Embracing Holiness: The Path to True Happiness
Summary
In the pursuit of true happiness, we often overlook the most essential element of a fulfilled life: holiness. Holiness is not an optional luxury; it is a necessity for anyone who seeks to see the Lord. The Book of Leviticus, often perceived as antiquated and irrelevant, emerges as a vital guide for believers, instructing us on how to incorporate holiness into our daily lives. It is a book for the saved, for those who have chosen to set themselves apart for God's exclusive use.
Leviticus presents five major themes: the holiness of God, the holy priesthood, the holy people, the holy land, and the holy Savior. Each theme intricately weaves the fabric of a life lived in reverence and obedience to a holy God. The book begins with God speaking directly to Moses, emphasizing the directness of His word and the importance of His instructions for living a life set apart.
The sacrifices detailed in Leviticus, though codified in the Mosaic Law, were instituted in the Garden of Eden. They teach us about the necessity of the shedding of innocent blood for the covering of sin, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The offerings in Leviticus—burnt, grain, drink, fellowship, sin, and trespass—each hold significant meaning and foreshadow the work of Christ.
Leviticus also addresses the concept of a holy land, detailing the sins that defile the land and invite divine judgment. It underscores the importance of understanding and obeying God's moral law, which remains relevant for all nations and individuals. The book concludes with the anticipation of a future where all requirements of holiness will be met, pointing to the prophetic nature of Leviticus and its relevance to our understanding of God's plan for humanity.
Key Takeaways:
1. Holiness is the most important thing in the world, and it is not limited to ancient Israel but is essential for New Testament believers as well. Leviticus teaches us that without holiness, we cannot see the Lord, and it is through holiness that we find true happiness. This book guides us in understanding and living out the holiness that God requires of His people. [02:12]
2. The sacrificial system in Leviticus, while seemingly complex, serves as a profound illustration of God's plan for redemption through Jesus Christ. Each offering and ritual points to the necessity of a perfect sacrifice for sin, which was fulfilled in Christ's death and resurrection. Understanding these Old Testament practices deepens our appreciation for the Gospel and the grace extended to us. [44:07]
3. The priesthood in Leviticus symbolizes the role of believers as a royal priesthood in the New Testament. Just as the Levitical priests were set apart and held to high standards, we too are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of our High Priest, Jesus Christ. Our spiritual sacrifices are now acceptable to God through Him. [18:53]
4. The distinction between holy and common, as well as clean and unclean, is foundational to understanding God's nature and His expectations for His people. Leviticus challenges us to examine our lives and separate ourselves from the common, dedicating ourselves wholly to God's service. This separation is not about physical purity alone but encompasses our entire being and actions. [19:20]
5. Leviticus is not just a historical or ceremonial text; it is a prophetic book that lays out God's plan for the ages, including the coming of the Messiah and the future fulfillment of all things in Christ. As believers, we are to study Leviticus with the anticipation of understanding the full scope of God's redemptive history and our part in His eternal kingdom. [53:03]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:14 - "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
2. Leviticus 20:26 - "And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine."
3. 1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 12:14, what is necessary to see the Lord? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on holiness? [02:12]
2. In Leviticus 20:26, what does it mean to be "severed" from other people? How does this concept of being set apart apply to New Testament believers? [05:21]
3. How does 1 Peter 1:15-16 connect the Old Testament command to be holy with the New Testament call for believers? [03:47]
4. What are the five major themes presented in the Book of Leviticus as mentioned in the sermon? [04:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon suggest that true happiness begins with holiness? How does this contrast with common pursuits of happiness in today's culture? [02:45]
2. How does the sacrificial system in Leviticus foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ? What significance does this hold for understanding the Gospel? [13:05]
3. What does it mean for believers to be a "royal priesthood" as symbolized by the Levitical priesthood? How should this influence our daily lives? [18:53]
4. How does the distinction between holy and common, clean and unclean, challenge us to live differently in our current context? [19:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal pursuit of happiness. How can you shift your focus towards holiness in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to prioritize holiness? [02:45]
2. The sermon mentions that the sacrificial system points to Jesus' sacrifice. How can understanding these Old Testament practices deepen your appreciation for the Gospel? [13:05]
3. As a member of the "royal priesthood," what are some specific ways you can live a life that reflects the holiness of Jesus Christ? Consider your actions, words, and thoughts. [18:53]
4. Examine your life for areas where you might be blending the holy with the common. What changes can you make to dedicate yourself wholly to God's service? [19:20]
5. The sermon emphasizes the prophetic nature of Leviticus and its relevance to God's plan for humanity. How can studying Leviticus with this perspective impact your understanding of God's redemptive history? [53:03]
6. Think about the concept of a holy land and the sins that defile it. How can you apply the principles of holiness to your environment, whether it be your home, workplace, or community? [21:22]
7. Reflect on the idea that holiness is not just about physical purity but encompasses our entire being and actions. What specific areas of your life need to be set apart for God? How will you start making those changes this week? [19:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Holiness in Daily Life
Holiness is the cornerstone of a life lived in God's presence. It is not merely an ancient concept but a present-day calling for every believer. The pursuit of holiness is a journey that begins with understanding its importance and seeking to embody it in every aspect of life. Holiness is about being set apart for God's exclusive use, a theme that resonates throughout the Book of Leviticus. This book, often misunderstood, provides a blueprint for living a life that honors God by adhering to His standards of purity and moral conduct.
