The Holiness of Worship

Minister:
Date: PM
Text: Leviticus 10:1-3
Psalters: 319, 307, 222, 373
  1. The setting.
    1. The book of Exodus ends with description of the construction of the tabernacle and its dedication.
      1. “Tabernacle” means “dwelling place” of God among His people (25:8).
      2. Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu and 70 elders were given a special glimpse of the glories of heaven (Ex. 24:9-11).
      3. Jesus, the true High Priest of God’s people, was far superior to Aaron’s priesthood.
    2. The form of the tabernacle showed that God dwelt in their midst even while they were yet sinners.
      1. In the inner Most Holy Place was the ark of the covenant, inside of which was the Tables of Commandments).
      2. In the Holy Place were three things representing God’s people.
        1. On north was the Table of Showbread (“the bread of faces” or “of the presence”) (Ex. 25:23,24; 40:4).
        2. On south side was the Candlestick with seven lamps (Ex. 25:31,32; 40:22-25).
        3. The Altar of Incense was right in front of the entrance to the Ark (Ex. 30:6).
      3. The Altar of Burnt-offering was outside the tent door.
    3. Upon completion of the construction God showed His approval with the descent of the cloud of glory (Ex. 40:34).
      1. After this Aaron and his sons were consecrated for service as High Priest and as priests (Lev. 8,9).
      2. On the 8 th day Aaron took up his duties, offering a sin offering and a burnt offering for himself and the people.
  2. But the same fire (like lightning) came out of the Most Holy Place and killed Nadab and Abihu.
    1. Their sin was that of offering “strange fire before the LORD” on the altar of incense (1). Two problems.
    2. He will be sanctified in them that draw nigh to Him: He is to be approached His way (not our way).
      1. Man’s main sin in worship is thinking we can approach Him the way we want and/or think.
      2. Nadab and Abihu did not take the fire to the altar of incense from the altar of burnt offerings.
      3. Without Christ (God’s way to approach Him) Jehovah must consume them.
  3. Lessons.
    1. The tabernacle and its ceremonies were rich in blessing, pointing ahead to the Savior.
    2. This establishes the “regulative principle of worship” - God will be worshiped only as He commands.
    3. The issue is always whether God is sanctified in us and glorified before us (3).