How can we apply the principle of purity from Leviticus 7:17 today? Setting the Scene “But any meat of the sacrifice that still remains until the third day must be burned up.” (Leviticus 7:17) Why the Rule Mattered Then • Stopping decay—meat left too long turns corrupt; holiness rejects corruption. • Guarding worship—Israel’s fellowship offering celebrated peace with God; impurity spoiled that joy. • Training hearts—prompt obedience taught the people to treat God’s instructions as non-negotiable. Purity Completed in Christ • Jesus, the once-for-all sacrifice, never saw corruption (Acts 2:27). • His body is the temple (John 2:19-21); believers are now called that temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). • Because He fulfilled the offering, the principle of keeping the holy separate from decay now moves from a table of meat to the believer’s entire life (1 Peter 1:15-16). Practical Ways to Live the Principle Today Keep nothing “left over” that breeds spiritual spoil: 1. Swift repentance – “Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) – Deal with sin immediately; no “third-day” delay. 2. Fresh devotion – “His mercies are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:23) – Set aside yesterday’s half-hearted prayers; seek fresh communion daily. 3. Guard media and conversations – “Whatever is pure…think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) – Toss out content that pollutes the mind before it settles in. 4. Maintain doctrinal integrity – “A little leaven leavens the whole batch.” (1 Corinthians 5:6) – Confront error quickly; protect the gospel from creeping compromise. 5. Practise relational purity – “Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality.” (Ephesians 5:3) – Set boundaries; burn up “leftover” flirtations or secret habits. 6. Steward possessions for God – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1) – If an item, hobby, or purchase dulls devotion, let it go rather than let rot spread. Daily Habits that Keep the Altar Clean • Scripture intake—fresh manna wards off stale thinking (Psalm 119:11). • Accountability—trusted believers help spot spoil early (Hebrews 3:13). • Regular fasting—sharpens sensitivity to hidden decay (Matthew 6:17-18). • Service—active love keeps faith from growing mold (James 2:17). Encouragement for the Journey “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Christ has made us pure; our call is to keep no residue of the old life. By burning the “leftovers” promptly, we enjoy unhindered fellowship with the Holy One and shine as vessels “useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21) |
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