The call to holiness is a call to a transformed life, one that reflects the character of God in every action, thought, and deed. It is about recognizing that true happiness is found not in the fleeting pleasures of the world but in the fulfillment that comes from a deep relationship with the divine. Holiness is not a static state but a dynamic process of growing closer to God and becoming more like Him. It requires a conscious effort to align one's life with God's will, to embrace the disciplines of prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word. As believers, the pursuit of holiness is both a privilege and a responsibility, a journey that is both challenging and rewarding. [07:40]
Hebrews 12:14 (ESV): "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can pursue holiness in your daily routine, and how can this change impact your relationship with God and others?
Day 2: The Sacrificial System as a Shadow of Christ's Work
The intricate details of the sacrificial system in Leviticus are more than just historical religious practices; they are a shadow of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. Each offering, from the burnt offering to the sin and trespass offerings, holds profound significance, teaching us about the cost of sin and the necessity of atonement. These sacrifices foreshadowed the perfect and final sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which brought redemption and restoration to humanity.
Understanding the sacrificial system deepens our appreciation for the Gospel. It reminds us that sin requires a payment, and without the shedding of innocent blood, there can be no forgiveness. The offerings in Leviticus were a temporary covering for sin, pointing to the time when Jesus would offer Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. This understanding should lead to a heart of gratitude and a life that honors the sacrifice made on our behalf. As we reflect on the depth of God's love and the price paid for our redemption, we are called to live in a manner worthy of the grace we have received. [44:07]
Leviticus 17:11 (ESV): "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."
Reflection: How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance your gratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and how can you express this gratitude in your daily life?
Day 3: Believers as a Royal Priesthood
The priesthood in Leviticus serves as a symbol for the New Testament believers' role as a royal priesthood. Just as the Levitical priests were set apart for God's service, we too are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of our High Priest, Jesus Christ. Our lives are to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our spiritual act of worship.
This calling to be a royal priesthood means that we have direct access to God through Jesus Christ and the responsibility to intercede for others. It also means that our daily actions, words, and thoughts should be an offering to God, reflecting His love and grace to the world. As we embrace our identity as priests in the kingdom of God, we are empowered to minister to those around us and to represent Christ in every area of our lives. [18:53]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: In what ways can you fulfill your role as a member of the royal priesthood in your community, and how can this change the way you interact with others?
Day 4: Distinguishing Between Holy and Common
Leviticus teaches us the importance of distinguishing between what is holy and what is common, as well as what is clean and unclean. This distinction is not just about ritual purity but is a call to a higher standard of living. It challenges us to examine our lives and to separate ourselves from the common, dedicating ourselves wholly to God's service.
This separation is a holistic endeavor, encompassing not just our physical actions but also our thoughts, intentions, and spiritual disciplines. It is about living a life that is distinct from the world around us, one that shines the light of Christ and draws others to Him. As we learn to discern between the holy and the common, we grow in our understanding of God's nature and His desires for us as His people. [19:20]
Ezekiel 44:23 (ESV): "They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to make a clearer distinction between the holy and the common, and what practical steps can you take to do so?
Day 5: Leviticus as a Prophetic Book
Leviticus is not merely a historical or ceremonial text; it is a prophetic book that outlines God's plan for the ages. It points to the coming of the Messiah and the future fulfillment of all things in Christ. Studying Leviticus with this prophetic lens allows believers to grasp the full scope of God's redemptive history and our part in His eternal kingdom.
The anticipation of the Messiah and the ultimate fulfillment of holiness in Christ are central themes in Leviticus. As believers, we are encouraged to look forward to the day when all requirements of holiness will be met in Christ, and we will dwell with God forever. This prophetic understanding of Leviticus inspires hope and purpose, reminding us that our faith is rooted in the promises of God that span from the past into the future. [53:03]
Leviticus 26:12 (ESV): "And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people."
Reflection: How does the prophetic nature of Leviticus influence your perspective on God's redemptive plan, and how can this understanding shape your hope for the future?
Quotes
1) "Holiness is not a luxury; it's an essential, a necessity, and it's not limited to the Jews in ancient Israel. Leviticus will instruct us as New Testament Christians how to appreciate holiness and to appropriate it into our everyday lives." [04:16] (Download | )
2) "The whole concept of a holy people... was God's concept in calling Israel out to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation... Everything was either holy, that is set apart for God's exclusive use, or it was common." [19:20] (Download | )
3) "The laws of Leviticus constantly held before the Israelites the absolute holiness of God as the only standard of perfection, and the three emphasis: the awfulness of sin... the graciousness of God... and the sacrifice of Christ." [39:56] (Download | )
4) "The sacrifices that we're going to study are codified here in Leviticus but they were instituted in the Garden of Eden... God was teaching them about the shedding of innocent blood to be covered." [44:39] (Download | )
5) "The shedding of animal blood couldn't change a person's heart or take away sins, but God did say that their sins were forgiven because they were given in anticipation of the cross." [47:25] (Download | )
6) "God does not want our sacrifices; He wants our obedience and our heart. That's what He's after." [47:54] (Download | )
7) "The first key point is the awful sin; the second is the graciousness of God... with the shedding of blood there is remission... the third issue... is the sacrifice of Christ." [40:23] (Download | )
8) "The word atonement... means to cover up... the sins they're covered until they're dealt with on the cross." [43:41] (Download | )
9) "Leviticus looks forward to the most incredible future yet to come where all the requirements of holiest will be met." [53:03] (Download | )
10) "The entire sacrificial system pointed toward this most significant event in the universe, and the very definition of the Gospel is built on these specifications." [13:31] (Download | )
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