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"Secret Sins"
Leviticus 5:1-6:7

Wednesday AM Bible Study
June 28, 2006

Theme: The trespass offering pictures the ministry of Christ in atoning for our 'secret sins'--the sins which we might be inclined to minimize or that we might not be conscious of.

While the focus of the sin offering (chapter 4) was on the basic principle of sin that abides in the offerer, the focus of the trespass offering is on the specific sins that the offerer commits because of that principle. It specifically required confession of guilt (5:5) and restitution for harm done (5:14-15, 6:4-5). Andrew Bonar wrote that the sins mentioned in this chapter “are chiefly sins arising from negligence—sins which might have been avoided, had the person been more careful” (A Commentary on Leviticus, p. 87).

These offerings teach us the truth that was expressed by Moses' prayer: “You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your countenance” (Psalm 90:8). These sins seem small in the sight of men—seemingly little offenses that can be overlooked. But they are not overlooked by a holy God. This offering teaches us to pray, “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults” (Psalm 19:12).

I. SINS REQUIRING THE OFFERING (5:1-4).

A. In not speaking the truth before the court (v. 1).

B. In touching what is unclean (vv. 2-3).

C. In making a rash vow (v. 4).

D. Note that it makes no difference whether the sinner was aware of the sin or not; the guilt before God is still real.

II. PROCEEDURE FOR THE OFFERING (5:5-13).

A. For those who may bring a female from the flock (vv. 5-6).

B. For those who can only afford to bring two turtle-doves (vv.7-10).

C. For those who are so poor that they can only bring a grain offering (vv. 11-13).

D. Note that no one is excused. There is an allowance made for anyone—rich or poor.

III. RESTITUTION IN THE OFFERING (5:14-6:7).

A. For sins regarding the holy things before God (5:1-19). Sins committed before God in the act of worship—even if committed in ignorance—still incur guilt. A restitution is required; which takes the matter beyond just the restoration of what was lost.

B. For sins regarding daily life with our neighbor (6:1-7). Sins committed against our fellow man are committed “against the LORD” (v. 1) and also require both restoration and restitution.

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