Leviticus - 8 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.

— Series Handouts — Series Study Notes

1: Restoring the Relationship - Leviticus 1–4

2: Pure and Poured Out — Leviticus 5–7

3: Set Apart to Serve — Leviticus 8–10

4: A Clean People for a Holy God — Leviticus 11–15

5: The Day of Atonement — Leviticus 16–18

6: Living as God’s Holy People — Leviticus 19–22

7: God’s Sacred Calendar — Leviticus 23–27

8: Holiness in Every Generation — Key Passages: Leviticus 11:44, 19:2, 1 Peter 1:15–16

Overview

The book of Leviticus may seem daunting at first glance, but it stands at the very heart of the Bible, offering profound insight into what it means to live in God’s presence. Leviticus sets forth God's blueprint for holiness, bringing together instructions for worship, community life, and moral conduct. As the Lord declared through Moses, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2), calling all people to be set apart in their lives and relationships.

Five Subjects of Interest

Sacrifice and Atonement – Leviticus details the sacrificial system, ultimately pointing us toward Christ's perfect sacrifice (see Hebrews 9:11-14).

Priestly Duties – Instructions for priests teach us about mediation and drawing near to God.

Clean and Unclean – The laws about purity remind us of the need for spiritual cleanliness.

Sabbath and Festivals – Special times set aside for worship and remembrance.

Love Your Neighbor – At the book’s core is the command: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18), a verse Jesus Himself identified as the second-greatest commandment.

Timeless Wisdom for Today

Leviticus brims with timeless wisdom on community, justice, and compassion. As Dr. J.D. Greear notes, “Without love even the most radical devotion to God is of no value to Him. … If what you do does not flow out of a heart of love … it is ultimately worthless to God.” The principle of leaving part of your harvest for the poor (Leviticus 19:10) still challenges us to care for others generously.

Practical Applications in Christian Living

Reading Leviticus helps us understand the foundations of Christian faith: the seriousness of sin, the cost of atonement, and the importance of holy living. It shows God's desire to restore and reconcile, not just with ancient Israel, but with us today. As we follow Christ, we discover that the call to “be holy” isn’t just about rituals or rules—it’s about living distinctly as God’s people, full of love, mercy, and justice.

Why This Book Matters

Though written thousands of years ago, Leviticus is essential reading for every Christian. The New Testament continually reaches back to its themes—holiness, sacrifice, love—revealing how Jesus fulfilled these laws on our behalf. Pastor Chuck Swindoll summarizes: “The book communicates that receiving God's forgiveness and acceptance should be followed by holy living and spiritual growth.” To truly grasp the depth of Jesus’ work, we first appreciate the message of Leviticus: God draws near—and He invites us to be holy as He is holy.

(Older version of similar study)

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.

Thought: Why Christians Should Study the Book of Leviticus

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.