How can we ensure spiritual purity in our own worship today? Setting the Scene “All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. They slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves.” — Ezra 6:20 What Stands Out in Ezra 6:20 • Purified leaders: before leading others, the priests and Levites made sure they were “ceremonially clean.” • Shared sacrifice: one Passover lamb was offered on behalf of everyone. • Community impact: purity in leadership overflowed to the entire congregation. Why It Matters for Us Our worship still hinges on the same two essentials: a cleansed people and an accepted sacrifice. Christ, “our Passover lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7), has fulfilled the sacrificial side once for all. Yet personal and corporate purity remain our ongoing responsibility. Pathways to Spiritual Purity in Worship Today 1. Personal Cleansing • Daily confession keeps the heart tender (1 John 1:9). • Repentance means turning from sin, not just admitting it (Proverbs 28:13). • Ask the Spirit to search and reveal hidden faults (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Corporate Accountability • “Confess your sins to one another” (James 5:16) guards against secret compromise. • Disciplinary love restores those who stumble (Galatians 6:1). • Unified purity invites God’s presence (Psalm 133:1-3). 3. Separation from Corruption • “Come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). • Mind what enters through eyes and ears; guard media choices (Psalm 101:3). • Choose edifying friendships (1 Corinthians 15:33). 4. Whole-hearted Obedience to Scripture • “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). • measure every tradition and innovation by clear biblical teaching (Acts 17:11). • Practice what we know; light obeyed brings more light (James 1:22-25). 5. Constant Focus on Christ’s Finished Work • Draw near “having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience” (Hebrews 10:22). • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper with reverence, discerning His body (1 Corinthians 11:28-29). • Respond in grateful obedience, not performance-driven fear (Ephesians 2:8-10). Everyday Habits That Keep Worship Pure • Start the day in Scripture and prayer, surrendering plans to God. • Sing truth-filled songs that exalt Christ, not self. • Fast periodically to re-align desires with heaven. • Serve others; purity is expressed in love (1 Peter 1:22). • End the day with reflection: where did God reign, where did self intrude? Encouragement to Move Forward Purity is not a one-time event; it’s the lifestyle of a people redeemed by the ultimate Passover Lamb. As we keep short accounts with God, hold each other up, and center every gathering on Jesus, our worship will remain a sweet, uncontaminated offering before the Lord. |
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