Leviticus & Holiness

Speaker: Peter Durman
Series: Benefice Service of Light
Scripture: Leviticus 19:1-18

Leviticus asks (and answers) a very relevant question.
“How can a holy God live among an unholy people?”

Leviticus is a book about a love for God, and a love for neighbour.
Leviticus is not simply a collection of archaic rules. It reveals God's character, God's faithfulness and God's desire to dwell among his people.

Holiness means to be 'set apart'.
It's not about being withdrawn from the world, being morally superior, or privately intense in our spirituality. Holiness means being separate for God. Belonging to God. Reflecting God's character in everyday life.

Grace comes first.
Israel is not told to become holy in order to earn God's presence. They are called to holiness because God is already their God, and he's already living among them.

Holiness is about how people treat one another and how they love each other.
Holiness is worked out in their homes, in their fields, in their workplaces and in their relationships. It's for all.

Forgiveness is costly.
These sacrificial animals would have been valuable Israel. Jesus becomes the sacrifice that God has provided once and for all, completely.

5 ways to live Holy lives

1) Be generous ^(vv9-10)
2) Be honest ^(vv11-12)
3) Be fair ^(vv13-14)
4) Be just ^(vv14-15)
5) Be loving ^(vv16-17)