How can we apply the principles of Leviticus 7:18 to modern Christian worship? “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 impure meat, and the person who eats it will bear his iniquity.” Key truths in the original setting - God set a clear time limit: fellowship-offering meat had to be eaten within two days. - Anything kept past the third day made the sacrifice “not accepted.” - Disobedience transferred guilt to the worshiper—he “will bear his iniquity.” - The underlying message: God alone defines acceptable worship, and purity matters. Principles carried forward - Worship must follow God’s revealed pattern, not personal preference. - Offerings presented on our terms (late, careless, impure) are rejected. - Purity and obedience precede the enjoyment of fellowship with God. - Consequences attach to irreverent worship. Applying these principles to gathered worship today - Fresh, wholehearted worship beats “leftovers.” • Come prepared—rested, prayed-up, and eager (Psalm 122:1). • Offer new songs and sincere words, not rote performance (Psalm 96:1). - Guard the Lord’s Supper from becoming a ritual snack. • Examine yourself first (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). • Keep short accounts—confess sin quickly; don’t “store” it for later. - Give offerings promptly and cheerfully. • Plan ahead; don’t rummage for spare change (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Present first-fruits, not what remains after expenses (Proverbs 3:9-10). - Obey Scripture’s timing and pattern for church life. • Baptism after profession, not before (Acts 2:41). • Lord’s Day assembly prioritized (Hebrews 10:24-25). - Maintain doctrinal and moral purity in music, preaching, and leadership. • Test lyrics and teaching against the Word (Acts 17:11). • Remove unrepentant immorality lest the whole body be defiled (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). Personal heart checks before worship - Is there unconfessed sin lingering “three days” too long? - Am I treating holy things as common or convenient? - Would God say my offering is “fresh” or “leftover”? - Am I obeying God’s clear instructions or customizing them? New-covenant encouragements - Christ is the once-for-all sacrifice, yet daily devotion still matters (Hebrews 10:14). - We are “a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). - Present your bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Romans 12:1). Practical steps for congregations - Schedule preparatory moments of silence before services. - Rotate Scripture-saturated calls to worship emphasizing reverence. - Teach on the seriousness of Communion quarterly. - Encourage testimonies of prompt obedience (e.g., quick reconciliation). - Audit worship elements annually to ensure biblical fidelity. Takeaway snapshot Timely, pure, and obedient offerings delight God. Anything stale, self-styled, or impure is discarded heavenward. Let every Lord’s Day—and every day—find us bringing our very best, exactly as He prescribes, through the perfect merit of Christ. |
    |