Words of Encouragement — Dave Bertsch & David Lane -- April 24, 2022
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker uses the Old Testament account of leprosy in Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 as a profound symbol for sin and cleansing. He explains that leprosy represents sin, requiring separation, but the process of cleansing—involving blood, oil, and atonement—symbolizes the atoning work of Christ. Furthermore, he connects this to the need for a clear conscience before God, drawing parallels to Paul's pursuit of knowing Christ's resurrection power and suffering.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why does Leviticus spend two chapters on leprosy?Leviticus 13 and 14 use physical leprosy as a symbol of sin and the process of being cleansed to teach spiritual truths about living with a clear conscience before God.
The person covered in leprosy pronounced cleanSurprisingly, a person whose leprosy covers their entire body from head to foot is pronounced clean because they recognize that nothing good dwells in their flesh.Leviticus 13:12
The cleansing ritual with blood and oilThe priest applies the blood of the trespass offering and then oil to the right ear, right thumb, and right foot of the cleansed person, symbolizing the blood of Jesus and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Paul's pursuit of Christ and the resurrectionEven after living a wholehearted life for God, Paul did not assume he had already attained perfection, but pressed on toward the goal to attain the resurrection from the dead.
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faithBelievers are urged to test and examine themselves to ensure Jesus Christ is in them and that they do not fail the test of faith.
Paul's confidence at the end of his lifeAt the end of his life, Paul could finally say he fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith, looking forward to the crown of righteousness.
Looking to God rather than inward to examine the heartBecause the human heart is deceitful, we must look to God—who tries the hearts and reins—rather than our own inward assessment to truly examine ourselves.
