The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

4.1.3. TWO ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR CORRECT FEEDING (Leviticus 11:3-47)

Leviticus 11:3 "Among the animals, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud-- that you may eat."

First, The Animals Fit For Food Must Part The Hoof
This presents the idea of separation. The message upon which we feed can be tested to be the Word of God, by its message being separate and different to all other worldly teachings. The revelation of God when assimilated into our lives does what the world's message cannot - that is, it produces separation, sanctification and sainthood.

Second, The Animal Fit For Food Must Chew The Cud
In chewing the cud the animal brings back the food previously eaten and chews it more thoroughly for complete digestion. This speaks of careful meditation of the truths of God's Word. As we feed and feed again on Jesus Christ and His giving of Himself for us, our lives are shaped by His example.

1 Peter 2:21 "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:"

Barnes says, "The word rendered "example" occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means properly a writing copy, such as is set for children; or an outline or sketch for a painter to fill up; and then in general, an example, a pattern for imitation."

There must be the closest imitation or resemblance to Christ in our lives. Only by constant feeding upon Him will this happen.

Both These Qualifications For Feeding Must Be Together

Leviticus 11:4 "Because it chews the cud but does not have cloven hooves, is unclean to you."

The point of Leviticus 11:4-7 must be present together. Right feeding, i.e. "chews the cud" consists of an ability to assimilate true teaching, which would result in a set apart life unto God, i.e. "cloven hooves" a walking out of that truth in daily living. Teaching that does not affect the life with Godliness is unclean food.

John 17:17 "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth."

Right feeding is upon His word of truth that sets apart the life for God and His holy purposes.

Only Fish That Have Both Fins And Scales Could Be Eaten (Leviticus 11:9-12)

Leviticus 11:9 "These you may eat of all that are in the water: whatever in the water has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers-- that you may eat."

The clean fish has fins, several wing like membranous organs on the body of a fish, used in swimming or balancing. Also scales, thin, flat, overlapping horny plates forming a covering of many fish. We have seen we become like what we feed on. Feeding on the Word brings progress, balance to our lives.

2 Peter 3:18 "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ..."

Progress and growth in maturity bring keen spiritual perceptions.

Hebrews 5:14 "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

Experience in the use of the Word brings understanding, balance and sharp perception. Clean fish has vertebra - backbone. So do men and women of the Word. The three Hebrew men of Daniel 3 come to mind, who wouldn't budge, bend or burn. And those:

Hebrews 11:33 "who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,"

Feeding on the Word develops faith to do exploits for God.

Twenty Unclean Birds Are Named In (Leviticus 11:13-19)
Such are not to be eaten.

Leviticus 11:13 "And these you shall regard as an abomination among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard,"

Birds of prey that rob people of the sown seed of the kingdom (Matthew 13:4, 19 ). To feed on anything that is Satanic is an abomination.

Most Creeping Things Are Unclean (Leviticus 11:20)
Four kinds of insects may be eaten.

Leviticus 11:22 "'These you may eat: the locust after its kind, the destroying locust after its kind, the cricket after its kind, and the grasshopper after its kind."

Locusts are usually thought of as a judgment from God. We may feed on God's judgments and be warned, and also learn much about God's character and holiness.
Touching a carcase or eating an unclean animal, requires they must wash their clothes and be unclean until the evening (Leviticus 11:25 ). When God's people take up or partake of anything unclean by accident, or deliberately, we need by confession and faith to wash ourselves.

Zechariah 13:1 "In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness."

Revelation 7:14 "... So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

The general rule for creeping things is repeated in (Leviticus 11:41-45 ). Then a summary of the chapter is given in (Leviticus 11:46-47 ).
The summary of application for New Testament believers:

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-- meditate on these things."

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

What lessons about your spiritual food does "cloven hooves" and "chews the cud" suggest to you (Leviticus 11:4 )?
Would you say the main spiritual lesson coming from clean fish having backbone (Leviticus 11:9 ) is the truth that feeding on the Word develops faith to do exploits for God?
Have you been obedient in meditating on the right things (Philippians 4:8 )?