Tag: Leviticus

Leviticus 11-17: The Need To Be Clean

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(11-15) In these chapters, God gives the people of Israel laws about what is clean and unclean.  What reasons are given for these laws, and how might we apply these principles to our lives today?

11:44-45 (I Peter 1:14-16, 2:11-12) –

 11:46-47 (Philippians 1:9-11, II Corinthians 7:1) –

15:31 (I Corinthians 6:18-20) –

(11-15) If a person touched someone unclean, then that person would also become unclean.  But what happened when Jesus touched (or was touched by) an unclean person (Mark 1:40-42, 5:25-34)?  What does this tell you about Jesus?

(11-15) According to Jesus, do these clean/unclean laws apply to us today (Mark 7:14-23)?  According to Jesus, what does make us unclean?

(16) What was the purpose of the Day of Atonement (see especially v15-19)?  How does Jesus offer a better solution (Hebrews 9:12, 24-26)?

(16) What was the purpose of the live goat?  How is this a picture of what Jesus has done for us (John 1:29)?

(17) Why were the people forbidden to eat blood – what does the blood accomplish (v11, Hebrews 9:22)?

How should we respond to this study?

Reflections on Leviticus 6-10

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Our passage continues to describe the offerings – this time with specific instructions for the priests.  Today we will focus on the peace offering, and the actions of the priests.

  • Peace Offering – This offering symbolized peace and fellowship with God.  The family bringing the sacrifice was able to eat much of the meat from the animal offered.  It was a celebration, eating together in the presence of God.  Jesus is our peace offering, making it possible for us to have fellowship with God.  The Lord’s Supper, though not a sacrifice, is a celebration as we eat together in the presence of God.
  • Obedience – In chapters 8-9, God prepares the priests for their ministry in the tabernacle.  The continuing refrain – that they did “as the Lord commanded” – points to their detailed, consistent obedience.  Do you strive to live obediently each day as the Lord commanded?
  • Approaching God – Nadab and Abihu decide to approach God in their own way, and they are killed on the spot!  How many people today try to come to God in their own way and on their own terms!  Yet God has made clear that there is only one way to approach God today – through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).  Is that how you approach God?

Reflections on Leviticus 1-5

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Our passage today records five different offerings that the people of Israel were to make – burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings.  We will focus on the sin offering.

  • Sin is serious – The sacrificial system was a constant reminder of the seriousness of sin.  To pay for sin, an animal must die.  Blood must be shed.  In a culture that jokes about or even celebrates many sins, let us remember that sin is a serious thing.
  • Forgiveness is available – The truth of the seriousness of sin could leave us in despair if not for the wonderful truth that forgiveness is available.  Note the glorious repetition in 4:20, 26, 31, 35; 5:6, 10, 13, 16, 18.  Through sacrifice, atonement (payment) is possible which brings forgiveness of sins.
  • Our sin sacrifice – The tabernacle is gone, and we don’t make sacrifices today.  Why?  Because Jesus is our sin offering.  He died to pay (atone) for our sins so that we could be forgiven.  And unlike before when animals needed to be offered again and again, Jesus died to pay for our sins once for all (see Hebrews 10:11-14).  It is finished!  The payment is made!  You are forgiven in Jesus!  Praise the Lord for this wonderful gift!

Leviticus 1-10: Sacrifice

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(1, 6) What was the purpose of the burnt offering (1:4, see also Exodus 29:38-42)?  How does this point to Jesus (Hebrews 7:27)?

How much of the offering was to be consumed on the altar – given to God (1:9)?  How does this point to Jesus, and how does it relate to us (Philippians 2:5-8, Romans 12:1)?  What would it look like for us to do this?

(2, 6) What was the purpose of the grain offering (2:2), and how does Jesus accomplish this purpose for us (Hebrews 7:25)?

How does this offering point to the Holy Spirit (2:1, Luke 4:18, II Corinthians 1:21-22)?

What must not be included in the grain offering (2:11)?  How does that point to Jesus (Hebrews 4:15), and to how we should live (I Corinthians 5:6-8)?

(3, 7) What was the purpose of the peace offering (7:11-16), and how does it point to Jesus (Romans 5:1, Colossians 1:20-22)?

(4-7) What was the purpose of the sin and guilt offerings (note the regular refrain in these verses), and how does it point to Jesus (II Corinthians 5:21, I Peter 2:24, Colossians 2:13)?

(8-9) What did the priests have to do before they could offer sacrifices for the people?  How is Jesus a better high priest (Hebrews 7:26-27)?

(8-10) What refrain runs through chapter 8-9?  In stark contrast, what happens at the beginning of chapter 10 (v1)?  What does this tell us about how we should approach God?  What does this look like?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

3 Things To Consider Before That Next Big Sin – Tim Challies
John Owen has a challenge for you. Before that next big sin you are pondering, he wants you to simply consider three things…

4 Things That Happen When You Study Leviticus More Than 10 Years – Jay Sklar (TGC)
In my experience, at least four profound things happen when this book begins to seep into your soul…

Someday It Will Be Worth It – Mark Altrogge (Blazing Center)
You won’t be disappointed. Keep believing in Jesus. Keep hoping in him. Keep clinging to him and abiding in him. Don’t give up, no matter how bad the pain gets. You won’t be put to shame. Keep rejoicing and giving thanks in all things. You can’t imagine your reward and the joys that await you.

Preparing for Sunday Worship – Jason Helopoulis
We believe our engagement in corporate worship is essential, so we should also expect to prepare even as we expect the pastor and musicians to prepare for their participation in the Sunday morning service. How can you prepare for worship?

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day prepared for corporate worship of our great God!

Examples of Grace 06

On By BrianIn Miscellaneous

One might not think of Leviticus as a book about grace, but it is.

The first third of the book deals with sacrifices – sacrifices to atone for sins and have fellowship with God.  God did not need to provide a way for them to deal with their sins and have a relationship with him, but he did.  That’s grace.  In the same way he has provided Jesus to atone for our sins once for all that we might have fellowship with God.  That’s grace.

God promises to be with the people.  Not only that but they will be his people.  What great privileges!  Through Christ we are made his people, and he dwells with us.  That’s grace.

Leviticus also deals with numerous laws to protect and help the poor and needy.  God cared about the weak, and still does today.  That’s grace.

Sins forgiven.  Fellowship with God.  His people.  His presence.  His care.  Grace….

(Taken from Leviticus)