The Essential Components of the Christian Life

An Exposition of Leviticus 19

Introduction to Leviticus 19

The Importance of Leviticus 19 to Biblical Praxis

● It Helps Define the Law

● It Informs the Message of the Prophets

● It Provides a Foundation to New Testament Praxis

The Book of Leviticus

● The Background of the Book

● The Structure of the Book

I. The Way to Worship: The Sacrifices (1:1-16:34)

A. The Laws Regulating the Sacrifices (1:1-7:38)

B. The Establishment of the Priesthood (8:1-10:20)

C. The Laws Regarding Uncleanness (11:1-15:57)

D. The Day of Atonement (16:1-34)

II. The Life of Worship: Holiness (17:1-27:34)

A. The Laws Regulating the Sacrifices and Eating Meat (17:1-16)

B. The Laws Regulating Sexual and Neighborly Relationships (18:1-19:37)

C. The Laws Regulating Capital Crimes (20:1-27)

D. The Laws Regulating the Priest’s Holiness (21:1-22:33)

E. The Laws Regulating Required Festivals (23:1-44)

F. The Laws Regulating the Tabernacle and Blasphemy (24:1-23)

G. The Laws Regulating the Sabbatical and Jubilee Years (25:1-55)

H. The Rehearsing of the Covenant Blessings and Curses (26:1-46)

I. The Laws Regulating Votive Gifts (27:1-34)

The Message of Leviticus 19

● The Law Reflects the Character of God

● The Attainability of Holiness

● The Comprehensive Nature of Holiness

● The Law as an Expression of Love

The Design of the Chapter

The Structure of the Chapter

I. Prologue: God Calls Israel to Fidelity to Him (19:1-2)

II. Expressed through Faithfulness to the Divine Covenant (19:3-10)

III. Expressed through Loyalty to the Divine Community (19:11-18)

IV. Expressed through Adhering to the Divine Distinctions (19:19-31)

V. Expressed through Reflecting Divine Protections (19:32-37)

VI. Epilogue: God Reminds Israel of Her Covenant Call for Faithfulness (19:37)