Week 11 - The Old Testament
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Family Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:
What was your favorite part of family gatherings growing up?
The Old Testament
Leviticus 19-27 ~ Numbers 1-6
1. Leviticus 18 focuses on sexual purity and describes practices that make someone “unclean.” Child sacrifice is prohibited (Leviticus 18:21), homosexuality is described as an “abomination” (Leviticus 18:22), and bestiality is described as a “perversion” (Leviticus 18:23). Why do you think the Lord goes into such great detail on this subject? How do you think the Lord regards the sexual practices of your surrounding culture today?
2. In Leviticus 19:1 the Lord says to Israel “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” What is the definition of holiness? Peter quotes this passage, telling us to “be sober minded”, “be holy in all of your conduct”, and “do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance” (1 Peter 1:13–16). What does God say is our underlying motivation for holiness? What are some of your former “passions” that you want to increasingly resist? How has God matured you and shown you pathways to victory in these daily battles?
3. Leviticus 19 gives a long, detailed exposition of the 10 Commandments. What stands out to you? Why? What do you think God’s purpose is for so many rules?
4. Leviticus 20 gives a long, detailed list of punishments for specific sins. What stands out to you? Why? What do you think God’s purpose is for so many serious punishments?
5. Why do you think God gives such specific qualifications and expectations for the priests? (Leviticus 21-22) How do 1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:5-9 guide us with pastors? Were you familiar with these qualifications for pastors, or is there something you hadn’t heard of before? Read James 3:1. What do you think about this verse?
6. If you had to choose a favorite Christian holiday, Christmas or Easter, what would you pick and why? What are some of the special components to your family’s celebration of these holidays? Israel’s feasts come with great details about their celebration (Leviticus 23). What are some of the purposes of these holidays?
7. Leviticus 24:10-23 describes the stoning (death penalty) for the sin of blasphemy. Likewise, the death penalty is assigned to a murderer (Leviticus 24:17). Why do you think blasphemy is so serious in God’s eyes? What would be God’s purposes accomplished by assigning the death penalty for such a sin? While the civil rules of Israel do not apply to us today, why is there biblical wisdom in the practice of the death penalty for murders today?
8. Leviticus 25 brings a description of Sabbath years and the year of Jubilee. Why is there wisdom in letting farmland “rest”? Why is there wisdom in having limited leases on land and contracted servanthood until their release on the “Year of Jubilee”? Why do you think God has so many rules surrounding property and employment?
9. What are some challenges parents have with teaching their children to obey? Why is obedience so important? What are some parenting methods you have found helpful? Why does our Heavenly Father repeatedly emphasize the importance of our obedience to His commands?
10. On top of the many forms of offerings, the Lord says He expects “a tithe of everything” for “it belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” (Leviticus 27:30) Why do so many Christians find tithing a challenge? Why do so many Christians find tithing a joy and privilege? What is your favorite verse on money or giving? (Here are some: www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-money)
General Discussion Questions
• What was something new you noticed this week? What impacted you the most? Why?
• 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?)