DNA: Trumpets and Atonement

This is a DNA guide following the sermon on Leviticus 23:23-28 and Leviticus 16:29-34. If you missed, you can listen here.

Discover

Read Leviticus 23:23-28 and Leviticus 16:29-34. And to further help give context and understand, watch this video and/or read this article to prepare for DNA.

Q: What do the festivals of trumpets and atonement tell us about God’s character and desires in regards to sin and shame?

All of these ancient sacrifices and rituals symbolically accomplished a number of things:

  1. They were to deter/turn away Israel from sinning (repentance);

  2. They provided a symbolic “payment” for the hard cost (or, “debt”) of the wrongdoing (ransom);

  3. They provided a symbolic purification for the community and the temple from the contagious vandalism caused by sin (purification);

  4. All of the above allowed God to maintain his presence with his people without compromising his divine justice (covenant relationship).


Q: What do you think about this entire system?

Nurture

Read Hebrews 10:9-18

Q: How have you attempted to get out under the relational gap created by sin, shame, and guilt?

— Acknowledgement: “I’m a mess!”

— Payment & Cleansing: “Take this gift and also I’m cleaning up my act!”

— Scapegoating: “All the blame falls on _____.”

Q: What truth about Jesus’ atonement do you need to hear from Hebrews 10:9-18?

Act

Read Hebrews 10:19-25

Discuss how the atonement of Christ frees you to live a life in joy with Christ and in community.

Q: How could you, free from guilt and shame, engage and encourage others?

— Does this call you to forgiveness of another?

— Does this invite you to restore relationship with another?

— Does this free you to be an encouragement to others?

End with prayer, allow for repentance, confession, and praise in Jesus’ sacrifice.