LESSON #54 (Week ending 01/23/11)

Leviticus 1-15

Introduction:

Ø "Leviticus emphasizes that what God asks of man is to walk humbly with him, in obedience to His will. To that end the first half of Leviticus (chapters 1 to 16) makes explicit what the first clause in the Golden Rule declares—"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God...". The second half of Leviticus (from chapter 17 onwards) explains in detail what the second clause of the Golden Rule means—"and thy neighbor as thyself". (Knight, Levitius)

Ø "The Book of Leviticus was the first book studied by a Jewish child; yet is often among the last books of the Bible to be studied by a Christian. However, a book referred to about 40 times in the New Testament should be of great significance to every Christian. Apart from the question of the typological significance of the Levitical sacrifices, the Book of Leviticus contains extensive revelation concerning the character of God—especially His holiness but also His electing love and grace. Also it provides many rich lessons concerning the holy life that God expects of His people. Many New Testament passages, including some key concepts in the Epistle to the Hebrews, cannot be evaluated properly without a clear understanding of their counterparts in the Book of Leviticus." (Walvoord, & Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary)

Ø We today do not understand the significance of the sacrificial system instituted by God. Bloodshed is an awesome image of the sin and the cost of salvation.

Ø "Leviticus teaches about holiness for everyone. It covers sickness to sex, and everything in-between. Holiness is important to God for all of His people, not just the priests. We are all called to be holy as He is holy." (Knowles. The Bible Guide)

Ø The sacrifices described in Leviticus are solemn, costly and moving. But they are never enough. They are for ever being repeated; because sin is never fully dealt with . . . the painful knowledge is that all the sacrificing of animals has never really dealt with sin. Jesus, on the cross, at last makes a sacrifice which works for everyone for all time. He dies shouting triumphantly, 'It is finished!'

Chapters 1-7: The Offerings

Ø Chapter 1: Burnt Offering

ü What did the Lord require to be used as a burnt offering? Why?

ü Why did the one bringing the offering have to lay his hand on the offering?

ü Who does the animal being sacrificed represent?

Ø Chapter 2: Grain Offering

ü What did the Lord require to be used as a grain offering? Why?

ü "Symbolically this offering speaks of the moral perfection of the life of our Savior (fine flour), untainted by evil (no leaven), fragrant to God (frankincense), and filled with the Holy Spirit (oil)." (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary)

Ø Chapter 3: Fellowship or Peace Offering

ü What did the Lord require to be used as a fellowship offering? Why?

ü "The finished work of Christ in relation to the believer is seen in the peace offering. The Lord Jesus is our peace (Eph. 2:14), having made peace through the blood of His cross (Col. 1:20). (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary)

(over)

Ø Chapter 4 – 5:13: Sin Offering

ü "The sin offering points symbolically to Christ, who was "made sin" for us, though He knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary)

ü Notice the "unintentional" nature of the sins in this section.

Ø Chapter 5:14 – 6:7: Guilt or Trespass Offering

ü Offered for the forgiveness of intentional sins as compared to the Sin Offering.

ü Was there any additional requirement other than the offering given?

ü "The Lord Jesus not only restored what had been stolen through man's sin – fellowship with the heavenly Father, but He added more. For God has received more glory through the finished work of Christ than if sin had never entered the world. And we are better off in Christ than we ever could have been in un-fallen Adam." (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary)

Ø Chapter 6:8 – 7:38: Additional Priestly Rules

Chapters 8-10 = Consecration of the Priests – these are men especially set apart for ministry to God. Compare with the qualifications in Timothy and Titus for elders and deacons.

Ø Chapter 8-9: Ordination and Installation of the Priests

ü Why was the blood was placed on ... the ear, ... hand, and ... foot of Aaron and his sons?

ü This is to remind us that Christ's blood should affect our obedience, service, and walk. (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary)

Ø Chapter 10: Serving God is Serious Business

ü Why did God deal so harshly with Nadab and Abihu?

ü "Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each burned incense ... before the Lord with profane fire, perhaps fire that was not taken off the brazen altar. Since the altar speaks of Calvary, it was as if they tried to approach God in some way other than through the atoning work of Christ. Fire went out from the Most Holy Place and devoured them as they stood by the golden altar in the holy place. Moses warned Aaron, in effect, that any complaint would be rebellion against God's righteous dealings." (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary)

Chapters 11-15 = Laws of Cleansing – God is a holy God and desires His people to be holy also!

Ø Why did God give the Israelites food restrictions?

Ø Why the need for purification after childbirth?

ØWhy the instructions about infectious diseases and bodily discharges?

Ø Do these laws of cleansing apply to us? What can we learn from them?