Embracing Our Identity as a Kingdom of Priests

Summary

Worship is far more than music or a Sunday morning experience; it is the very purpose for which we were created. From the beginning, God designed humanity as the intersection between heaven and earth, formed from the dust and animated by His breath. This unique identity means that worship is not just something we do, but who we are. Too often, worship has been reduced to a passive event—something we watch or consume—rather than an active participation in God’s presence and purpose.

God’s original intent was for all His people to be a kingdom of priests, not just a select few. In Exodus, before the tribes were divided, God called the entire nation to priesthood, to carry His presence, minister to Him, and bless others. However, when the people turned away, this calling was limited to the tribe of Levi. Through Christ, the torn veil has restored this priestly identity to all believers. Now, each of us is a living tabernacle, a meeting place between God and the world, called to carry His presence wherever we go.

As priests, we have three primary responsibilities. First, we are to carry God’s presence into every environment, bringing the kingdom of God with us. This is not about striving, but about being—simply living in the awareness that wherever we go, heaven goes with us. Second, our ministry is first and foremost to God Himself. Worship is about Him, not our preferences or comfort. When we make worship about ourselves, we risk turning it into idolatry. True worship is ministering to God’s heart, not courting the approval of others. Third, we are called to bless others, speaking life and destiny over them. Biblical blessing is not mere flattery, but a prophetic act that calls forth God’s purposes in people’s lives.

Accepting our priestly identity is the first step. This is not about vocational ministry, but about embracing the calling God has placed on every believer. When we live as priests—carrying His presence, ministering to Him, and blessing others—the church is revived, communities are transformed, and the kingdom of God expands. The invitation is to step boldly into this identity, trusting that God will use us to bring His presence and blessing wherever we go.

Key Takeaways

- Worship Is Our Identity, Not Just an Activity
Worship is not confined to music or church services; it is the very essence of who we are as beings created by God. We are designed to be the intersection of heaven and earth, reflecting God’s glory simply by being in relationship with Him. This means that every moment of our lives can be an act of worship, not just the moments we sing or gather corporately. [44:00]

- God’s Original Plan Was a Kingdom of Priests
God’s intent was never for priesthood to be limited to a select few, but for all His people to serve as priests—carrying His presence, ministering to Him, and blessing others. The failure of Israel to embrace this calling led to its restriction, but through Christ, the priesthood has been restored to every believer. Embracing this identity means stepping into God’s original design for our lives. [57:29]

- Carrying God’s Presence Transforms Environments
As priests, we are called to carry the presence of God wherever we go, much like the Levites carried the ark. This is not about striving or performing, but about living in the reality that we are ambassadors of Christ. When we walk in this awareness, the kingdom of God goes with us, and the enemy has no authority where God’s presence dwells. [01:08:36]

- Our First Ministry Is to God, Not to People
True worship is about ministering to God, not about our preferences or what we get out of it. When we make worship about ourselves, we risk idolatry—placing our desires above God’s. Priests are called to court the heart of God, not the approval of people, and when we do, God’s presence is manifest among us in powerful ways. [01:09:59]

- Blessing Others Is a Priestly Responsibility
To bless biblically is to speak destiny, identity, and purpose over others, not just to offer kind words. Priests are called to see people through God’s eyes, calling forth their God-given potential and future. This act of blessing is transformative, both for the one who blesses and the one who receives, and is central to our calling as a kingdom of priests. [01:12:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Reflecting on Worship: More Than Music
[07:45] - The Heart Behind Our Worship Series
[13:20] - Worship as a Lifestyle: Beyond Sunday Morning
[19:05] - The Danger of Passive Worship
[23:50] - Created for Worship: The Intersection of Heaven and Earth
[29:30] - Moses and the Radiance of God’s Presence
[34:15] - The Calling to Be a Kingdom of Priests
[41:00] - Israel’s Missed Calling and the Levites’ Role
[49:10] - Christ Restores the Priesthood to All
[54:30] - What It Means to Be a Priest Today
[01:04:58] - Carrying God’s Presence as Ambassadors
[01:09:09] - Ministering to God: The Heart of Worship
[01:10:48] - Blessing Others: Speaking Life and Destiny
[01:13:46] - Responding to the Call: Anointing and Blessing
[01:15:49] - Closing Prayer and Commission

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Worship as Our Identity and Calling”

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### Bible Reading

Exodus 19:5-6 (ESV)
> Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.

