Holiness Beyond Cooties (part two) | Leviticus 11-15, Matthew 5:17-20, Acts 10:1-17, 15:8-9 – DFBC

Holiness Beyond Cooties (part two) | Leviticus 11-15, Matthew 5:17-20, Acts 10:1-17, 15:8-9

Dr. Miguel Lopez

August 3, 2025

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We all have heard the phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness.” In the book of Leviticus cleanliness goes beyond mere sanitary practices to the very core the distinction between God’s life-giving presence and the corruption of sin that has brought death and destruction to this world. In order to live restored lives, God’s people must live different and be different from the world but this difference is something that only God’s word can accomplish as it is received, believed and lived in a personal way.

What difference does holiness make in the day to day lives of the people of God?

Holiness as God’s life-restoring presence provides ways for God’s people to constantly recalibrate their hearts through day-to-day life choices to create a culture of…

I. Life-sustaining stewardship | Eating (Nourishment): not just what we eat but why we eat it – preventing the idolatry of food (Lev. 11; Gen. 1:28-29, 2:16-28, 3:1-14, 17-18).

II. Life-protecting stewardship | Childbirth: a culture that promotes and protects life – preventing the Matrophoric cult and violence of the weaker (Lev. 12, Gen. 1:28, 2:24-25, 3:15-16).

III. Life-indwelling stewardship | Body, clothing, dwelling (nakedness): Restoring wholeness to our bodies and communities – preventing magic and superstition (Lev. 13, 14, Gen. 2:7-9, 25, 3:7, 3:21-24).

IV. Life-giving stewardship | Reproduction, bodily discharges: our potential for a legacy of life for the next generations – preventing fertility cults (Lev. 15, Gen. 3:15).

God’s holiness leads us to heart-wholeness

So that our day-to-day choices

Use our resources to push back on sin and corruption

Through life-giving actions for his glory.

1. What are the influences that stir your heart’s decisions regarding your daily choices in your feeding habits, childrearing and family relationships, care of your body, clothing, home and your sexuality? Are you giving God a chance to tell you what is life-giving rather than the voices of the world?

2. God wants his people to live in a life-giving community. A culture of generous stewardship is the fruit of a grateful heart that sees God as a good provider. What areas of your life does God want you to yield as a living sacrifice for him? Are you gratefully acknowledging his direction in the way you eat, the way you educate your children, the way you care for your body and your purity in relationships?

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