Theme: God calls His people to be set apart
Primary Scripture: Leviticus 19:2
“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”
Bible Reading (Cover to Cover):
Leviticus 1–7; 8–10; 11–15; 16; 17–21
BIG IDEA (THREAD THROUGH THE MESSAGE)
God’s presence is a gift —
but it is not casual.
Leviticus answers the question every redeemed person must face:
How do sinful people live in the presence of a holy God?
INTRODUCTION (POSITIONING LEVITICUS)
• Third book of the Bible in the One Year Cover-to-Cover Reading Plan
• Genesis reveals who God is and humanity’s fall
• Exodus shows redemption and God dwelling with His people
• Leviticus explains how life works when God is present
Key transition:
If a holy God dwells among redeemed people, holiness becomes unavoidable.
1) HOLINESS IS ROOTED IN WHO GOD IS
(Leviticus 19:1–2)
• God does not say, “Be holy so I will accept you”
• He says, “Be holy because I am holy”
• Holiness flows from God’s nature, not human effort
• God’s character defines His expectations
Key Truth:
Holiness is not about behavior first — it is about who God is.
2) HOLINESS REQUIRES ATONEMENT FOR SIN
(Leviticus 1–7)
• Leviticus opens with sacrifices, not commands
• God provides atonement before He demands holiness
• Forgiveness is offered before obedience is expected
• Sin disrupts fellowship with God
• God provides sacrifices for guilt, sin, and restoration
• Forgiveness is possible, but never assumed
• Sin is taken seriously because God is holy
Key Foundation:
Access to God always requires atonement.
3) HOLINESS DEMANDS REVERENCE IN WORSHIP
(Leviticus 8–10)
• Priests are consecrated for service
• God establishes how He is to be approached
• Nadab and Abihu treat God casually and are judged
• God’s presence is not to be handled lightly
Key Warning:
God is loving — but He is never casual.
4) HOLINESS AFFECTS DAILY LIFE, NOT JUST WORSHIP
(Leviticus 11–15)
• Laws address food, health, and cleanliness
• God cares about everyday living, not just ceremonies
• Holiness touches body, habits, and community life
• God distinguishes His people from surrounding nations
Key Insight:
Holiness is lived out in ordinary obedience.
5) HOLINESS REQUIRES A MEDIATOR AND MERCY
(Leviticus 16)
• The Day of Atonement is central to Leviticus
• A mediator enters on behalf of the people
• A substitute bears sin
• Blood makes atonement
• God provides a way for sins to be covered yearly
Key Truth:
God’s holiness would destroy sinners —
but His mercy provides a way to stand before Him.
6) HOLINESS MEANS BEING SET APART FOR GOD
(Leviticus 17–21)
• God regulates worship, relationships, justice, and leadership
• Moral holiness matters as much as ritual holiness
• God’s people are to look different from the world
• Holiness reflects belonging, not superiority
Key Calling:
Holiness is not isolation — it is distinct devotion.
CLOSING TRUTH
God does not call His redeemed people to blend in.
He calls them to be set apart.
Holiness is not about perfection.
It is about direction.
Because when God dwells among His people,
His presence changes how they live.
“Be holy, for I am holy.”