Today’s Bulletin
OUTLINE
Leviticus 17
“1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to Aaron and his sons and to all the people of Israel and say to them, This is the thing that the LORD has commanded. 3 If any one of the house of Israel kills an ox or a lamb or a goat in the camp, or kills it outside the camp, 4 and does not bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to offer it as a gift to the LORD in front of the tabernacle of the LORD, bloodguilt shall be imputed to that man. He has shed blood, and that man shall be cut off from among his people. 5 This is to the end that the people of Israel may bring their sacrifices that they sacrifice in the open field, that they may bring them to the LORD, to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and sacrifice them as sacrifices of peace offerings to the LORD. 6 And the priest shall throw the blood on the altar of the LORD at the entrance of the tent of meeting and burn the fat for a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 7 So they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to goat demons, after whom they whore. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations.
8 “And you shall say to them, Any one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice 9 and does not bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to offer it to the LORD, that man shall be cut off from his people.
10 “If any one of the house of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn among them eats any blood, I will set my face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from among his people. 11 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. 12 Therefore I have said to the people of Israel, No person among you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger who sojourns among you eat blood.
13 “Any one also of the people of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who takes in hunting any beast or bird that may be eaten shall pour out its blood and cover it with earth. 14 For the life of every creature is its blood: its blood is its life. Therefore I have said to the people of Israel, You shall not eat the blood of any creature, for the life of every creature is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off. 15 And every person who eats what dies of itself or what is torn by beasts, whether he is a native or a sojourner, shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening; then he shall be clean. 16 But if he does not wash them or bathe his flesh, he shall bear his iniquity.””
Sermon Discussion questions
Lifeblood:: Leviticus 17
Ice Breaker: What is something a friend or spouse would say is quirky about you?
This Week Specific
1. Drawing Near to God:
Why do you think God gives such specific instructions for how the Israelites were to approach Him in Leviticus?
How do we, as Christians, draw near to God today? What role does Jesus play in this process?
In what ways do we sometimes try to “diversify our assets” when trusting God doesn’t seem enough?
2. Loyalty to God:
The sermon highlights betrayal, mentioning figures like Judas and Benedict Arnold. How does divided loyalty to God manifest in our lives today?
What are some modern-day idols that can tempt us to be disloyal to God?
How can we combat the temptation to turn to other "gods" (e.g., money, status, success) when we feel God is distant?
3. God’s Means and Exclusivity:
Why is it important that Israel followed God’s specific instructions for worship and sacrifice? How does this relate to Jesus being the only way to God?
How does the sacrificial system in Leviticus foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus?
In what ways do we sometimes try to create our own “means” of drawing near to God, apart from Jesus?
4. Respect for Atonement:
Why was it such a serious offense to consume blood in Israel? What was the symbolism behind it?
How do we today show respect or disrespect for the atonement Jesus provided?
What does it mean to “go all in on Jesus,” as the sermon suggests? How do we live this out practically in our daily lives?
5. The Struggle to Trust:
The sermon talks about the Israelites struggling to trust that God would deliver. In what areas of your life do you struggle to fully trust God?
How do you remind yourself that Jesus is enough when you’re tempted to seek satisfaction or help elsewhere?
Peter’s confession in John 6 is a key part of this message. How can Peter’s words, “Where else are we to go?” encourage you in times of doubt or uncertainty?
6. Exclusive Loyalty in Today’s World:
How does the idea of exclusivity in loyalty to God challenge the values of a pluralistic, multi-faith world?
What does it look like for a Christian to remain loyal to Christ when surrounded by competing worldviews and ideologies?
Weekly Questions
What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?
What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?
How can this group pray for you this week?