Is Your Heart Blameless?
A blameless life is one lived without deceit, sensuality, or guile, characterized by a consuming desire to honor Jesus.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the call for Christians to live blameless lives, drawing from Paul's example in 1 Thessalonians 2:10. He explains that a blameless Christian is characterized by honesty, purity, and a sincere desire to honor Jesus, avoiding deceit and unclean speech. Wilkerson warns against false prophets and encourages believers to pursue righteousness by faith, highlighting that a true blameless walk cannot be faked. He urges listeners to set their hearts on being blameless today, promising that such a commitment will lead to God's favor and a positive impact on others.
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"You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe" (1 Thessalonians 2:10).
Paul was an effective preacher who could stand boldly before people and testify, "My co-workers and I have lived blameless lives before you and God. Our conduct was righteous and pure. I always walk as if his eyes are on me and you are also witnesses to the way I live." He wanted every believer to have the same power he had in directing people toward God through living a blameless life. But how can anyone live blamelessly, and what characterizes such a life?
The blameless Christian is one without deceit in his heart. Paul asserted that he was not a fraud, preaching one thing and yet living another. But he also warned that certain men were going about claiming to be apostles. "[But] such are false prophets, deceitful workers" (2 Corinthians 11:13). Paul said, "You can't fake a blameless walk."
The blameless Christian lives a clean life. "Our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness" (1 Thessalonians 2:3). Paul's emphasis here is on sensuality, lust. He is saying, "Nothing unclean came out of my mouth. My conversation was pure, coming forth from a clean heart." Someone whose heart has been cleansed should not tell dirty jokes, make sexual innuendoes or have roving eyes.
The blameless Christian is without guile, which means he is not deceitful or manipulative. There is no hidden agenda with an honest and open believer. "For neither at any time did we use flattering words ... nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others" (1 Thessalonians 2:5-6).
What distinguishes a blameless walk is a consuming desire to honor the name of Jesus before all men. Such a Christian would rather die than do or say anything that would bring reproach on the Lord. Although he is not perfect, he is pursuing the righteousness of Christ by faith.
Set your heart to be blameless now -- today! Desire it with everything in you and soon you will discover God's great favor upon your life. Your words and actions will have an impact on others as you find yourself focused totally on Jesus.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Blameless Christian
- A. Without deceit in his heart
- B. Lives a clean life
- C. Without guile
- II. Characteristics of a Blameless Walk
- A. Honoring the name of Jesus
- B. Pursuing righteousness by faith
Key Quotes
“You can't fake a blameless walk.” — David Wilkerson
“Nothing unclean came out of my mouth. My conversation was pure, coming forth from a clean heart.” — David Wilkerson
“Set your heart to be blameless now -- today!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Set your heart to be blameless today and pursue righteousness by faith.
- Desire to honor Jesus in all you do and say, even if it means dying rather than bringing reproach on the Lord.
- Live a clean life, free from sensuality and uncleanness.