How does Leviticus 7:18 highlight the consequences of disobedience in worship practices? Verse in Focus “ ‘If any of the meat of his fellowship offering is eaten on the third day, it will not be accepted; it will not be credited to the one who offers it. It is tainted, and the person who eats of it shall bear his iniquity.’ ” (Leviticus 7:18) Observations from the Text • Time limit: the meat had to be eaten on day 1 or 2. • Day 3 turns the meat from “acceptable” to “tainted.” • Two distinct penalties: – The offering is rejected (“will not be accepted; it will not be credited”). – The offender “shall bear his iniquity” (personal guilt remains). Consequences of Disobedience Highlighted • Loss of fellowship: the very sacrifice meant to celebrate peace with God becomes void. • No atonement credit: worship offered on our own terms does not count. • Personal accountability: guilt is not transferred; the sinner carries it himself. Why God Takes This Seriously • Holiness of offerings—Leviticus 22:2–3 stresses that anything “unclean” pollutes worship. • Obedience over ritual—1 Samuel 15:22: “to obey is better than sacrifice.” • Symbol of corruption—day-3 meat illustrates sin’s tendency to spoil what is left unchecked (Galatians 5:9, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump”). Connections to Other Scriptures • Numbers 18:32—handling offerings “lest you bear sin because of it.” • Isaiah 1:13—God rejects sacrifices mixed with iniquity. • Hebrews 10:26–27—persistent, willful sin after receiving truth leaves “no further sacrifice for sins.” Timeless Principles for Worship • God sets the terms; we do not improvise. • Delayed obedience equals disobedience. • External worship without inward submission nullifies the act. Practical Takeaways • Examine motives and methods before offering anything to God (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Address sin promptly; unconfessed sin “spoils” worship just as day-3 meat spoiled the sacrifice (Psalm 66:18). • Treat gathered worship—and personal devotion—as holy time, approached with reverence and careful obedience (Hebrews 12:28–29). |
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