Leviticus - 7 Sessions
The
Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, as outlined in
Leviticus, teaches us valuable lessons about obedience,
consecration, and reliance on God.
Leviticus highlights the importance of keeping God’s commands, not
as a means of earning salvation, but as a response to God’s grace.
The Israelites' struggle to live according to God's law serves as a
reminder of our own struggles and our need for Jesus to empower us to
live faithfully.
1.
"Restoring
the Relationship: The Path to Reconciliation"
(Leviticus 1-4)
This
session focuses on the sacrificial system and how it was a means of
restoring fellowship with God.
2.
"Pure
and Poured Out: Understanding Clean and Unclean"
(Leviticus 5-7)
This
session explores the laws concerning purity and the importance of
proper offerings and rituals.
3.
"Chosen
and Set Apart: God's Special Workers"
(Leviticus 8-10)
This
session dives into the ordination of priests and the consecration of
those set apart for sacred service.
4.
"Living
in Purity: Embracing God's Standards for Clean Living"
(Leviticus 11-15)
This
session covers the laws of cleanliness and holiness, emphasizing how
God calls His people to live pure lives.
5.
"The
Great Exchange: Understanding the Day of Atonement"
(Leviticus 16-18)
This
session looks at the significance of the Day of Atonement and the
ultimate sacrifice for sin, prefiguring Christ.
6.
"Called
to Holiness: Living as God's Holy People"
(Leviticus 19-22)
This
session challenges believers to live according to God's holiness,
reflecting His character in everyday life.
7.
"Sacred
Seasons: Celebrating God's Special Times"
(Leviticus 23-27)
This
session explores the feasts, Sabbaths, and special times set apart by
God for His people, inviting them into a rhythm of worship and
remembrance.
Leviticus: God's Guide for Holy Living
Pastor Warren Wiersbe once said, "Leviticus is the one book in the Bible that most people start to read and never finish." Yet in this seemingly complex book of ancient laws and rituals, we find beautiful pictures of God's holiness and His plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. As theologian J.I. Packer noted, "The Book of Leviticus is like a flower bed in which the flowers of God's truth grow."
Leviticus follows right after the dramatic events of Exodus, where God delivered His people from slavery and established His covenant with them at Mount Sinai. Now, through Leviticus, He teaches them how to live as His holy people. Pastor Charles Swindoll explains it this way: "Leviticus serves as God's instruction manual for His newly redeemed people, showing them how to worship and walk with Him."
The heart of Leviticus can be found in chapter 19:2, where God says, "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy." Bible teacher Beth Moore points out that "holiness isn't about following a list of rules - it's about reflecting the character of God." Through its detailed laws about sacrifices, cleanliness, and moral behavior, Leviticus teaches us fundamental truths about approaching a holy God and living in community with others.
For us as Christians today, Leviticus might seem distant and difficult to understand. But as Pastor Tim Keller reminds us, "Every sacrifice in Leviticus points to Jesus, who became our perfect sacrifice once and for all." The book's emphasis on blood sacrifice helps us better understand why Jesus had to die for our sins, and its laws about treating others fairly and caring for the poor show us God's heart for justice and compassion.
Dr. David Jeremiah puts it beautifully: "Leviticus isn't just an ancient rule book - it's a glimpse into God's character and His desire for relationship with His people." As we study this book together, we'll discover how its principles still apply to our lives today, helping us understand what it means to be holy people serving a holy God.
Let's approach Leviticus not as a dry list of rules, but as Author Philip Yancey suggests, "as a window into God's heart - His desire for purity, His provision for forgiveness, and His plan for fellowship with His people." Through these ancient words, we'll find fresh insights for our walk with God today.