A Leviticus Life, Part 2: Holy Worship - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study.

Intro: (1) series recap (2) Ps. 115:4-9 — we become like what we value most (3) learning to worship
 
Worshiping the right God (1-9)
1. God of place (3-4): (1) tabernacle/temple the symbolic place where God dwelt (2) sacrifices to only be brought to the tent — penalty for failing to do this was being “cut off” (4) connected to the symbolic meaning of blood explained later (5) “place” connected to worship in John 4 — worship of the true God only happens through Christ (6) corporate worship a unifying gathering after all the places we’ve been over the past week — how do you prepare? (7) risks of neglecting
2. God of peace (5-7): (1) sacrifices offered in other places were to false gods — a continuing problem addressed in the prophets (2) “goat demons” — real spiritual forces behind false gods, often connected to fertility rituals (cf. “whore” in v.7) (3) cultural differences of idolatry — ancient world, Thailand (4) U.S. — sexual immorality, greed (cf. Col. 3:5, Eph. 5:5) (5) greed — pleasure, material wealth, leisure, convenience, scrolling, (6) peace offering — where do you look for peace?

Worshiping the right way (10-16)
1. God who provides (10-12): (1) direct prohibition against consuming blood (2) penalty of God setting his face against (3) reason — blood was to be used in worship in order for atonement (forgiveness) to apply (4) blood as the source of life (cf. doctor appt) — reminder that the worshiper’s life should have been taken (5) our ability to come before God as worshipers also dependent on blood (cf. Heb. 9:22, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 John 1:7) (6) Heb. 10:29 —app to communion
2. God who values (13-16): (1) v.13-14 — blood from hunted animals to be drained before animal is consumed (2) v.15-16 — dead animal found and touched created uncleanness (3) these provisions intended to cultivate a value/sanctity for life, remembering God as its author and finisher (4) reminder of how much God values those he creates (cf. people cleaning up my yard, Mt. 10:29-31) — significance of Christ willingly giving his life on our behalf

Conclusion: rock skipper — what are you worshiping?