Separation from the Defiled
The Lord desired to dwell in the midst of His people, but in order for this to happen they had to be willing to separate from the defiled. Though we live in a different dispensation and some things have changed concerning the presence of God, we still must be willing to separate from defilement.
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The Jewish Feasts
God established seven original annual feasts for the children of Israel as described here in Leviticus 23. Two later feasts were recognized in the Bible. The feast of Purim was established in the book of Esther (Esther 9:20-32). The feast of Hanukkah was established during the time between the testaments but was sanctioned by the New Testament where it was called the feast of dedication (John 10:22).
Leprosy
Leprosy is used in scripture as a type of sin. Leprosy is a disease which a person acquires. Yet, over and over again in the Bible, it is said to be an uncleanness from which one must be cleansed. In our lesson, this cleansing requires the leper to make a trespass offering (Leviticus 14:12) and a sin offering (Leviticus 14:19) in order to make atonement for him who is to be cleansed (Leviticus 14:19). We, too, must be cleansed of the leprosy of our sin by the blood of Jesus Christ.
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The Meat Offering
Almost every scholar wants to change the meat offering to something else—although they cannot decide what else. The name is said to be confusing to Bible readers. The meat offering has no animal flesh. In fact, it is the only major offering in which no animals are killed. Why is it called the meat offering? Actually, there are very good reasons for calling it the meat offering.
The Prophecy of Jacob
Jacob’s time is short. It will not be long before he departs this world. Before he passes, he calls for his sons to gather together that he might tell them the things that will befall them in the last days. Some of the sons receive good news, while others hear of loss and condemnation.
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Wrestling with the Angel
Jacob reaches great heights of spiritual maturity in this lesson. He wrestles with the angel of God and prevails. His name is changed form one that means supplanter to one that means prince of God. He faces his greatest fear (Esau) and comes out victorious. He is touched by God and is never the same again.
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Jacob Gets Married
Jacob is still the deceiver. However, God is still blessing him and is certainly teaching him. In this lesson, he learns what it is to be deceived himself. We should consider our actions in like manner. Would we be willing to receive from others what we give to them?
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The Offering of Isaac
Several approaches are possible with this lesson. You may want to emphasize the doctrinal approach in which the offering of Isaac is a wonderful type of the sacrifice of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. Or, you might approach the lesson from the standpoint of Abraham and his faith in the Lord. You might even go back over his life and review the growth of his faith through the years. A third approach, especially good for teaching children, would be to consider the viewpoint of Isaac. He obviously submitted to his father and trusted him. Isaac is certainly an example of an obedient child. Yet, all of these approaches emphasize surrender and sacrifice. You might do well to consider what it means to be truly surrendered to the Lord.
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Journey to Gerar
Abraham is maturing in his life. These two chapters deal with things in his life that are coming to some kind of completion. His life is bearing the fruit he has planted - for good or bad.
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Abraham’s Covenant
God’s covenant with Abraham shows us how God establishes a relationship with man. As He does with the Jewish people, God will always keep His promises to man. This is why we are eternally secure in our salvation.