Head Above Water

Februrary 24, 2019 - Leviticus - The Day of Atonement

Reading Plan

Leviticus 1:1-17 In this offering, we see images of Christ’s full dedication to the Father expressed through His life obedience and His willing sacrifice on the cross. Christ gave Himself fully for us to make atonement for our sin. Our only reasonable response is total surrender to Him. The voluntary nature of this offering captures both Christ’s willingness to endure shame on our behalf and our proper motivation in living for Him. Our obedience is not to be offered by compulsion, but instead to be motivated by love and gratitude.

What area of your life are you holding back instead of fully surrendering to God? What is preventing you from giving this to God joyfully?

Leviticus 2:1-16 We can look at this offering, like the burnt offering, and see how it points to Christ. He is the One who demonstrated unmatched humility and generosity in taking on the flesh, coming to earth, and offering Himself so we might have forgiveness and eternal life. Believers should also seek to demonstrate scandalous generosity to those around us, so they might see the beauty and power of the gospel.

How can you be more generous this week with your time and resources?

Leviticus 3:1-17 Jesus was the willing sacrifice who provided forgiveness for our sin to remove the barrier between God and those who trust in Him. Because we have been given Christ’s righteousness, we are not spiritually neutral before God; He has restored relationship between holy God and forgiven humanity. As believers, each of our days should be marked by deep gratitude and joy for the relationship with God we have been given in Christ.

What can you do today to live out and enjoy the relationship with God that Christ has provided?

Leviticus 4:1–5:19 Jesus’ sacrifice was necessary to provide forgiveness that gives the believer confidence that he or she is accepted by God. Not even a single sin remains to bring condemnation from God. This is the source of the believer’s hope and joy. Even as believers continue to sin, remembering the scope and depth of Christ’s sacrifice for sin should cause us to seek to cast aside sin and to live holy lives pleasing to the Lord.

What sins have you committed but not yet confessed to God? How can you rest in His complete forgiveness and acceptance of you in Christ?

Leviticus 16:1-34 Likewise, the people of Israel were to practice self-denial because humility—that of Christ taking on the flesh and being the Suffering Servant and that of a person who comes to Him in total neediness for salvation—is a defining characteristic of the gospel.

Which do you find more difficult to maintain as a follower of Christ rest or self-denial? Why?

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