Embracing Our Identity as a Royal Priesthood

Devotional

Day 1: Unlocking Potential Through Environment

Our environment plays a crucial role in unlocking our spiritual potential. Just as John Peterson's wrestling career was transformed by being in the right environment, our spiritual growth is significantly influenced by the people and surroundings we choose. When we align ourselves with God's purposes and surround ourselves with the right influences, we open ourselves to possibilities beyond our imagination. God has more for us than we can envision, and stepping into the right atmosphere can reveal this potential. This calls for intentionality in choosing our environments and relationships, ensuring they align with God's vision for our lives. [37:42]

"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.' Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:33-34, ESV)

Reflection: Consider your current environment and relationships. Are there any influences that might be hindering your spiritual growth? What steps can you take today to align your surroundings with God's purposes for your life?

Day 2: Our Identity as a Royal Priesthood

We are called to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, representing God to the world. This identity transcends merely attending church services; it involves living as priests, ministering to God, and serving others. Our purpose is deeply connected to God's desire to dwell with us and work through us. Embracing this identity means recognizing our role as God's representatives on earth, tasked with reflecting His light and love in every aspect of our lives. This calling invites us to live intentionally, aware of the divine purpose woven into our existence. [41:08]

"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." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embody your identity as a royal priesthood in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to minister to God and serve others in your community today?

Day 3: Restoration Through Jesus

Sin separated us from our purpose, but through Jesus, our perfect high priest, we are restored. His sacrifice grants us direct access to God's presence, enabling us to fulfill our calling. We are invited into this priesthood not by our merit but by Jesus' righteousness. This restoration is a profound gift, allowing us to step into our God-given purpose with confidence and grace. Embracing this truth means acknowledging our dependence on Jesus and living in the freedom and empowerment His sacrifice provides. [52:26]

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on the areas of your life where you feel separated from God. How can you invite Jesus into these spaces to experience His restoration and grace today?

Day 4: Transformation and Anointing

To step into our priestly calling, we must undergo a transformation. We are covered by Jesus' blood, washed by His Word, clothed in His righteousness, and anointed with His Spirit. This anointing empowers us to transcend our limitations and fulfill our God-given purpose. It is a process of sanctification, where we are continually shaped and molded into the likeness of Christ. This transformation is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of growth and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. [01:02:25]

"And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need transformation to fulfill your God-given purpose? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to anoint and empower you in these areas today?

Day 5: Living Out Our Purpose

As priests, we are called to take responsibility for the atmosphere we create in our homes, workplaces, and communities. We are not just attendees or workers; we are representatives of God, called to reflect His light and love. Embracing this identity requires us to live differently, empowered by the Holy Spirit. It involves being intentional about the impact we have on those around us and actively seeking to bring God's presence into every sphere of our lives. This calling challenges us to live with purpose and passion, knowing that we are part of God's divine plan. [01:09:55]

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

Reflection: How can you intentionally create an atmosphere that reflects God's love and light in your home or workplace today? What specific actions can you take to live out your purpose as God's representative?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound concept of "Making a Place for Your Purpose." We began by reflecting on the story of John Peterson, a wrestler who transformed from a junior college athlete to an Olympic gold medalist. His journey illustrates the power of being in the right environment and surrounded by the right people, which can unlock potential beyond our imagination. This story serves as a metaphor for our spiritual journey, emphasizing that God has more for us than we can envision. Our potential is intricately linked to God's purposes for our lives.

We delved into 1 Peter 2, where Peter reminds us that we are chosen by God to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation. This passage highlights two primary purposes: God desires to dwell with us, and He calls us to be His representatives on earth. We are not merely attendees of a Sunday service; we are called to be priests, ministering to God and serving others. This calling is rooted in the original intent of creation, where humanity was designed to dwell with God and work alongside Him.

However, sin disrupted this purpose, separating us from God. Yet, God's plans remain unchanged. Through Jesus, our perfect high priest, we are restored to our purpose. Jesus' sacrifice tore the veil that separated us from God's presence, granting us direct access to Him. We are invited to embrace our identity as a royal priesthood, not because of our perfection, but because of Jesus' righteousness.

To step into this calling, we must undergo a transformation akin to the sanctification of Old Testament priests. We are covered by the blood of Jesus, washed by the water of His Word, clothed in His righteousness, and anointed with His Spirit. This anointing empowers us to fulfill our God-given purpose, transcending our limitations and enabling us to minister effectively in every sphere of life.

