Series: Epic Journey: The Bible in 99 Days

Message Outline

Be Holy!

Text: Leviticus - Numbers - Deuteronomy

Introduction:

The first five books of the Bible are foundational to growth and Holiness: Pentateuch, Books of Moses, Law of Moses, Torah

Pattern of 5 occurs often in Scripture - eg. Psalms, Jesus' five discourses in Matthew
 
Eugene Peterson (The Message) suggests five steps of God growing His people:

1. Genesis: Conception
2. Exodus: Birth
3. Leviticus: Schooling
4. Numbers: Adolescence
5. Deuteronomy: Adulthood
 

Cliff Notes Summary of this week's readings

Leviticus:

Focused on man's access to a Holy God via "substitution & atonement"

Words of focus:
 Holy (74X)  Fire (62X)  Atonement (56X)  Forgiven (10X)

Key Principles:
Representation/Appropriation, Adequacy, Faith in action

Two sections:
Ch. 1-16 - how to be right with a Holy God
Ch.17-27 - How to live a Holy Life
God also gives Israel His schedule of Feasts - more on that later!

Key Passage:
19:1-2: The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. NIV

Numbers:

A period of rebellion and wandering "in the desert" (the book's Hebrew name).This is also a book of instruction and preparation for taking the Promised Land. Amazing miracles occur, and yet Israel grumbles and rebels - even Moses. The impact of sin (failure to live holy lives) is played out in 40 years of "training". God will only bring a Holy people into His inheritance, and yet He miraculously waits and works with them (manna, clothing, shoes) to make them so. Symbolism: budding staff, snake on a pole, arrangement of the Tribes.
 

Key Passage:
6:22-27: The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: "'"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." ' "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them." NIV
 

Deuteronomy:

This is basically a long sermon by Moses amounting to a "second giving of the Law" and has been called the constitution for the Israeli Theocracy. It serves as a reminder for all and a summary for those who were born in the desert. A preview of Jesus is given in 18:15. The book was very influential to other Bible authors, especially the prophets; also, it is quoted by 17 of 27 New Testament books. It finishes with Joshua replacing Moses. Joshua is Jesus' Hebrew name!
 

Key Passages:
6:4-5: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
30:19-20: This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.
 
Day of Atonement - Leviticus 16

The work of the High Priest on behalf of His people. The "scapegoat". Both as previews to Jesus and His Cross - and to the book of Hebrews in the New Testament.

 
The Jewish Feasts - Leviticus 23 (Deuteronomy 16)
Names of Feasts and dates in 2006-2007

• Trumpets - New Year – Rosh Hashanah – Sept 23 (start 10 days of Awe)
• Day of Atonement – Yom Kippur – October 2 (end 10 days of Awe)
• Tabernacles – Sukkhot – Oct 7-14
• Lights - Hannukkah – Dec 16 (added in 1st Century BC)
• Purim – added based on Esther – March 4
• Passover – Pesach – April 3 – Death (Paschal full moon 4/2)
• Unleavened Bread – April 4 – Burial
• First fruits – April 5 – Resurrection – Easter (April 8)
• Weeks (giving of the Law) - Sukkhot – May 23 (Pentecost giving of HS)

Personal Application: Ray Stedman’s 5 Steps

1. Aware of my need for a Holy God

2. God's action to meet my need

3. God's instructions on how to approach Him

4. My effort and failure to do my part

5. At the end of my rope: God does what only He can.

 
Trust (last week) leads to Holiness: setting all of my life apart for God.

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. NIV