6.3. STANDARDS AS TO ETHICS (Leviticus 19:1-37)

Behaviour that fits a holy people.

Leviticus 19:2 "... 'You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy."

The obligation to be holy in ethical behaviour applies to every believer.

1 Peter 1:15-16 "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.'"

Enjoying His full salvation our conduct is to be transformed into likeness to that of God Himself. He is our model to be copied.

	In revering parents (Leviticus 19:3 ).
	In rejection of idols (Leviticus 19:4 ).
	In rendering freewill offerings (Leviticus 19:5 ).
	In remembering the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10 ).
	In refusing to deal falsely (Leviticus 19:11 ).
	In respect for God's name (Leviticus 19:12 ).
	In right dealings - not defrauding or being partial (Leviticus 19:13-15 ).
	Protect, not defame our neighbour (Leviticus 19:16 ).
	In rebuking wrong without hate (Leviticus 19:17 ).
	In real love to others (Leviticus 19:18 ). The second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39 ).
	In recognising God's statutes (Leviticus 19:19 ). Mixed seed for us means not to mingle with the Word of God any views or doctrine or traditions of men that nullify the true Word of God. Mixed garments means for us that we trust the righteousness of Christ alone, imputed by faith, not mixing in dependence on our own works or efforts.
	In rejecting immorality (Leviticus 19:20 ).
	In readily dealing with sin (Leviticus 19:21-22; 1 John 1:9 ).
	In resting yielding trees (Leviticus 19:23-25 ).
	In repudiating heathen practices (Leviticus 19:26-31 ).
	In respecting the aged (Leviticus 19:32 ).
	In rules towards strangers (Leviticus 19:33-34 ).
	In rejecting injustice in judgment and business (Leviticus 19:35-36 ).

"I am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:37 ). Our relationship with the Lord, the fact that we belong to Him is constantly brought before us to remind us that our obligations and responsibilities flow from it.

1 Corinthians 6:20 "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. ..."

This Chapter gives enforcement to regulations set by the Lord, and punishments for ethical violation. The ultimate death penalty is invoked:

	For child sacrifices (Leviticus 20:2 ).
	For consulting spiritists (Leviticus 20:6, 27 ).
	For cursing parents (Leviticus 20:9 ).
	For adultery and sexual perversions (Leviticus 20:10-16 ).

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Would you summarise standards in ethics, for you as a believer to be living the transformed life (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 3:18 )?

2. Looking through Leviticus Chapter 19 can you point to standards of ethics that have been devalued or rejected by people today?

3. What spiritual truth can you apply from the forbidden things of Leviticus 19:19?

4. Do you see the stark contrast of the way the sins of Leviticus 20:2,6,27 (compare Leviticus 20:10-16 ), are viewed by people today, and the divine view expressed in the severity of the punishment demanded?

5. What modern trends in your opinion, lead to destruction of society as a whole?