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Leviticus - Sandy 4
Sermon Summary
Sandy teaches that as God's holy people, called to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation, we are invited to live differently by embracing holiness through both ritual purity and moral living, cooperating with God’s Spirit to sanctify ourselves daily and reflect His character in our community for His glory.
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Today’s reflection centers on the profound calling God has placed on His people, both in ancient Israel and in our lives today. Drawing from the journey through Leviticus, we see that God’s desire has always been to dwell with His people, to form a community that is set apart—a royal priesthood and a holy nation. This calling is not just a historical footnote but a living reality for all who follow Jesus. The instructions given to Israel after their deliverance from Egypt were not arbitrary rules, but a way to shape a people who would reflect God’s character to the world around them.
Holiness, as revealed in Leviticus, is not about being removed from the world, but about living differently within it. God’s holiness is unique—He is pure, steadfast, and unchanging. In contrast, humanity is described as “common,” not as a put-down, but as a recognition of our createdness and our distance from God’s perfection. Yet, through God’s grace, what is common can be declared holy as we participate in His life. The rituals and purity codes in Leviticus served as daily reminders of the need to draw near to God, to be aware of the ways the world’s brokenness affects us, and to seek cleansing and restoration.
The call to holiness is both individual and communal. It is not about condemning others or being hyper-spiritual, but about living in such a way that our lives provoke curiosity and questions about the God we serve. The moral codes in Leviticus, especially the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself, are expanded by Jesus and remain central to our identity. Holiness is expressed in how we treat others, care for the vulnerable, and pursue justice and kindness in our communities.
Sanctification is not a passive process. While salvation is God’s gift, becoming holy involves our active participation—drawing near, surrendering, and cooperating with God’s Spirit and His people. This journey is ongoing, requiring daily surrender and a willingness to be shaped by God’s wisdom. As we live out this calling, we carry God’s name into the world, inviting others to see His beauty and love through our lives.
Key Takeaways
- 1. God’s Desire to Dwell with His People: From the beginning, God’s longing has been to live among His people, forming a community that reflects His character. This is not just an Old Testament idea but continues today as we are called into the family of God, set apart for His purposes. Our identity as a royal priesthood and holy nation is rooted in God’s unwavering promises, which never fail.
- 2. Holiness as Participation, Not Perfection: Being “common” is not a mark of shame but a recognition of our humanity. Holiness is not about achieving flawlessness but about participating in the life of God, allowing Him to declare us holy as we draw near. Our daily reality is lived on the border of death and life, and our need for God’s cleansing is a continual invitation to relationship, not condemnation.
- 3. Living Differently for the Sake of the World: The call to be holy is a call to live differently—not to condemn, but to provoke curiosity and invite questions about the God we serve. Our distinctiveness is meant to be public and communal, a visible sign of God’s presence and protection. This difference is not about superiority but about embodying God’s love and justice in tangible ways.
- 4. Holiness Expressed in Relationships and Justice: Moral holiness is not just about private piety but is deeply connected to how we treat others.The command to love our neighbor as ourselves is at the heart of God’s law, and our relationships—familial, social, and economic—reveal who we truly worship. True holiness is seen in justice, kindness, and care for the vulnerable, reflecting God’s radical, countercultural love.
- 5. Sanctification as Active Cooperation: While salvation is a gift, sanctification requires our participation—drawing near, surrendering, and working out our salvation in community. Holiness is not instant but is cultivated through daily choices, repentance, and cooperation with God’s Spirit. This ongoing process shapes us into people who carry God’s name and presence into the world, inviting others to encounter His grace.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Called to be a Holy Nation and Royal Priesthood
Scripture:
Exodus 19:4-5
'‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/EXO.19.4
Devotional:
God’s people are called to be set apart, living as a holy nation and royal priesthood so that the world may see God’s character through them. This calling is not just for ancient Israel but extends to all who follow Jesus today. To be holy means to reflect God’s goodness, steadfast love, and faithfulness in a world that is often corrupt and chaotic. As priests, believers stand between God and the world, representing His love and mercy, and inviting others to experience His presence. This identity shapes how we live, love, and serve, making our lives a testimony to God’s desire to dwell with His people.
Reflection:
In what specific way can you live out your identity as part of God’s royal priesthood this week, so that someone in your life becomes curious about the God you serve?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that You first loved us and gave Your life so we could live. Help me to have ears to listen and a heart open to hear what Your Spirit says today. May I be filled and renewed by Your presence in this time. Amen.
Day 2: Loving Your Neighbour as Yourself
Scripture:
Leviticus 19:17-18
‘Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. “ ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Holiness is not just about ritual or private piety, but is deeply connected to how we treat others—especially in our families and communities. God’s command to love your neighbor as yourself is at the heart of moral holiness, calling us to forgive, avoid grudges, and act with justice and compassion. This love is practical and visible, shaping our relationships and daily choices, and is a non-negotiable part of following God. When we love others well, we honor God’s name and reveal His character to the world.
