Leviticus may seem difficult, but its main focus is how sinful people can live in the presence of a holy God. It addresses a problem seen at the end of Exodus, where not even Moses can enter God's presence.
Leviticus is a guide for the Hebrew community on how to live in God's presence, imitate his holiness, and receive his blessings. Its central teaching is found in Leviticus 11:44: "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy."
The book explains the relationship between holiness and ethics, and describes the sacrificial system that addresses our unholiness and uncleanness. Leviticus introduces important theological themes such as sacrifice, priesthood, and our relationship with God. It provides the background for understanding the significance of Christ's sacrificial death and priesthood.
In short, Leviticus is one of the richest theological books in the Old Testament.
Mark Dever summarizes this book:
- God’s people are distinct, so they should live holy lives.
- God’s people are sinful, so they should offer sacrifices.
The Big Idea of Leviticus
S: How can an unholy people live in the presence of a holy God?
C: Through sacrifice and obedience.
BI: To draw near to a holy God, we need a sacrifice and obedience.
Laws of the Tabernacle (1-16)
1-3
S: How can we approach God?
C: On the basis of a sacrifice and with thanksgiving.
BI: We approach God on the basis of a sacrifice and with thanksgiving.
4:1-5:13
S: How do we deal with the pervasive problem of sin?
C: By seeking God’s forgiveness.
BI: Sin is pervasive, but forgiveness is available.
5:14-6:7
S: What about when we sin against others?
C: We need reconciliation with God and reparation to others.
BI: When we sin against others, we need reconciliation with God and reparation to those we’ve wronged.
6:8-7:38
S: What does God require from those who serve him?
C: Wholehearted obedience.
BI: God requires wholehearted obedience from those who serve him.
8-10
S: What does God require from those who serve him?
C: Obedience in worship.
BI: Our holy God requires wholehearted obedience in worship, especially from leaders.
11
S: Why should we be distinct from the world?
C: Because of God’s holiness.
BI: God’s people are called to be distinct from the world because of God’s holiness.
12-15
S: How can we prepare ourselves for God’s presence?
C: By being cleansed in every part of our lives.
BI: Prepare yourself for God’s presence by being cleansed in every part of your life.
16
S: How can we be made right with God?
C: God must deal with our sins so that we’re restored to his presence.
BI: God must deal with our sins so that we can be restored to his presence.
Laws of the Community (17-27)
17
S: What is a danger we face?
C: Losing sight of the centrality of the atonement.
BI: Don’t lose sight of the centrality of the atonement.
18-20
S: How does God’s holiness show up in the lives of his people?
C: They avoid the evil practices of the world and honor God in everyday life.
BI: God’s people pursue holiness because God is holy.
19:9-18
S: What is the bottom line of what God wants from us?
C: Love.
BI: The bottom line of what God wants from us is love.
21-22
S: What does God require from spiritual leaders?
C: An even higher standard of holiness.
BI: God demands an even higher standard of holiness from leaders.
23-25
S: What is life with God like?
C: Life with God is characterized by rest in the middle of a broken world.
BI: Life with God is characterized by rest in the middle of a broken world.
26
S: What does God’s grace require?
C: Obedience.
BI: God’s grace requires obedience.
27
S: How can we honor God with our possessions?
C: By giving God his due.
BI: Honor God with your possessions.
