Embracing God's Holiness: Obedience and Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Holiness Is Both Good and Dangerous

God’s holiness is described as both beautiful and awe-inspiring, yet also dangerous for those who approach Him carelessly or without proper preparation. The tabernacle, with its meticulous rituals and sacred space, was a place where heaven and earth met, and where God’s presence dwelled among His people. The elaborate consecration of the priests and the detailed instructions for sacrifices were not arbitrary, but necessary for sinful humans to safely draw near to a holy God. This dual nature of holiness—good and dangerous—reminds us that God’s presence is a gift, but not to be taken lightly. [30:41]

Leviticus 9:23-24 (ESV)
And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.

Reflection: In what ways do you approach God casually or without reverence, and how might you cultivate a deeper awe for His holiness in your daily life?

Day 2: Doing It God’s Way, Not Our Own

The story of Nadab and Abihu is a sobering reminder that God’s instructions are not suggestions, but the only way to truly draw near to Him. When Aaron’s sons offered unauthorized fire, disregarding God’s command, they faced immediate and tragic consequences. This event echoes the story of Adam and Eve, showing that doing things “my way” leads to separation from God and even destruction. God’s holiness requires obedience, not innovation or self-will, and He calls His people to honor Him by following His ways rather than their own. [48:32]

Leviticus 10:1-3 (ESV)
Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace.

Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to do things your own way instead of God’s, and what would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?

Day 3: The Gift and Responsibility of Discernment

Priests were called to discern between what was holy and what was common, a task that required sobriety, attentiveness, and a heart aligned with God. When Nadab and Abihu lost their ability to discern—likely due to drunkenness—they failed in their calling and brought disaster upon themselves. Discernment remains a vital gift for God’s people today, enabling us to recognize what pleases God and what does not, and to teach others the truth of His covenant. We are invited to cultivate discernment through dependence on the Spirit, the Word, and a life of prayerful attentiveness. [52:25]

Malachi 2:7 (ESV)
For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

Reflection: What is one area where you need God’s discernment today, and how can you intentionally seek His wisdom before making a decision?

Day 4: Jesus Is Our Once-for-All “Draw Near Thing”

Unlike the endless sacrifices of Leviticus, Jesus became the perfect and final offering, making a way for us to draw near to God without fear of condemnation. Through Christ, we are no longer required to bring repeated sacrifices; instead, we are invited to daily surrender ourselves as living sacrifices, trusting in His finished work. In Christ, there is no condemnation, and we are freed from the fear of God’s wrath, able to approach Him with confidence and gratitude. [56:04]

Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is your once-for-all sacrifice change the way you approach God in prayer and worship today?

Day 5: Confession, Repentance, and Living as a Living Sacrifice

God’s desire is not for endless rituals to appease His anger, but for hearts that confess, repent, and walk in obedience. When we sin, the way back is not through self-punishment or trying to earn God’s favor, but through honest confession and turning back to Him. We have been given everything we need for life and godliness—His Spirit, His Word, His grace. Each day, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, with ears to hear, hands to obey, and feet to walk in His ways. [01:01:12]

1 John 1:9 (ESV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Reflection: Is there a specific sin or area of disobedience you need to confess to God today, and what step of repentance can you take to walk in His ways?

Sermon Summary

Leviticus, often overlooked for its meticulous detail and repetition, reveals a God who is both holy and good—a God who desires to dwell among His people but insists on order, reverence, and careful obedience. The Israelites, like Adam and Eve in Eden, were called to be caretakers of a sacred space, hosting the divine presence in the midst of their camp. The tabernacle, surrounded by the tribes, became a new Eden, a place where heaven and earth met, and where offerings transformed into smoke, rising as a pleasing aroma to God. This was not just about ritual, but about transformation and drawing near to the Creator.

The ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests was a moment of new creation, marked by washing, anointing, and symbolic acts—blood on the ear, thumb, and toe—signifying the call to hear God’s word, do His will, and walk in His ways. The priests stood as royal representatives before the people, but in humility before God. Their consecration culminated in a seven-day feast, embodying the ideal of humanity dwelling with God, and on the eighth day, God’s glory appeared to all Israel. Fire from God consumed the offering, and the people responded with awe and joy, experiencing the wonder and majesty of God’s presence.

Yet, this joy was quickly shattered when Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered unauthorized fire—doing things their own way rather than God’s. The same fire that brought joy now brought judgment, consuming them instantly. Their failure was rooted in a lack of discernment, likely due to drunkenness, and a disregard for the holiness of God. This echoes the story of Adam and Eve, and serves as a warning: God’s holiness is both beautiful and dangerous, and drawing near on our own terms leads to destruction.

