste, toothpaste comes out because that's what's inside. Similarly, when a person is squeezed through stress or temptation, what comes out is what's inside. The private world of a person is revealed in trials based on their actions, responses, or reactions to the situation. Students are no different.

If we expect to make good choices, represent Christ well, and remain morally pure, then we have to put some effort into getting there and staying there.

* Every moment makes a contribution to who you are and who you are becoming. * To have a life under control, you must have the moments of life under control.

It sounds like hard work, and it is. But the reward fuels you into more resolve about choosing who you are rather than being a victim of the past or making stupid mistakes. It's like the auto preventive maintenance slogan: "You can pay me now, or you can pay me later."

* * * I will sing of mercy and justice; to You, O Lord, I will sing praises. I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; the one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, him I will not endure. My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; he who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord. -Psalm 101

(Continues...)

Excerpted from LIFEby JAY STRACK DAVID EDWARDS Copyright © 2006 by Student Leadership University. Excerpted by permission.
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