How does this verse guide us in addressing sin within our community? Grounding Ourselves in the Text “Leviticus 13:52 — ‘He must burn whatever has the mildew—whether wool or linen, woven or knitted material, or any leather article—because the mildew is persistent and must be burned.’ What We Learn About Contamination • Mildew is pictured as stubborn, invasive, and destructive • “Whatever has the mildew” is not given a second chance; it is destroyed • The entire community benefits when the infected item is removed Sin Mirrors Mildew • Psalm 51:3 – Sin is ever before us, refusing to stay hidden • 1 Corinthians 5:6 – “A little leaven leavens the whole lump,” showing how quickly corruption spreads • Joshua 7 – Achan’s hidden sin brings defeat on the whole camp • Unchecked sin, like mildew, silently eats away at holiness and unity The Call for Decisive Action • “Must be burned” communicates urgency and finality • No partial measures: halfway cleanup leaves spores behind • Romans 6:12-13 – Do not let sin reign; present yourselves to God instead • Matthew 18:15-17 – Step-by-step discipline aims to stop contagion before it multiplies Guarding the Whole Body • Leviticus 13 protects the camp; church discipline protects the body of Christ • Ephesians 4:3 – Eager to maintain unity in the Spirit • Hebrews 12:15 – Root of bitterness defiles many if unaddressed • Community purity is an act of love, not harshness Restoration, Not Exile, Is the Goal • Galatians 6:1 – Restore in a spirit of gentleness • 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 – Once repentance is evident, reaffirm love • What gets “burned” is the sin, so the sinner can be reclaimed Putting It into Practice Today 1. Recognize: Call sin what Scripture calls it, without softening or excusing 2. Identify: Listen for the first signs, just as priests inspected fabric early 3. Confront: Approach privately and lovingly, yet firmly, following Matthew 18 4. Remove: If hardness persists, separate the person from positions of influence or, if needed, from fellowship (1 Corinthians 5) 5. Restore: Welcome genuine repentance swiftly, celebrating God’s cleansing grace 6. Guard: Keep watch over doctrine and conduct, teaching holiness proactively (Titus 2:11-15) Living the Principle • Radical dealing with sin safeguards worship, witness, and warmth within the church • Swift action, paired with compassion, reflects God’s own character—both holy and merciful • Every act of faithful discipline points to the cross, where Jesus bore our defilement so His people could remain clean |
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