Leviticus 19: Laws with a Purpose
"A POLICY?! WHAT do we need a policy for?" That's how a group of junior highers reacted when we announced a policy for an upcoming overnight trip. They knew "policy" was a fancy name for "rules." But when it came to curbing the behavior of certain obnoxious group members, they saw a need for rules. Good rules have a purpose beyond rule-keeping. God's rules, faithfully followed, will yield a better life for people.
Warming Up to God
Think about the rules you've had to follow in life. When have you found following rules difficult? Some rules are better than others. Compare your experiences with unreasonable rules to what it's like to follow God's laws. Allow this to be a source of praise to God for caring enough to give us his good laws.
Read Leviticus 19. »
Discovering the Word
- God said, "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy" (v. 2). What do the various laws that follow reveal about the holiness of God?
- Consider the laws in verses 3, 11, 16-17, 32 and 35-36. How would obedience to these laws create better relationships between people?
- Consider the laws in verses 9-10, 14 and 33-34, and imagine a society observing these laws. How would life be better for disadvantaged people?
- Jesus quoted "love your neighbor as yourself" (v. 18) as one of the two greatest commandments, second only to loving God. Why is it a good summary of all the laws in this chapter (as well as all God's other laws)?
- What do these laws reveal about God's concern for his people?
Applying the Word
- Which of the laws in this chapter particularly stir your heart with their "rightness" (that is, you're glad to find them in the Bible)?
- Which of the laws would you find hardest to obey?
Responding in Prayer
Praise God for showing you his character through his principles. Ask for his continuing help in living as he wants.
For Further Study
The Ten Commandments by Rob Suggs