As we partake in communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice, which enables us to live out our calling. We are reminded that we are priests in our homes, workplaces, and communities, called to reflect God's light and love. Let us embrace this identity and step into the fullness of our purpose, trusting in the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways

1. Unlocking Potential Through Environment: Just as John Peterson's wrestling career was transformed by being in the right environment, our spiritual potential is unlocked when we surround ourselves with the right influences and align with God's purposes. God has more for us than we can imagine, and stepping into the right atmosphere can reveal this potential. [37:42]
2. Our Identity as a Royal Priesthood: We are called to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, representing God to the world. This identity is not about attending church but about living as priests, ministering to God and serving others. Our purpose is deeply connected to God's desire to dwell with us and work through us. [41:08]
3. Restoration Through Jesus: Sin separated us from our purpose, but through Jesus, our perfect high priest, we are restored. His sacrifice grants us direct access to God's presence, enabling us to fulfill our calling. We are invited into this priesthood not by our merit but by Jesus' righteousness. [52:26]
4. Transformation and Anointing: To step into our priestly calling, we must undergo a transformation. We are covered by Jesus' blood, washed by His Word, clothed in His righteousness, and anointed with His Spirit. This anointing empowers us to transcend our limitations and fulfill our God-given purpose. [62:25]
5. Living Out Our Purpose: As priests, we are called to take responsibility for the atmosphere we create in our homes, workplaces, and communities. We are not just attendees or workers; we are representatives of God, called to reflect His light and love. Embracing this identity requires us to live differently, empowered by the Holy Spirit. [01:09:55]
** [69:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:42] - The Story of John Peterson
[41:08] - Our Identity as a Royal Priesthood
[43:00] - God's Unchanging Purpose
[45:57] - The Impact of Sin
[47:04] - God's Plan for Restoration
[48:14] - The Tabernacle and God's Presence
[49:59] - Old Testament Theology
[51:23] - Jesus, Our High Priest
[52:26] - Access Through Jesus' Sacrifice
[55:01] - Embracing Our Priestly Calling
[56:05] - The Significance of Blood
[57:03] - Washed by the Word
[59:30] - Clothed in Righteousness
[62:25] - Anointed with Oil
[69:22] - Living as Priests
[71:02] - Invitation to Salvation
[73:20] - Communion and Closing Prayer

Sermon Clips

"Little did he know he had so much more in him. Right atmosphere with the right people unlocked something in himself that was so much greater than he could have ever thought or imagined. Here's what I want to tell you today. No matter where you might be right now, here's what I believe. God has more for you. God has not called you, saved you, redeemed you so that you could stay right where you're at. I believe that the potential that rests on the inside of you is so much greater than you could ever hope or imagine." [00:39:55] (32 seconds)

"Here's what you have to understand about God. Even though we sinned, His plans and purposes remain the same. He still, even though we are sinful, wants to dwell with us and wants to work with us. That's His desire. You even see after the fall, He initiated this plan to restore and redeem us back to that purpose. But if you read through the Old Testament, it's a pattern of God chasing after us and us rejecting Him and turning our backs on Him." [00:46:42] (31 seconds)

"We are not invited into our purpose of being a royal priesthood because of how good we are, or how perfect we are, or because we did all the right things to get to the right place. No, we are invited because we have a heavenly Father who loved us so much that while we were still sinners, He sent his only son, Jesus, to be our perfect high priest and to be the perfect sacrifice so that we could enter into our purpose." [00:52:08] (28 seconds)

"Friends, it's time to step into all that God has called you to be, a royal priesthood. And I believe today, God wants to give you a fresh anointing. Some of you, I'm sure you've heard this before. I'm sure you've heard this before. If you feel dry, you feel weary, there's going to be a fresh anointing. He says that anointing is like the dew that rests on Mount Zion. Man, dew shows up when you're sleeping." [01:09:00] (22 seconds)

"This is our purpose as the church. This is why we exist. We exist so that people far from God can find life in Christ. You're called to be a priest. Priests take responsibility for the atmosphere they're in. No matter what atmosphere they're in. You are a priest. You're not just an attender. You're a priest. You don't just work a job. You're a priest. You're not just a father or a mother or a husband or a wife. You're a priest. You're not just single. You're a priest." [01:10:00] (30 seconds)

"And first and foremost, you need to take responsibility of the temple, which is you, of your life. And say, God, I'm not going to settle for anything less than that which you've called me for. And God, God, if you've called me, I trust that you're going to anoint me. God's calling you up to something more. So we're going to take communion today across all of our campuses. So get ready. And I believe that as we do, there's going to be a fresh anointing that's going to wash over you." [01:10:43] (26 seconds)

"God, you would release that fresh anointing. God, that can only come from the sacrifice that you gave us. Next, we have the cup, which represents the blood of Jesus. Remember, this blood washes us clean, makes us new. If you have any area where you're like, God, I know I've sinned. Today, as we remember Jesus' shed blood, I believe there's a washing and a cleansing for every person here today. Let's drink." [01:13:20] (27 seconds)

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