Worship that pleases God
Preaching Outline on Leviticus 2:4-8 – And when you offer a meal offering baked in the oven, it shall be of unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil.
Introduction to Leviticus 2:4-8
Today we’re going to delve into a subject that seems ancient, but has a powerful meaning for our lives today: the meal offering. In the Old Testament, God instructed the people of Israel to bring food offerings as a form of worship. And it wasn’t just anything: it had rules, it had meaning, and it all pointed to Jesus!
Leviticus 2:4-8 talks about three ways of preparing the meal offering:
- In a frying pan – something quick and visible.
- In the casserole – something more reserved.
- In the oven – something totally intimate, hidden away.
But why does this matter to us today? Because, even though we no longer live under the Law, these principles teach us how to truly worship God – with surrender, sincerity and in every aspect of our lives. At this point we will use metaphors to understand that the meal offering remains spiritually alive in the life of God’s servant.
1. The Offer in the Frying Pan (Visible to All)
This offering was made in the frying pan, something that everyone saw. In our lives, it represents the struggles that are public:
- Illness, loss, unemployment, family crises.
- These are situations in which the church knows, prays together and shares the burden.
“Bear one another’s heavy burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Don’t be ashamed to ask for help! The church is a family. If you’re going through something difficult, don’t carry it alone – share it, and let the brothers pray with you.
2. The Offer in the Pot (Known Only to the Leader)
This offering was prepared in the pot, something that only the priest could see. In our lives, it speaks of private struggles:
- Conflicts in marriage, secret temptations, financial crises.
- Things you might only share with your pastor or a trusted leader.
“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16)
Don’t get stuck in pride! Sometimes we think no one can know, but God puts leaders in our lives precisely to help us. If you’re in a battle that nobody knows about, talk to someone you trust and allow God to help you through the church.
3. The Oven Offering (Intimate, Just Between You and God)
This offering was made in the oven – no one saw the process, only the result. In our lives, it represents the secrets of the heart:
- Dreams, fears, desires, deep regrets.
- Things that only you and God know.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.” (Matthew 6:6)
God doesn’t just want what’s public – he wants your intimacy! There are things you don’t need to tell anyone, but you do need to hand them over to God. And when He acts, then you bear witness and everyone rejoices with you!
The Ingredients of an Offering that Pleases God
All the offerings had something in common:
✅ Flour – The best, without mixture (no “half-baked faith”).
✅Olive oil – Represents the Holy Spirit (everything must be done in His anointing).
✅No yeast – Yeast in this context is a symbol of sin and hypocrisy (God wants sincerity).
✅No honey (Leviticus 2:11) – Honey speaks of attachment to the sweet things of the world (we can’t “sweeten” the gospel).
Jesus is our perfect offering! He gave himself up for us, and today our worship is no longer of animals or food, but a life dedicated to him (Romans 12:1).
Conclusion of Leviticus 2:4-8
What is your offer today?
God doesn’t just want your Sunday at church – he wants your whole life:
- What is public (frying pan).
- What is shared with leaders (pan).
- What is His alone (oven).
Challenge:
- Is there something you need to put before God today?
- Do you need help from the church in any area?
- Have you been keeping secrets that only God knows about?
Don’t hold anything back! Give everything to Him, because God deserves our best offer!
“Therefore let us always offer a sacrifice of praise to God through Jesus, which is the fruit of lips that confess his name.” (Hebrews 13:15)
Preaching Outline on Leviticus 2:4-8 – And when you offer a meal offering baked in the oven, it shall be of unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil.
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