Approach Holy God Only As He Commands and Provides

Dear Parents—

The students learned last time we met about the attributes of our holy God. Yesterday, I used the vivid story of Nadab and Abihu from Leviticus 9 and 10 to help the students better understand God’s holiness and what is required to approach Him. We emphasized a repeated biblical theme: Sinful people can only approach a holy God in the exact ways He commands and provides. Following the narrative from Exodus to Leviticus, we noted the repeated phrase “as Yahweh commanded.” The only way sinful people can approach a holy God and not be consumed is through the means God commands and provides. For Israel in the wilderness, God gave very specific, bloody instructions (shadows of Jesus’ better, once-for-all cleansing blood) that the Levites needed to follow in order to be set apart and not die in God’s holy presence. Now for us, Jesus is clear when he says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).

We then compared Yahweh’s acceptance of the sacrifice offered exactly as He commanded at the end of Leviticus 9 to the sobering example of Nadab and Abihu at the start of Leviticus 10. These two sons of Aaron attempted to approach God in a way He had not commanded nor provided, resulting in immediate, fiery judgment. God’s reason for judgment was clear: “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy” (Leviticus 10:3).This powerfully demonstrates that God’s holiness is both good and dangerous. We must recognize His holiness and treat Him accordingly. Ultimately, we connected this Old Testament story to the New Testament truth that God has not changed and Jesus Christ is our perfect and sufficient sacrifice. Only He allows us to approach God, and through His blood we can approach confidently (Hebrews 10:19ff). Students were encouraged to recognize the seriousness of God’s holiness, to beware of casually approaching God on their own terms, and to trust completely in Jesus, who alone gives us secure and joyful access to the Father.

Many students appeared quite affected by the lesson. I encourage you to talk to them about it. You can watch or read it on our website: https://www.gbcaz.org/student-ministry/approach-holy-god-only-as-he-commands-and-provides/

Use questions like the following to ensure understanding and draw out an appropriate response:

1. Why was it “dangerous” for God to dwell in the Tabernacle
2. What was the purpose of all the sacrifices in Ex 40-Lev 9?
3. Why did Nadab and Abihu die? What lesson do you need to learn from their mistake and deaths?
4. What should have been the response of those who saw God’s acceptance of the sacrifice with fire and then rejecting Nadab and Abihu with fire? What should your response be?
5. What blood-way did God provide for us to approach Him? Why can the believer have confidence and full assurance drawing through by this way? (Heb 10:19-23)
6. What happens to those who try to draw near to God apart from the way He provided (blood of Jesus (Heb 10:19)?
7. What is the most life-impacting thing that you learned today?

The other servant leaders and I recognize that it is an amazing blessing and privilege to teach and lead these students. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of coming alongside you in the evangelism and discipleship of your students. If there is any way I can better support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.