How does Leviticus 13:56 guide us in addressing spiritual impurities today? “After it has been washed, if the contamination has faded, he is to tear the affected spot out of the cloth, leather, or weave.” The Original Picture: Protecting the Camp from Contamination • Israel’s priests inspected garments for mildew because even a small spot could spread (Leviticus 13:47-59). • Washing came first, but if a stain lingered, the priest removed the tainted piece. • The standard was holiness in every detail of daily life (Leviticus 19:2). A Portrait of Sin’s Subtle Spread • Like mildew, sin can begin small yet infiltrate every layer of life (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). • Superficial cleansing is not enough; the source must be cut out (Matthew 5:29-30). • Holiness requires decisive action, not passive tolerance. Guidance for Addressing Spiritual Impurities Today • Identify the spot. – Ask God to reveal attitudes, habits, or influences that discolor the heart (Psalm 139:23-24). • Apply the wash of the Word. – Daily Scripture intake exposes and cleanses (Ephesians 5:26). • Remove what remains stubborn. – End a compromising relationship. – Delete media that feeds temptation. – Break patterns that keep sin alive. • Act quickly. – Delay allows deeper penetration (Hebrews 3:13). • Replace with righteousness. – After tearing out the impurity, clothe yourself “with the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14). Other Scriptures Echoing the Principle • “Cleanse out the old leaven, that you may be a new batch” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature” (Colossians 3:5). • “Let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1). Living the Lesson Each Day • Keep short accounts with God—confess quickly, repent decisively (1 John 1:9). • Invite accountability; priests examined garments, and believers examine one another in love (Galatians 6:1-2). • Celebrate the gospel: Christ “gave Himself up…to present the church to Himself in splendor, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27). |
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