1 Peter 2:5, 9 (ESV)
> You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
> ...But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Deuteronomy 10:8 (ESV)
> At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord to stand before the Lord to minister to him and to bless in his name, to this day.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Exodus 19:5-6, what was God’s original intention for the people of Israel?
2. In 1 Peter 2:5, 9, what new identity does Peter say believers have because of Jesus?
3. What three main responsibilities were given to the Levites in Deuteronomy 10:8?
4. The sermon described worship as more than music or a Sunday event. What examples did the pastor give to show how worship can become passive or just something we consume? [[19:05]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. What does it mean that God wanted all His people to be a “kingdom of priests” and not just a select few? How does this challenge the way we usually think about church roles? [[57:29]]
2. The pastor said that through Jesus, the “veil” was torn and now every believer is a living tabernacle. What does it look like in real life to be a “meeting place” between God and the world? [[54:30]]
3. Why is it important that our first ministry is to God and not to people? What are some dangers if we reverse this order? [[01:09:09]]
4. The sermon described blessing others as “speaking destiny, identity, and purpose” over them. How is this different from just saying something nice or encouraging? [[01:10:48]]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “Worship isn’t just what we do—most importantly, worship is who we are.” What is one area of your life where you tend to separate “worship” from your daily routine? How could you invite God’s presence into that area this week? [[13:20]]
2. God’s original plan was for all His people to be priests, not just pastors or church leaders. What would change in your attitude or actions if you truly believed you are called to be a priest in your everyday life? [[57:29]]
3. The Levites were responsible for carrying God’s presence wherever they went. Where is one place you go regularly (work, school, home, etc.) where you could be more intentional about carrying God’s presence? What might that look like? [[01:08:36]]
4. The pastor warned that when we make worship about our own preferences or comfort, it can become idolatry. Are there ways you have made worship about yourself? What is one step you can take to shift your focus back to God? [[01:09:09]]
5. Blessing others is a priestly responsibility. Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement or hope. What is one specific way you can speak God’s truth or blessing over them this week? [[01:12:52]]
6. The sermon ended with a call to “accept your priestly identity.” What is one fear or hesitation you have about stepping into this calling? How can the group pray for you or support you as you take a step forward? [[01:13:46]]
7. The pastor said, “When we live as priests—carrying His presence, ministering to Him, and blessing others—the church is revived, communities are transformed, and the kingdom of God expands.” What is one small, practical action you can take this week to live out your priestly calling in your community? [[01:12:52]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another to accept and walk in their priestly identity, to carry God’s presence, to minister to Him first, and to boldly bless others this week.

Devotional

Day 1: Worship Is Our Identity, Not Just an Activity
Worship is not merely something we do, but it is who we are—created to reflect the glory of God and bring heaven to earth through our lives, obedience, love, power, and prayer. True worship is not limited to music or Sunday gatherings; it is the very intersection of God’s breath and our being, making us living vessels of His presence. As we embrace this identity, we realize that worship is about being in relationship with God, allowing His holiness to radiate through us in every moment, just as Moses’ face shone after being with God. [07:40]

Genesis 2:7 (ESV)
"Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature."

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally reflect God’s presence in your daily routines, beyond music or church gatherings, so that your life itself becomes an act of worship?


Day 2: You Are a Kingdom of Priests
God’s original design was for all His people to be a kingdom of priests—a holy nation set apart to carry His presence and represent Him to the world. This calling is not reserved for a select few or a specific tribe, but for everyone who belongs to Him. Even though Israel’s disobedience narrowed this role to the Levites, through Christ, the priestly identity has been restored to all believers, making us living stones and a royal priesthood called to declare His praises and bring others into His presence. [57:29]

Exodus 19:5-6 (ESV)
"Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel."

Reflection: What does it mean for you personally to accept your identity as part of God’s kingdom of priests, and how might this change the way you approach your relationship with God and others?


Day 3: Priests Carry God’s Presence Everywhere
As priests, our first responsibility is to carry the presence of God wherever we go, just as the Levites carried the ark of the covenant. Wherever you step, the kingdom of God goes with you, and you have the authority and privilege to bring God’s power, peace, healing, and authority into every environment. This is not about striving, but about being present and available, knowing that as an ambassador of Christ, you bring heaven to earth in your workplace, community, and home. [01:08:36]

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: Where is God inviting you to intentionally carry His presence this week—perhaps in a place or relationship that feels challenging or unfamiliar?


