How can we apply the principle of spiritual inspection in our lives today? The Verse at the Center “And he shall examine the mark and see if the mildew on the walls of the house consists of greenish or reddish depressions that appear to be deeper than the surface of the wall.” (Leviticus 14:37) What Was Happening in Leviticus 14 • God appointed a priest to inspect a house for hidden mildew. • The problem might be buried beneath the surface, yet it threatened the entire dwelling. • If rot was found, decisive action followed—scraping, removing stones, even tearing the whole house down if necessary (vv. 40-45). The Timeless Principle • Hidden corruption spreads; unchecked, it defiles. • Careful, God-directed inspection exposes what lies beneath appearances. • Cleansing flows only after honest discovery (vv. 48-53). Why Inspection Still Matters • 2 Corinthians 13:5—“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” • Psalm 139:23-24—Invitation for God to search heart and thoughts. • 1 Corinthians 11:28—Self-examination before the Lord’s Table. • Hebrews 4:12—The Word “pierces” and “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Practical Steps for Spiritual Inspection 1. Invite the Inspector – Pray Psalm 139: “Search me, O God.” – Ask the Holy Spirit to spotlight motives, attitudes, habits. 2. Use the Divine Lamp – Daily read Scripture; let its light reveal what culture and conscience may excuse (Psalm 119:105). 3. Look Below the Surface – Don’t settle for superficial behavior checks; trace patterns back to desires (James 1:14-15). – Identify “greenish or reddish” warning signs: resentment, secrecy, compromise. 4. Act Quickly and Decisively – Confess sin (1 John 1:9). – Remove contaminated “stones”: cut off practices, media, relationships that fuel decay (Matthew 5:29-30). – Replace with truth, accountability, and obedience. 5. Re-inspect Regularly – Build rhythms—weekly reflection, communion prep, yearly spiritual retreats. – Invite trusted believers to speak in (Proverbs 27:6, 17). Key Areas to Inspect • Thought life (Philippians 4:8) • Speech (Ephesians 4:29) • Attitudes toward money and possessions (1 Timothy 6:6-10) • Sexual purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) • Relational forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32) • Private obedience versus public image (Matthew 6:1-6) Resources God Provides • The cleansing blood of Christ (1 John 1:7). • The indwelling Spirit who convicts and empowers (John 16:8; Romans 8:13). • The fellowship of believers for mutual exhortation (Hebrews 3:13). • Ongoing access to God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Living in Ongoing Cleansing • Spiritual inspection is not a one-time renovation but a lifestyle of vigilance and grace. • As hidden mildew is exposed and removed, the whole “house” becomes a testimony to God’s holiness and restoring power (Leviticus 14:48-53; 1 Peter 2:5). |
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