Bible study: Lessons from God's instructions on worship

Leviticus 9:15–10:3

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God possesses many attributes or characteristics. Perhaps the dominant divine attribute mentioned in Scripture is God’s holiness. Because of our sin, we are separated and have a broken relationship with our Creator.

Leviticus may be the most unread book of the Bible because of the emphasis on holiness and sacrifices, but the prescribed sacrifices were key to worship for the Hebrews. Twenty-first-century Christians can learn lessons from the ways the Hebrews worshipped.

Separated (9:15–21)

God desires the worship of His people. Aaron and his sons were set apart for the priesthood. This section describes worship through various offerings. The animal offerings were expensive. After the burnt offerings on behalf of the priests were made, sin offerings, burnt offerings, grain offerings, and fellowship offerings were made for the people.

Each offering taught about the priorities of worship. The burnt offering involved the priest sprinkling blood upon the altar, conveying the idea that the animal died as a substitute for the worshipper. The grain offerings were thank offerings made from the harvest of the crop and consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. Notice the repetition in the detailed description of the sacrifices. Blood was splattered upon the altar. Even the fat of portions of the animals was offered.

Hebrew worship was costly, and each aspect of worship communicated important lessons — particularly the sin offering as a payment for the breaking of fellowship with God.

How does sin create a barrier between ourselves and God?

Offerings Accepted (22–24)

At the conclusion of the sacrifices, Aaron lifted up his hands and blessed the people.

Perhaps Aaron pronounced the priestly blessing detailed in Numbers 6:24–26: “May the Lord bless you and protect you; may the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look with favor on you and give you peace.” Fire came down from the Lord and consumed the burnt offering.

With a sense of awe, the people shouted and fell facedown in humility before Yahweh God. Is humility an aspect of our worship?

In what ways are we most likely to go through routines instead of worshipping sincerely?

Holiness Seen (10:1–3)

Two sons of Aaron offered inappropriate worship. Nadab means “willing” or “liberal.” Abihu means “my father is he.” The two brothers were the oldest sons of Aaron. They burned incense before the Lord without first receiving God’s authorization or commandment. In response, God sent down fire from heaven that killed the brothers. God stated that the death of the brothers was a demonstration of His holiness and glory before those near to God — perhaps the priests — and likely a warning to all the people of God, including believers today.

Rather than complain to God for the death of his sons, Aaron remained silent before God. No doubt Aaron grieved for his sons and perhaps reflected on the example of his own life. Holiness demands obedience. In fact, worship without obedience to God and the precepts of His Word is not true worship.

What is the connection between holiness and obedience?

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This lesson was written by Mark Rathel, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Fla., and originally published by The Baptist Paper. This study is based on the Explore the Bible curriculum from Lifeway Christian Resources. The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.