4. CLEANNESS FOR GOD IN SERVICE (Leviticus 11:1 to 15:33)

In this section of Leviticus, Ryrie says, "The word "unclean" occurs more than 100 times."

Ceremonial cleanness was required under the Law, and failure to obey God's regulations was sin. Under grace we are, in our service, required to live a sanctified life - to be holy because He is holy. This is clearly taught by the apostle Peter, from this very test of Leviticus.

1 Peter 1:14-16 "as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'"

(Compare Leviticus 11:44, 45 ).

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, God commands that by His grace we serve and live out our lives in holiness before Him.

---

Our Conduct Must Be That Of God's Children

Submitting to God's will and showing unshaken confidence in our Father in every circumstance and situation.

---

Our Conformity Must Be To ModeL His Likeness

No longer allowing ourselves to be modelled by the principles that governed our former sinful lives - but mould our lives by the new principles of Christ's likeness to the Father. We are to conform only to the Father.

---

Our Commitment Must Be, Because He Is Holy, TO BE HOLY

As the people of a holy God, Israel was commanded to be holy. This applies to the New Covenant. All who worship Him must become like Him in character, and behave like Him. Our response should be commitment to serve Him in holiness.

4.1. FROM UNCLEAN FOOD (Leviticus 11:1-47)

Mark 7:19 "because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"

The Lord's outspoken words make the point that defilement that came to a Jew who ate "unclean" food was caused not by food itself but by the rebellious heart that acted in disobedience to God. "Purifying all foods." Mark's comment by the Holy Spirit, shows that Jesus has declared all food clean.

1 Timothy 4:4,5 "For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."

The apostle Paul teaches that what a good creator created, must be good.

Donald Guthrie points out, "The word 'apobletos' (to be refused), which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, means literally, "to be thrown away", and is here used in the sense of "tabooed", as Moffatt suggestively renders it. Such taboos should have no place in an intelligent Christian's approach, in strong contrast to the many systems of taboo in heathen cults." Tyndale N.T. Commentaries

Paul insists upon the redemption of God's gifts "with thanksgiving." (1 Timothy 4:3 ), because thanksgiving honours God. What is eaten to His honour (1 Corinthians 10:31 ), is made holy to our use. The spoken Word of God and prayer, sanctifies the food of which we partake to our body's strengthening in God's service.

Leviticus 11:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'These are the animals which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth:"

The positive side of the regulations is stated first - God provided bountifully for Israel to eat. In the New Covenant we have to eat in abundance.

John 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."

In this chapter the Lord Jesus teaches that spiritual life is to feed upon Him and His word. We are to read, mark, learn and digest the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit gives life to the Word and to us through the Word.

---

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

What sanctifies your food so that your body is strengthened in God's service ( 1 Timothy 4:3 )?