Leviticus 11-20

Living Holy in a Hostile World

Bible Passage: Leviticus 11, Leviticus 12, Leviticus 13, Leviticus 14, Leviticus 15, Leviticus 16, Leviticus 17, Leviticus 18, Leviticus 19, Leviticus 20

Summary: Leviticus chapters 11-20 outline God's commands regarding purity, morality, and holiness for the Israelites. These laws serve as a foundation for a distinct lifestyle that reflects God's nature in a fallen world.

Application: In today's context, this passage challenges Christians to live distinctly and morally upright lives amidst secular pressures. It encourages reflection on our choices and behaviors, promoting a life that glorifies God and aligns with His will.

Teaching: This sermon would teach the importance of holiness in the life of a believer and how God's standards for purity and morality still apply today. It addresses the struggle to uphold one's faith while engaging with a culture that often contradicts biblical values.

How this passage could point to Christ: The laws in Leviticus set the stage for understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's requirements for holiness. Jesus embodies the purity and sanctification these laws symbolize, ultimately providing a way for believers to live in direct relationship with God, cleansed and empowered by His Spirit.

Big Idea: God calls His people to live in holiness, reflecting His character through their purity, even amidst a culture that often opposes His values.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider using Logos to delve deeper into the significance of purity laws in Israelite culture, especially regarding their socio-religious implications. Examine commentaries on Leviticus 11-20 for insights into how these laws influence understanding of holiness in New Testament teachings, particularly in the context of church discipline and community living.

1. Purity in Practices

Leviticus 11

You could explore how God called the Israelites to dietary restrictions, signifying a lifestyle set apart for Him. The separation from unclean foods symbolizes the broader calling to live distinctly holy lives, pointing to Christ's ultimate purity. Encourage Christians today to examine what nourishes their spiritual lives and ensure they're feeding on what aligns with God's holiness and truth.

2. Sanctity through Seasons

Leviticus 12

Perhaps highlight the purification rites postpartum women underwent, demonstrating the depth of God's concern for purity in all life aspects. This foreshadows Christ's perfect purification of believers, who, though flawed, are called to embody holiness through His sanctifying work. Challenge believers to let Christ's sanctification work deeply in all life's seasons.

3. Wholeness through Cleansing

Leviticus 13-14

Maybe consider the meticulous care in addressing skin diseases and the rites for cleansing, pointing to how God addresses the root of impurity. This comprehensive cleansing reflects the profound cleansing Christ offers from sin's defilement. Encourage believers to regularly seek His cleansing power for spiritual health and holiness.

4. Holiness in Hiddenness

Leviticus 15

You could discuss the regulations on bodily discharges, illustrating God's desire for purity extending into personal, intimate aspects of life. It shows the necessity of Christ's redemptive work, cleansing every human aspect brought under His lordship. Urge Christians to allow Christ to transform even their most private struggles and areas of life.

5. Atonement's Transformative Power

Leviticus 16

Consider the Day of Atonement as the pivotal moment in Israel's calendar for dealing with communal sin. This foreshadows Christ's once and for all atonement, whose sacrifice cleanses believers, enabling them to live in continual communion with God. Inspire believers to treasure Christ's atoning work and respond with lives marked by gratitude and purity.

6. Life's Sacred Sustenance

Leviticus 17

Maybe focus on the prohibition of consuming blood, underscoring life’s sanctity and foreshadowing Christ’s blood as our source of eternal life. Call Christians to acknowledge the sacredness of life and live with a gratitude that propels them towards Christ-centered living.

7. Purity in Relationships

Leviticus 18

Examine the sexual ethics outlined, insisting on holiness even in private relationships. This highlights the need for believers' lives to reflect divine purity, empowered by Christ’s indwelling Spirit. Christians are called to uphold these standards, reflecting God’s countercultural kingdom values.

8. Holiness in Community

Leviticus 19

Unpack the diverse laws promoting justice, honesty, and love, embodying God's holiness in community life. These instructions mirror the abundant life Christ brings, fostering a community where holiness radiates through love and justice. Urge believers to reflect God's character in every interaction, building His kingdom on earth.

9. Victory over Idolatry

Leviticus 20

Perhaps look at the severe consequences for idolatry and immorality, reinforcing the significance of holiness. This anticipates Christ's victory over sin's power, calling believers to reject worldly enticements through His strength. Encourage Christians to embrace Christ's victory, leading lives marked by uncompromising holiness.