Lessons for Living From Leviticus — Part II
December 5, 2009
“Lessons for Living From Leviticus, Part II”
Adult Sunday Morning Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
December 6 and 13, 2009
Dr. J. L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
Introduction:
We learned in the first part of our lesson that the book of Leviticus is God’s guidebook for his newly redeemed people. The book presents the themes of holiness and atonement, and the major sections of the work are sacrifice and sanctification. Today we will continue our discussion of sacrifice in Leviticus. What did this instruction mean for ancient Israel? What does it mean for the West Broad Church of Christ?
I. Dedicated to God’s Service (8:1-30)
We see an emphasis on consecration in chapter 8. What are the details of this practice?
Consideration of the clothing
Consideration of the oil
Consideration of the blood.
Question: What does this mean to us at 813 West Broad Street? How are we consecrated? What is expected (commanded and demanded) after consecration? How do these Scriptures speak to your life? What do you hear God saying?
II. A Holy Menu (11:1-31)
In addition, God’s dietary restrictions for Israel are presented with great specificity.
Consideration of land creatures
Consideration of sea creatures
Consideration of birds
Consideration of insects
Consideration of lizards and rodents
Question: As we walk in consecration in downtown Richmond, how do we restrict our “diet?” How do you suppose God would respond if we “eat” items not on the menu?
III. Sacrificial Cleanliness in the Events of Life (12:1-17:14)
God provided instructions to Israel regarding worship and diet. He also speaks quite specifically other basic, daily events of life.
Consideration of childbirth
Consideration of leprosy
Consideration of mold/mildew
What is God’s purpose? What is he teaching Israel?
Consideration of male bodily discharges
Consideration of female bodily discharges. Question: How do you respond to all this? What does it tell you of God’s concern for and method regarding his people?
Chapter 16 continues with a treatment of the Day of Atonement.
Consideration of the high priest
Consideration of the Tabernacle
Consideration of the people
Consideration of the reason.
Question: Leviticus allowed for atonement, forgiveness, and reconciliation. What is the application for us as Christians in downtown Richmond? Are you compelled and affected by these Scriptures? How?
Conclusion:
We often complain about God’s requirements for us as Christians today. But what if you lived under the laws and restrictions outlined in the book of Leviticus? Nevertheless, we have seen that the laws were not pointless practices designed to make the Israelites’ lives miserable. To the contrary, the laws were designed to promote and protect their lives as they lived in holy communion with God. The book of Leviticus communicates God’s divine demand for a holy people. He has the same demand for his people today – the church.
