Week 10 - The Old Testament
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Family Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:
What was a favorite food dish from your childhood family gatherings?
The Old Testament
Leviticus 4-18
1. Why do so many people struggle with reading Leviticus? How would you summarize Leviticus for a new believer? How does Exodus 29:44-46 help us to understand Leviticus’ emphasis on purity and holiness? How would you explain its relevance today?
2. What is your reaction to reading all of the ritual sacrifices of Leviticus 1-7? What stands out to you? Why are the sacrifices to be “without defect”? How are these sacrifices pointing forward to Jesus?
3. The grain and fellowship/peace offerings are ways to say “thank you” to God. In what ways do we regularly show our gratitude to God today? Romans 1:21 describes non-believers as 1) not giving honor to God & 2) not giving thanks to God. Why do you think honor and gratitude to Jesus are such necessary evidences of saving faith?
4. The burnt, sin, & guilt/trespass offerings are offerings of repentance (expiation = taking away sin, atonement = cleansing from sin). In what ways do we regularly show repentance to God today? How do the following Scriptures help you to better understand the relevance of the sacrificial system to us today? Hebrews 8:3; 8:13; 9:11-14, 22; 10:3-4, 17-18, 19-22.
5. If someone asked you why we do not offer animal sacrifices today, how would you answer? What ritual ceremonies do our churches participate in today? What is the significance and symbolism of baptism? What is the significance and symbolism of the Lord’s Supper?
a. See: www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-baptism
b. See: www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-the-lords-supper
6. The sacrificial system came at great cost, showing brokenness over sin, devotion to God, and trust in His future provision. If a new believer asked you about giving to God through church tithes and offerings, what would you teach them? Why is church giving often a touchy topic? Should it be?
a. See: www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-money
7. In Leviticus 8-10 we see the importance of the ordination process for the priests. Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons, quickly violate God’s holy commands and are consumed by the fire of God (Leviticus 10:1–3). How do you think the congregation responded to their deaths? When Ananias and Sapphira offer a partial offering to God (Acts 5:1–11), they also die instantly. What do these stories teach us about God’s holiness? About His commands? About faith-filled giving?
8. Leviticus 11-15 describe ritual purity laws. How do these commands show that God’s holiness matters in all aspects of our lives? Read Philippians 4:8-9. What does this passage teach us about living in purity and holiness today?
9. Leviticus 16-17 describes the day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) when two goats were involved; one as a “purification offering” (atonement) and the other as a “scape-goat” (expiation). In what ways is Jesus both our purification offering and our scapegoat? 1 John 2:2; 4:10 & Hebrews 2:17 reference Jesus as the “propitiation” for our sins. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. In looking at the sacrificial system as a whole, how are you more appreciative of Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning death to satisfy the just wrath of God for you?
General Discussion Questions
• What can you learn about God from these passages? His work? His character? How can this help you grow in your trust of Him?
• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)