Holiness is not about appeasing an angry God with endless sacrifices, but about obedience, surrender, and relationship. Jesus, our ultimate “draw near thing,” has become the once-for-all sacrifice, making a way for us to approach God without fear of condemnation. The call now is to daily offer ourselves as living sacrifices—ears to hear, hands to do, feet to walk in God’s ways. When we fail, the path back is not through appeasement, but through confession, repentance, and trust in God’s covenant faithfulness. We have been given everything we need for life and godliness; the invitation is to do it God’s way, not our own.

Key Takeaways

1. Holiness Is Both Beautiful and Dangerous God’s holiness is not merely a distant attribute but a living reality that is both good and perilous. To draw near to God is to encounter a beauty that transforms, but also a power that cannot be approached carelessly or on our own terms. The story of Nadab and Abihu is a sobering reminder that God’s presence is not to be trifled with, and that reverence and obedience are essential when approaching the Holy One. [50:25]
2. Discernment Is Essential for God’s People The priests’ primary calling was to discern between what is holy and what is common, and to teach this discernment to the people. When discernment is lost—whether through carelessness, pride, or intoxication—God’s people are in danger of bringing harm upon themselves and others. True spiritual maturity is marked by the ability to distinguish God’s ways from our own, and to lead others in the same. [52:25]
3. Obedience Is the Pathway to God’s Presence God’s instructions for worship and sacrifice were not arbitrary, but designed to create a space where His people could safely encounter His glory. Obedience is not about earning God’s favor, but about aligning ourselves with His order and purposes. When we do things “our way,” we risk missing out on the fullness of God’s presence and blessing. [54:24]
4. Jesus Is Our Once-for-All Offering Unlike the endless sacrifices of Leviticus, Jesus has become the ultimate offering, making a way for us to draw near to God without fear of condemnation. Our response is not to try to appease God through our own efforts, but to surrender daily, offering ourselves as living sacrifices. In Christ, we are invited into a relationship marked by grace, not fear. [56:04]
5. Confession and Repentance Restore Fellowship When we fail or fall short, the way back to God is not through self-punishment or endless striving, but through honest confession and repentance. God’s covenant faithfulness remains, and He calls us to name our sins, turn from them, and trust in His forgiveness. This is the ongoing rhythm of life with God: hearing, doing, walking, and returning when we stray.

** [60:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:06] - Introduction to Leviticus
[30:41] - God’s Order and Holiness
[31:27] - The Tabernacle: Hosting the Divine
[33:28] - Anointing and Consecration of the High Priest
[34:49] - Royal Priesthood and Humility
[35:28] - Anointing the Tabernacle and Priests
[36:41] - Symbolic Acts of Dedication
[37:53] - The Wave Offering and Feasting
[39:47] - The Eighth Day: God’s Glory Appears
[41:02] - Fire from God: Joy and Awe
[47:24] - Nadab and Abihu: Doing It My Way
[50:25] - The Danger of God’s Holiness
[52:25] - The Call to Discernment
[54:24] - The Consequences of Self-Will
[56:04] - Jesus, Our Once-for-All Sacrifice
[60:11] - Confession, Repentance, and Restoration
[61:40] - Living Sacrifices: Ears, Hands, and Feet

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Leviticus 9:23-24 (ESV) — > "And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces."

2. Leviticus 10:1-3 (ESV)
> "Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said to Aaron, 'This is what the Lord has said, "Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified."' And Aaron held his peace."

3. Romans 12:1 (ESV)
> "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Observation Questions

What happened when Moses and Aaron finished the sacrifices and blessed the people? What was the people's response? (Leviticus 9:23-24)
What did Nadab and Abihu do that was different from what God commanded, and what was the result? (Leviticus 10:1-2)
According to the sermon, what were the symbolic acts done to Aaron and his sons during their ordination, and what did each part represent? [[36:41]]
In Romans 12:1, what does Paul urge believers to do with their bodies, and how does he describe this act?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God responded so dramatically to Nadab and Abihu’s “unauthorized fire”? What does this teach about God’s holiness? [[50:25]]
The sermon described the ordination of the priests as a “new creation” moment. What does this suggest about God’s intentions for His people and their relationship with Him? [[39:47]]
The sermon says that discernment was the most important gift for the priests. Why is discernment so crucial when it comes to worship and obedience? [[52:25]]
According to the sermon, how does Jesus change the way we approach God compared to the system in Leviticus? [[56:04]]

