How can we apply the concept of "removing iniquity" in our daily lives? Setting the Scene “So the angel said to those standing before him, ‘Remove his filthy clothes!’ Then he said to Joshua, ‘See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.’” (Zechariah 3:4) Understanding “Iniquity” • Iniquity is more than a single act; it is the bent of the heart that twists what is right (Psalm 51:5). • God views it as a stain that must be taken away, not merely covered (Isaiah 1:18). God’s Promise: Removal Already Accomplished • In Zechariah 3:4 the Lord Himself acts—Joshua does nothing but receive. • This foreshadows the finished work of Christ, who “appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26). • Because the removal is literal and complete, we can live as people already cleansed (1 John 1:7). Our Response: Living Like the Cleansed • Reject the old garments—“put off your former way of life” (Ephesians 4:22). • Embrace the new robes—“put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness” (Ephesians 4:24). • Guard the heart diligently, for out of it flow the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). Practical Steps Today 1. Daily Confession – Keep accounts short. “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). 2. Scripture Saturation – Wash the mind with the Word (Ephesians 5:26). Start or end each day reading passages on purity (Psalm 119:9,11). 3. Spirit-Led Choices – Before decisions, pause and ask, “Will this honor the robes Christ gave me?” (Galatians 5:16). 4. Accountability – Walk with believers who will lovingly point out “filthy clothes” that still cling (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Active Replacements – Substitute godly habits for sinful ones: praise instead of complaint, generosity instead of greed (Colossians 3:12-14). Scriptures that Strengthen Resolve • Psalm 103:12 — “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” • Titus 2:11-14 — Grace not only saves; it “teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1 — “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.” Conclusion: Daily Walk of Purity In Christ the stain is gone; the robe is on. Each choice we make either affirms that truth or pretends the filthy clothes are still there. Live today as Joshua did—clothed by God, eager to keep those splendid garments unspotted for His glory. |
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