Day 4: Minister to God First—Worship Is About Him
The heart of worship is ministering to God, not seeking our own preferences or comfort. When worship becomes about what we get out of it, we risk turning it into idolatry. Priests are called to court the heart of God, not the crowd, making Him the focus of our adoration and praise. When we prioritize ministering to God, we fulfill our true purpose and invite His presence to transform us and those around us. [01:09:59]

Deuteronomy 10:8 (ESV)
"At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord to stand before the Lord to minister to him and to bless in his name, to this day."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus in worship this week from what you receive to how you can minister to God’s heart, both in private and in community?


Day 5: Bless Others—Speak Life and Destiny
Priests are called to bless others, speaking life, destiny, and purpose over them as God sees them—not just as they appear. A biblical blessing is more than encouragement; it is a catalyst for transformation, calling people into their God-given future. You have the authority and responsibility to bless people into the presence of God, helping them discover their identity and purpose in Him. Imagine the impact if every believer lived out this calling in their community. [01:12:52]

Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally bless this week by speaking God’s truth and encouragement over their life, calling out their God-given potential?

Quotes

Too often worship has become reduced to sitting in chairs on Sunday morning or church pews watching someone else relate to God on our behalf. It's become passive, it's become something something that we consume and not something that we contribute to. This approach wildly misses the mark. Worship isn't a product, it's not a performance. Worship is participation and as we're going to talk about this morning worship is priesthood. [00:50:38] (35 seconds)  #ActiveWorshipParticipation Edit Clip

It's through the dust of the earth and the breath of God that man becomes the living intersection between heaven and earth. We because of the breath of God are the one a part of his creation that can have relationship with him and be connected in which we serve holding on to both the dust of the earth the creative work of God and being in relationship with the spirit and the holiness of God that is worship. [00:51:57] (28 seconds)  #LivingIntersectionOfHeavenAndEarth Edit Clip

But to fully step into that identity we have to embrace something that many of us maybe have never really considered before and that is that we are priests more specifically we are a kingdom of priests. [00:53:35] (16 seconds)  #KingdomOfPriests Edit Clip

Now because of the the work that Christ has done on the cross we are now the temple the tabernacle the very home or meeting place where God resides we are now a walking breathing tabernacle and this is made possible as we see through the torn veil when Jesus dies on the cross the very the very item the veil that represented the separation of a holy God God and a sinful people that veil has been torn and no longer is a barrier that keeps us from being able to relate and worship directly with God. [01:00:28] (38 seconds)  #WalkingTabernacle Edit Clip

Peter says to the church you are living stones something that moves you are a holy priest you are a royal priesthood so that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness this isn't a metaphor this isn't an acute saying or statement trying to describe god's presence in us this is our identity it is our priestly calling. [01:01:26] (31 seconds)  #RoyalPriesthoodIdentity Edit Clip

A priest's first ministry is to God because that is what we were made for. When we lose sight of this and our ministry to man becomes our primary focus, we are no longer living as priests, but only do -good philanthropists. [01:10:05] (16 seconds)  #PriestsSpeakLife Edit Clip

The final thought that God speaks into the responsibility of a priest is that priests speak life over others. They are called to bless the people. Now we should understand that biblical blessing is more than just saying something that will make somebody else feel good. A biblical blessing serves as a catalyst for the destiny of people's lives. It's an ingredient that causes change and calls the future into being. [01:10:39] (30 seconds)  #BlessingCallsDestiny Edit Clip

What would happen if every single believer in our community lived like a priest? If we carried his presence, if we ministered to him first, if we blessed others like it actually made a difference. I'll tell you what would happen. We would experience God's presence in the church again. Revival would break out, and our community around us would transform. That would be a radical difference in the way that we live. But one, it starts with one thing. It starts by accepting our role as priest of the Most High God. [01:13:09] (38 seconds)  #EmbracePriestlyCalling Edit Clip

Accept that you are a priest. Accept that you are chosen. And accept that you're called. Accept that this biblical instruction and calling, the original plan of God to be a kingdom of priests applies to you. And with that, I want to invite you to a bold step of faith forward. A bold step to be anointed in your priestly identity and calling. Understand, this is not, we're not talking about vocational pastoring. We're talking about the identity that he has called the kingdom of his people as living stones, as a holy people, as a kingdom of priests. [01:14:00] (48 seconds) Edit Clip