Application Questions

The story of Nadab and Abihu is a warning about approaching God on our own terms. Are there areas in your life where you tend to “do it your way” instead of God’s way? What would it look like to surrender those areas? [[54:24]]
The priests had to be able to discern between what was holy and what was common. Where in your daily life do you need more discernment? How can you grow in this area? [[52:25]]
The ordination involved ears to hear, hands to do, and feet to walk in God’s ways. Which of these (hearing, doing, walking) do you find most challenging right now? What is one step you can take this week to grow in that area? [[36:41]]
The sermon said that holiness is both beautiful and dangerous. How do you balance reverence for God’s holiness with the confidence we have in Christ? [[50:25]]
When you fail or fall short, do you tend to try to “make it up to God” or do you practice confession and repentance? What would it look like to trust God’s covenant faithfulness more deeply? [[01:00:11]]
Romans 12:1 calls us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. What is one practical way you can offer yourself to God this week—in your work, relationships, or habits?
The sermon mentioned that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. Is there a resource (prayer, Scripture, community, etc.) that you have been neglecting? How can you make use of it this week? [[01:00:47]]

Sermon Clips

How barbaric. How awful. How cruel. How Could God do that? Is that what you think? A lot of people think that God in the Old Testament is just plain cruel and horrible and a God of wrath. What happened? We go back to our definition of holiness. Good, beautiful, wonderful, amazing. Creating almighty love, goodness and dangerous Come with the draw near thing. They must have entered in an unclean state without what we've called the fireproofing that was required so that they could come to the holiness of God. [00:50:19] (47 seconds) #NoCondemnationInChrist

If you want your own way, God will let you have it. Have you got it? Do it my way. Westerners are very, very good at doing it my way. God will let you have it. Hell is the enjoyment of one's own way forever by yourself, without community. So holiness is a dangerous thing. It's a one. It's our death sentence, if you like. We are born into condemnation. We are condemned from the moment we die as from the moment we are born. [00:54:24] (42 seconds) #ObedienceIsTheWay

``There's no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. To those who are in Christ Jesus. There's no need to fear. There's no need to have this horror. There's no need to see this dangerous side of God. If we are in our relationship with our Jesus, who is our draw near thing, without our fireproofing, we too come under the dangerous part of God's holiness. But no longer do I have to bring offerings and offerings day after day, week after week. Because Jesus became the offering once and for all. He dealt with our sin problem once and for all. [00:55:33] (46 seconds) #ConfessRepentAndWalk

I don't need to do the offering that God requires is that daily committing of myself as a surrender to do it his way, not my way. Lord, you be king. You be the leader, you be the one. I will make my life a living sacrifice so that I can live to please you. [00:56:20] (23 seconds) #EquippedForTheChristianLife

The anger of God is not about sacrifice. It's about disobedience to the covenant. He goes on and reiterates in that chapter the commands of God, the blessings of obedience, the curses of disobedience, choosing the way that God says, this is the way. Hear my commands, do what I say and walk with me. [00:58:53] (29 seconds) #DailySurrenderToGod

So those same symbolic actions to the high priest and the priests are some of the symbolic actions that we need today so that we can hear what God says and obey, so that we can do and so that we can walk in the ways of God. [00:59:21] (17 seconds)

When we muck up, when we sin, confess, repent. Okay, Name what we've done wrong. We don't have to. Oh, I mean, we feel like we could just. If God, if only I could do something to prove to you that I've mucked up and I don't mean to do it again. If only, Lord, I could show you that I don't really want to sin. I've done the wrong thing. What can I do to make you happy? What can I do to bring you pleasure? That's how we feel. Is it? God says, confess and repent. [01:00:11] (36 seconds)

We've been given everything we need to live the Christian life, absolutely everything. First Peter says that we've been given grace and mercy. We've been given the spirit, we've been given the word of God. We've been given fellowship, We've been given prayer. We've been given everything we need. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want or lack. [01:00:48] (29 seconds)

Today. We don't need Jesus to die over and over and over again. But we do need to be clean through, confessing, repenting, being forgiven, and forgiving others and praying. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. We have a risen Savior who was the once and for all sacrifice. [01:01:18] (32 seconds)

For those of you who have have made Jesus Christ your Lord and savior, remember, it doesn't finish there. Every day I give my life as a total sacrifice, saying, you are my Lord, you are my God. Let me do it your way, not mine. Ears to hear, hands to obey and do, feet to walk. [01:01:56] (29 seconds)

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