The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

7.2. SET ORDER FOR WORSHIP (Leviticus 24:1-9)

Regulation concerning two elements of Israel's worship at God's holy dwelling.

The first concerned the burning of pure olive oil in the lampstand (Leviticus 24:4 ). Speaking to us of Holy Spirit nourished witnessing to a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16 ).

The second concerned the presentation every Sabbath of fresh showbread. (Leviticus 24:5-9 ), speaking of the ever fresh bread in Christ for His people.

God has supplied Holy Spirit fulness for witness and ever fresh nourishment for service. God's order for worship is that it witnesses to His glory and sustains His people.

7.3. SPECIAL REVERENCE FOR GOD'S NAME (Leviticus 24:10-23)

Worship of God in service demands special reverence for His name. God lays down punishment for the blasphemer (Leviticus 24:16,23 ). At the same time God revealed legislation on two of the principles concerned:

That punishment must be proportionate to the violation. (Leviticus 24:17-21 ).

That enforcement must be without discrimination no matter what the social status of the offender be (Leviticus 24:22 ).

Obedience to God's standards is essential to the welfare of the community (Romans 13:4 ), and flows out of worshipful reverence for His name.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

What two essential things had to be serviced for continual worship in the tabernacle, and what do they represent as necessary to our worship and service (Leviticus 24:1- 9 )?
Do believers today need warning and admonition to give special reverence to the Lord's name in their worship and service (Leviticus 24:16, 23 )?

	That punishment must be proportionate to the violation. (Leviticus 24:17-21 ).
	That enforcement must be without discrimination no matter what the social status of the offender be (Leviticus 24:22 ).