Introduction
Imagine you’re in your early 20s, just going through the motions of life, when—out of nowhere—everything changes. That’s what happened to James. He wasn’t looking for God, but one night, after following a friend to a church service, he had an encounter with Jesus that turned his world upside down. It wasn’t just emotional or intellectual—it was real. He described it as feeling cleansed, awakened, and more alive than ever before.
James embraced his new faith with enthusiasm. He prayed, worshiped, read his Bible, and let go of his old, destructive habits. He knew that God loved him, that Jesus had died for him, and that one day, he would spend eternity in heaven. But after the excitement settled, he found himself facing a question that many believers wrestle with: What am I here for now?
He knew salvation wasn’t just about waiting for heaven. He saw others in the church following strict rules, but that didn’t seem to match the grace he had received. He heard that some were called to ministry, but he wasn’t sure if that was for him. Meanwhile, he was finishing his doctorate in computer science—was that part of his Christian life or just a side note? Was his faith only about getting saved and helping others do the same, or was there something more?
This is where many Christians find themselves—saved, but unsure of what comes after belief.
And here’s the answer: God didn’t just save us from something; He saved us for something. Our purpose is not just to get to heaven but to be transformed into the people He created us to be. Romans 8:29 tells us that God’s goal is to conform us to the image of His Son. In other words, the Christian life is about character—becoming more like Jesus in everything we do, whether in ministry, the workplace, or our daily interactions.
The question isn’t just, “What am I saved from?” but “What am I being shaped into?” Because the purpose of life isn’t just salvation—it’s transformation. (Adapted from After You Believe, N. T. Wright, pp. 1-3.)
The Heart of the Kingdom
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches what it means to be a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. We can make Kingdom citizenship all about following certain laws, believing that our righteousness is defined both by the spiritual things we do and the worldly things we avoid. However, our actions are only part of the story. What really matters is our heart—what we think, how we feel, and what we desire. These things influence the way we live.
Jesus taught that Kingdom citizens embrace values such as humility, meekness, and a hunger for righteousness. These values shape our mission: to influence the world for the Kingdom by being salt and light. To do that, we must live righteous lives—not just obeying the Law but being transformed from the inside out. Our motivations matter.
Looking forward, we must ask, Who am I when no one is watching? As N.T. Wright puts it, “When you’re suddenly put to the test and don’t have time to think about how you’re coming across, your real nature will come out. That’s why character needs to go all the way through: Whatever fills you will spill out. And it’s up to you to do something about it.”(After You Believe, p. 28.) Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:27-37 addresses how our thoughts, desires, and integrity reveal the true condition of our hearts.
Jesus’ Teachings on a Pure Heart
1. Purity Begins in the Heart (Matthew 5:27–28)
Jesus affirms the commandment against adultery but he takes it further—lustful thoughts are equivalent to adultery in God’s eyes. The issue is not mere attraction but dwelling thoughts and desires that take our hearts and minds in directions they are not intended to go. Lustful thoughts are sinful because:
They defile marriage, even for those not married. Sex is reserved for marriage, and to place it anywhere else, even in our thoughts, dishonors God’s design for both marriage and sexuality.
They reduce people to objects for self-gratification. Every person is created in God’s image and deserves honor and respect.
They misuse God’s gift of imagination and reflection. Our minds are capable of creativity, problem-solving, and meditation. Paul instructs us in Philippians 4:8 to think about good things. Lust corrupts this gift.
We need to realize that lust is not some loophole for us to have some fun without actually sinning. Jesus taught that it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Examine your thought life and take steps to guard your mind.
2. Taking Radical Measures (Matthew 5:29–30)
Jesus uses hyperbole to emphasize the seriousness of sin—if something causes you to stumble, remove it. While not literal, this highlights the need for drastic action against temptation. The image Jesus presents is that of a resurrected body bearing the evidence of the struggle against sin rather than going to hell with whole body.
Lust may seem like a private sin, but Jesus teaches that it requires serious action. Filters and accountability help, but even a blind handless man can still lust. Since we live in a world full of temptation we need to have our hearts transformed. Pursue spiritual disciplines—prayer, meditation, and Scripture—to reorient your desires. One of the places to begin is this prayer from John Eldredge: Prayer for Sexual Healing.
3. Honoring the Sanctity of Marriage (Matthew 5:31–32)
Jewish law permitted divorce, with rabbinical debates on what made divorce allowable. Some were lenient, others strict. What was the real issue? For Jesus the real issue wasn’t the justifiable reasons for divorce, but the sacredness of marriage. Marriage is to represent God’s covenant love for His people. Therefore divorce distorts the reflection of God’s faithfulness that is to be expressed through marriage.
Jesus isn’t entering into the divorce debate of his day, but rather he is emphasizing the fact that marriage is a sacred covenant that needs to be honored. Whether married, single, or divorced, we are all called to uphold the sanctity of marriage.
4. Integrity in Speech (Matthew 5:33–37)
In Jesus’ time, people swore oaths to manipulate trust. Some Jews would swear by God’s name, but most, in order to keep God’s name holy, would use substitutes that were connected with God (heaven, earth, Jerusalem). Jesus teaches that Kingdom citizens should be people of integrity, whose “yes” means yes and “no” means no. We already bear God’s name and act as His representatives, and because of this our word should be enough.
Integrity matters. Let your words reflect God’s faithfulness. If you make a promise, keep it. A life of integrity mirrors the character of Christ.
Conclusion
Jesus calls us to a righteousness greater than the Pharisees—not through stricter rule-keeping but through heart transformation. This means:
Taking decisive action against sin.
Pursuing purity in thought and deed.
Honoring commitments in marriage and relationships.
Being trustworthy and truthful in all we say and do.
This requires self-examination. Where does your heart need help? Don’t be content with salvation alone—desire a heart continually transformed into the image of Jesus, reflecting His love, compassion, mercy, and integrity.
Challenge: Take time this week to examine your heart. Where do you need transformation? Pray, surrender, and trust that God, who began a good work in you, will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Let God reshape your heart to reflect His purity, love, and integrity.
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