Note: Chapter 17-22 are rules for practical holiness (aka- rules that may apply to everyday life). I'm going to break this section into three different lessons/readings…and they will both still be long!

~~~~~Lesson: Leviticus: Chapters 17-18 (reading after lesson)

In chapter 17, we cover the fact that all sacrifices must be made to God (and not to other gods) and that blood must not be ingested.

Question: We no longer have to offer sacrifice in front of the temple....however, can you list an example of showing proper respect to God? Can you list an example of "sacrificing to other gods"?

Chapter 18 deals with sexual conduct. When the Israelites were in Egypt, it was common practice for royalty to marry their brother/sister. God clearly states many examples of what is wrong.
Question: Can you think of a practical reason for avoiding inner-family relationships? Do you believe certain things are morally wrong no matter what God you believe in?

~Reading: Leviticus: Chapters 17-18

Chapter 17: Sacredness of Blood

(8-10) "Tell them, therefore: Anyone, whether of the house of Israel or of the aliens residing among them, who offers a holocaust or sacrifice without bringing it to the entrance of the meeting tent to offer it to the Lord, shall be cut off from his kinsmen. And if anyone, whether of the house of Israel or of the aliens residing among them, partakes of any blood, I will set myself against that one who partakes of blood and will cut him off from among his people."

Chapter 18: The Sanctity of Sex

(1-5) The Lord said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and tell them: I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you once lived, nor shall you do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you; do not conform to their customs. My decrees you shall carry out, and my statutes you shall take care to follow. I, the Lord, am your God. Keep, then, my statutes and decrees, for the man who carries them out will find life through them. I am the Lord."

[List of outlawed sexual acts and relationships]