The Strand Study Bible

LEVITICUS LEVITICUS approach God for the purpose of maintaining daily fellowship (Rom 12:1-2), the mandatory offerings (sin and trespass offerings - Lev 4-5) were offered to God in lieu of a confession (thankfulness) and used to approach God for the purpose of restoring fellowship that had been broken due to sin (I Jn 1:9). 1:3 a The purpose of Leviticus was to teach the people of God how to stay holy (or, separate) for God. Whereas “getting right” with God meant offering a sacrifice (Lev 1-7), “staying right” with God meant keeping the seven feasts (Lev 23). However, before we can “stay right” with God (keep the feasts) we first have to “get right” with God (offer a sacrifice). The burnt offering ( BURNT SACRIFICE ) was the most common offering of all the offerings, and was offered on a great variety of occasions, often in conjunction with other offerings. It was first mentioned in Genesis 8:20 during Noah’s day (2343 BC) and then again 484 years later in Genesis 22:8 during Abraham’s day (1859 BC). Only a Messianic believer who understood its significance was capable of properly offering this kind of offering. The burnt offering pictured CHRIST in all His perfections ( without blemish - vs 3,10), dedicating Himself voluntarily (Jn 10:17-18 and Heb 10:5-14) and wholly to God ( burn all – vs 9) with joy (Heb 12:2) and on our behalf (II Cor 5:21). Just as Jesus voluntarily dedicated Himself entirely in order that others might benefit from His sacrifice (II Cor 8:9), so we must learn to voluntarily dedicate ourselves for the same purpose. The way we learn to voluntarily offer the burnt offering is by learning to be grateful . Appreciate what you’ve been given and you will learn to give out of appreciation (Exo 35:4-22, I Chro 29:1-6-9-14-16-17 and Rom 2:4). Those who learn to appreciate certain aspects of their redemption learn to give it all voluntarily. NOTE – There are five aspects of our redemption that teach us to become grateful : 1. Cleansing and forgiveness – the following conditions surrounding cleansing and forgiveness required a burnt offering: *The birth of a baby (Lev 12:6-8), depicting the new birth (Jn 3:1-7) *The cleansing of leprosy (Lev 14:18-23), depicting sin (old nature) in a believer’s life (I Jn 1:9) *The cleansing of infectious and/or chronic discharges (Lev 15:14-15), depicting the external sins that believers commit out of ignorance ( Heb 12:1 ) *The seriousness of forgiveness (Lev 16:1-5,24), depicting the sanctity of salvation (Lk 17:1-3) *The seriousness of sanctification (Num 6:1-14), depicting spiritual devotion in a believer’s life ( Num 6:2 ) *God-given ministers (Num 8:5-12), depicting the importance of spiritual leadership in a believer’s life ( I & II TIMOTHY “MINI” SERIES) God was hoping that His people would become so thankful for cleansing and forgiveness that they would have no problem learning to give it all. Those who learn to appreciate the aspect of cleansing and forgiveness have no problem giving (Mt 26:6-13 and Lk 17:11-19 and 19:1-9). 2. Revealed sin – the following conditions surrounding revealed sin required a burnt offering: *Withholding evidence (Lev 5:1), depicting ignorance *Ceremonial defilement (Lev 5:2-3 & 11:24-40), depicting wrong fellowship (Num 6:6-7 and II Cor 6:16-18) *Not keeping a vow (Lev 5:4), depicting broken promises (Eccl 5:1-6 and Prov 9:1 – Lesson #14) God was hoping that His people would become so thankful for revealed sin that they would have no problem learning to give it all. Those who learn to appreciate the aspect of revealed sin have no problem giving (II Sam 24:18-25). Any time sin is revealed , there is an opportunity to become grateful (II Sam 12:1-13 and I Ki 21:17-29). Revealed sin means that you don’t have to make the same mistake twice. 3. God’s calling upon a man’s life – the following condition surrounding God’s calling required a burnt offering: *The calling of God upon a man’s life required a burnt offering (Lev 8:1-20), depicting God’s heart (Jere 3:15) God was hoping that His people would become so thankful for God’s calling upon a man’s life ( I Cor 12:5 ) that they would have no problem learning to give it all. God’s call upon a man’s life meant God cared enough about His people to give them what they needed spiritually. Are you thankful ( I Thess 5:18 – point #4)? 4. The importance of resurrection – the following condition surrounding resurrection required a burnt offering: *The Feast of First Fruits required a burnt offering (Lev 23:9-12), depicting Jesus’ resurrection, and thus our own (I Cor 15:12-20) God was hoping that His people would become so thankful for Christ’s resurrection (Job 19:25/I Cor 15:12-20 and Psa 2:7 & 16:10 & Isa 55:3/Acts 13:29-35), and thus theirs (I Cor 15:51-58), that they would have no problem learning to give it all ( I Jn 3:3 ). 5. The importance of unity and oneness – the following condition surrounding unity/oneness required a burnt offering: *The Feast of Pentecost required a burnt offering (Lev 23:15-18), depicting unity amongst believers (Jn 17:18-23) God was hoping that His people would become so thankful for unity and oneness ( Acts 2:1 ), that they would have no problem learning to give it all (Acts 2:44-47 & 4:32-37). Believers who learn to appreciate certain aspects of their redemption, such as, cleansing and forgiveness , revealed sin , God’s calling upon a man’s life , the importance of resurrection , and unity and oneness , learn to become grateful . Interestingly enough, the only part of the burnt offering not consumed was the hide of the animal ( Lev 7:8 ). Why? Because the hide (skin of the animal) was an illustration of the righteousness of Jesus ( Gen 3:21 , Isa 61:10 and Mt 22:11 ). Meaning: You can kill the body, but never the sacrifice. The righteousness of Jesus via His sacrifice lives on (II Cor 5:21). 1:3 b As it is with all voluntary offerings, what is offered must be the property of the one offering; hence, voluntary offerings will always cost you something (II Sam 24:24). Meaning: It takes effort to maintain daily fellowship with God. 245