Do you ever think about what you were doing this time yesterday or last month, or last year? Do you think about what you will be doing tomorrow or next month? “This time next year, I’ll be ______.” The Israelites had seen some incredible things. They went from being slaves to seeing the miracles of God. From the Passover to the building of the Tabernacle in Exodus 40 was about 1 year. The Israelites pause for a month at the base of Mount Sinai where Moses records in the book of Leviticus. The next book, Numbers, picks up at the end of this month-long pause. God uses this month to establish the official way His people are supposed to relate to Him. God puts in place five different offerings that communicate different attitudes towards God and sin. There is grace for the people. However, the people are unable to approach God in any way they choose. Recognize words such as clean, unclean, sin, guilt, atonement, or consecrate. The people must have their uncleanness removed from them on a spiritual level. Much of Leviticus emphasizes the idea of being “holy” (set apart). Pay attention to repeated themes of sinfulness, holiness, and how sacrifices made through the High Priest or priests bridge this gap. Also, pay attention to the exactness and precision that a holy God demands.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 11
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Exodus or Leviticus, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
What does Exodus 19:6 say about what God’s people are supposed to be? What are they Israelites supposed to guard against in Exodus 34:12-16? How are they supposed to guard against this according to Exodus 34:11? How are the Israelites to be faithful through the generations according to Exodus 12:25-27?
What are the names of the 5 offerings listed in Leviticus 7:37?
What offering is outlined for God’s people in Leviticus 1:3-17 and for priests in Leviticus 6:8-13, that deals with payment for sin in general and whole dedication to God?
What offering is outlined for God’s people in Leviticus 2:1-16 and for priests in Leviticus 6:14-23, that deals with thankfulness and public honor to God?
What offering is outlined for God’s people in Leviticus 3:1-17 and for priests in Leviticus 7:11-36, that deals with peace and fellowship with God?
What offering is outlined for God’s people in Leviticus 4:1-5:13 and for priests in Leviticus 6:24-30, that deals with payment for unintentional sin where repayment was impossible?
What offering is outlined for God’s people in Leviticus 5:14-6:7 and for priests in Leviticus 7:1-10, that deals with unintentional sin where repayment was possible?
SHARE IT.
Have you ever read Leviticus before? Why not? What are 3 reasons why people have a hard time with Leviticus?
What was the most challenging reading this week for you to understand? Does it help to understand that God’s people are to represent holiness to the world?
How are you set apart from your current culture? How might Christians look strange to their current culture?
How have you been reminded of Jesus in the reading through Exodus and Leviticus this week? How do the 5 offerings remind you of all that Jesus accomplished in His perfect sacrifice?
When does a sin go from unintentional to intentional? See Leviticus 4:2, 4:13, 4:22, 4:27, 5:15) What sins has the Holy Spirit made you aware of this week that might be unintentional or intentional?
FINAL THOUGHT
Leviticus 11:44 states, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” Peter quotes this passage in 1 Peter 1:16. Peter continues that we are all ransomed or purchased out of slavery to sin not with silver or gold, but “with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” Leviticus sobers us to reflect on God’s high standard and the high cost of sacrifice to pay for uncleanness. God demands perfection and holiness, and those who are unclean cannot enter God’s presence. If we try to approach God in our own way, we will be consumed like Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10. Even Moses in Exodus 40:35 was not able to enter the tent of meeting, and Leviticus 1:1 says the Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent. Moses was unable to enter in until a sacrifice was made. We are all exiled from God’s presence, just as Adam and Eve from the garden. However, God graciously made a way through the sacrifice of animals to atone temporarily for sin (Hebrews 10:3-4,11). This points us to the need for a better permanent sacrifice. Jesus “offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:12).” Jesus took in our place the fire of God’s wrath against our uncleanness. Our sins are wiped away. Furthermore, we also receive Jesus’ perfect moral record, so God could show us the riches of His kindness for eternity in His presence. Jesus is the perfect High Priest and the perfect sacrifice. Lastly, Hebrews 10:12-14 continues with “[Jesus] sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until His enemies should be made a footstool for His feet. For by a single offering, He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Jesus is coming again.