INTRODUCTION

A FAITHFUL SERVANT USED

That the Lord spoke the words of this book is affirmed some 56 times within the book.

Leviticus 1:1 "Now the LORD called to Moses, and spoke to him ..."

Leviticus 4:1 "Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying ..."

(Leviticus 6:1; 8:1; 11:1; 12:1 )

The Lord Jesus witnessed to this (Mark 1:44 ). God is the author - Moses is the writer. Moses faithfully recorded what God said.

Hebrews 3:2 "... Moses also was faithful in all His house."

As a servant in God's house, Moses was attested as faithful. As a servant Moses was called, prepared, trained and equipped by God, and became a vessel of honour (2 Timothy 2:21 ). God faithfully fashions the faithful to faithfully serve. The glory is all His.

A BOOK OF INSTRUCTIONS

Of the historic setting of Leviticus,

Ryrie comments: "The book of Exodus concludes with the erection of the tabernacle, which was constructed according to the pattern God gave to Moses. How was Israel to use the tabernacle? The instructions in Leviticus answer that question."

The book is more than a manual for priests, (so-called by many commentators). Its message involves all God's people.

Leviticus 1:1 "Speak to the children of Israel ..."

The book's message is addresses to the redeemed of all ages, yes, to all of mankind set apart to life with God.

Leviticus 20:26 "And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine."

There are two aspects to our salvation.

	Redemption a being lifted from our lost estate and brought into relationship with God and being given access to God.
	A response of appropriation on our part by faith, and demonstration of commitment to God by a special way of living, which is holiness, without which no one can serve the Lord.

Philippians 2:15 "that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,"

In a corrupt human society we are to reflect the light that comes from a heavenly source.

A BOOK OF GREAT THEMES

Ryrie points out that "the language of sacrifice pervades the book, with the word 'sacrifice' occurring 42 times, 'Priest' is found 189 times, 'blood' 86 times, 'holy' 87 times, and 'atonement' 45 times."

We shall also see that it is a book revealing the sinful depravity of man, and the required holiness for fellowship with God. It is a book that points to a perfect salvation provided in Christ, and not least, it is a book of service.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. As one who wishes to be a vessel of honour in God's house, what kind of co-operation is expected of you (2 Timothy 2:21 )?

2. What twofold message about your salvation do you find in the book of Leviticus?