How can Leviticus 13:6 guide us in addressing sin within the church? The Text “On the seventh day the priest will re-examine him, and if he sees that the sore has remained unchanged and has not spread on the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean; it is only a scab. He must wash his clothes and be clean.” (Leviticus 13:6) Observing the Original Context • Literal situation: a suspected skin disease required a priestly check on day 1 and again on day 7. • The priest looked for two things—spread and depth. No spread meant no defilement. • If clean, the person washed his clothes and re-entered community life. • God established this procedure to protect the camp’s holiness (Leviticus 11:44-45). Timeless Principles Revealed • Discernment is essential. Sin, like leprosy, can be subtle at first (cf. Hebrews 3:13). • Spiritual leaders bear responsibility to examine matters carefully (Acts 20:28). • Time for evaluation is wise; snap judgments can harm, but delay can also endanger (Jude 23). • Restoration, not humiliation, is the goal—“pronounce him clean.” • Cleansing follows recognition: washing clothes pictures repentance and renewed purity (1 John 1:9). Applying the Principles to Church Life 1. Private, Careful Examination – Galatians 6:1: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness.” – Like the priest’s second look, give believers space to respond to loving correction. 2. Objective Criteria, Not Gossip – Matthew 18:16 calls for “one or two others” to establish facts, paralleling the priest’s careful inspection. – Decisions must hinge on observable evidence, not rumor. 3. Defined Time Frames – A set period (the “seventh day”) guards against either haste or neglect. – Church discipline should include clear checkpoints for repentance and change (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). 4. Pronounce and Celebrate Restoration – When repentance is evident, leaders must publicly affirm forgiveness, just as the priest declared cleanness (2 Corinthians 2:7). – This reassures the congregation that grace triumphs. 5. Ongoing Cleansing – “He must wash his clothes” reminds believers to pursue ongoing sanctification (Ephesians 5:26-27). – Cleansing is both immediate (justification) and continual (sanctification). A Gracious Model for Addressing Sin • Investigate: lovingly, biblically, patiently. • Evaluate: has the “sore” spread? Is sin gaining territory? • Communicate: speak truth, offer hope, outline steps. • Restore: when change is evident, announce freedom and welcome back. • Encourage: exhort the cleansed to keep washing their “garments” through Word, prayer, and fellowship. Encouragement for Believers Leviticus 13:6 shows a God who guards holiness without abandoning mercy. As His people: • We confront sin because we cherish purity (1 Peter 1:15-16). • We extend grace because we know the Healer (Isaiah 53:5). • We persevere together, confident that “He who began a good work in you will perfect it” (Philippians 1:6). |
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