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:
They were to deter/turn away Israel from sinning (repentance);
They provided a symbolic “payment” for the hard cost (or, “debt”) of the wrongdoing (ransom);
They provided a symbolic purification for the community and the temple from the contagious vandalism caused by sin (purification);
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.