Reflection:
Who is one person you find difficult to love right now, and what is one concrete act of kindness or reconciliation you can offer them this week?
Prayer:
Father, You have called me to be part of a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Help me to live differently, to be set apart, and to reflect Your holiness in my daily life. Teach me to walk in Your ways and to be a light to those around me. Amen.
Day 3: Be Holy, for I am Holy
Scriptures:
Leviticus 20:26
'You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own. 'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
God’s repeated call to “be Holy, for I am Holy” is both a command and an invitation to participate in His own character. Holiness is not about being perfect or superior, but about being set apart for God’s purposes—living differently in a way that is public, gentle, and persistent. This difference is not meant to condemn others, but to provoke curiosity and point people to God. Holiness is a daily journey of surrender, obedience, and drawing near to God, trusting that He empowers us to live out this calling.
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you feel most “common” or ordinary, and how can you invite God to set that area apart for His purposes today?
Prayer:
God, I accept that I am common, made from the earth, yet You call me to share in Your holiness. Help me to live on the border of death and life, drawing near to You daily, and to participate in Your life and purity. Thank You for Your grace that covers my commonness. Amen.
Day 4: Sanctification is a Cooperative Journey
Scripture:
Philippians 2:12-13
'Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Sanctification—becoming holy—is not an instant transformation, but a lifelong process of cooperation with God’s Spirit, Word, and community. While salvation is a gift that cannot be earned, living a holy life requires intentional participation: daily surrender, confession, worship, and acts of love. This journey involves working out your salvation, drawing near to God, and allowing Him to shape your character and actions. Holiness grows as you repeatedly offer yourself to God, trusting in His mercy and grace to sustain you.
Reflection:
What is one spiritual practice—such as prayer, confession, or serving others you can intentionally engage in this week to participate in God’s work of sanctification in your life?
Prayer:
Lord, I live in a world that is polluted and broken, but You have given me ways to overcome uncleanness. Help me to seek purity—not as a burden, but as a joyful calling to live close to You. Cleanse me, renew me, and keep me holy as You are holy. Amen.
Day 5: Living Differently for the Sake of the World
Scripture:
Matthew 5:14-16
' “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
God’s people are called to live differently—not to condemn, but to invite others to see God’s beauty, justice, and love. This difference is expressed in practical ways: caring for the vulnerable, practicing honesty, showing hospitality, and treating all people with dignity. Living differently is a public witness, done in community, and meant to provoke questions about the hope and goodness found in God. As you carry God’s name into your world, your lifestyle becomes a living invitation for others to encounter Him.
Reflection:
What is one visible action you can take this week—at work, school, or in your neighbourhood—that would reflect God’s love and set you apart as His follower?
Prayer:
God may my life be different—not to condemn others, but to provoke curiosity and questions about Your goodness. Let my actions and lifestyle declare Your glory and beauty, so others may see and want to know You. Help me to live boldly and gently in this calling. Amen.
Day 6: Called to be a Holy Nation
Scripture:
1 Peter 2:9
'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
The sermon reminds us that God’s desire has always been to dwell with His people and that we are called to be a “priestly kingdom and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:4-6) . This calling is not just for ancient Israel but for us today as followers of Jesus. We are set apart, not to be isolated or proud, but to live differently in a way that points others to God’s goodness and holiness.
Reflection:
Being holy means reflecting God’s character—His goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and love—and living in a way that honours Him in our families, communities, and workplaces. It’s a daily choice to sanctify ourselves, to cooperate with God’s Spirit, and to live out our faith visibly and authentically.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live as part of Your holy nation. May my life reflect Your holiness and love so that others may see You through me. Teach me to sanctify myself daily and to walk in Your ways. Amen.Day 7:Living Differently in a Common World
Scriptures:
Romans 12:12
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
The sermon explains that humans are “common” by nature, made from the earth (Adam means earth) and living outside the perfect presence of God in Eden. Yet, God calls us to be holy, set apart from the commonness of the world, living differently—not in a way that condemns others but in a way that provokes curiosity and points to God’s glory. Living differently means embracing holiness in both ritual and moral ways. It means caring for others, loving our neighbours, and living justly, as Leviticus teaches us. It’s a public, visible calling to live in community with integrity and kindness. This transformation is ongoing, a daily surrender and cooperation with God’s Spirit.
Reflection:
What does it look like to embrace holiness in both ritual and moral ways—caring for others, loving our neighbours, and living justly?
How can we daily surrender and cooperate with God’s Spirit to live with integrity and kindness in community?
Prayer:
Father, transform my mind and heart so I do not conform to this world but live differently for Your glory. Help me to love others well and to be a light in my community. Renew me daily and guide me in Your perfect will. Amen.
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