Sin in the Camp

When an entire community stumbles into sin—unknowingly, unintentionally—what happens next? In ancient Israel, this wasn’t just an individual matter. Sin could affect the whole camp, corrupt the sacred space, and threaten the people’s standing before a holy God. The burden didn’t fall on a scapegoat, it fell on the community and its leaders to recognize the offense, respond rightly, and seek atonement.

In Leviticus 4:13–21, we encounter God’s instructions for handling corporate guilt. This passage pulls back the curtain on how seriously God takes sin, not only personal wrongdoing, but also the unseen and collective failures of His people. But we also see God’s mercy; a path is laid for cleansing, reconciliation, and renewed relationship. For the Church today, these ancient instructions still speak. What does it mean when the camp is guilty? Who stands in the gap? And how do we respond to hidden sin in our midst?

Join us as we consider what happens when there is sin in the camp—and discover that even then, God provides a way back.

Recorded May 18th, 2025
Message by Pastor Tim Ward
Scripture: Leviticus 4:13-21