Embracing Our Identity as a Royal Priesthood

In this message, I explored the profound concept of the priesthood of the believer, as introduced by Peter. Historically, the priesthood was a privilege reserved for the firstborn or the tribe of Levi, granting them exclusive access to God. However, through Jesus Christ, this access has been democratized, allowing every believer to approach God directly. This shift was symbolized by the tearing of the temple veil at Christ's death, signifying that access to God is now open to all who believe in Jesus. This new priesthood is not limited by lineage, gender, or nationality, but is a universal privilege for all believers.

As believers, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices, such as praise and our very lives, to God. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, called to declare the excellencies of God who has brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light. This new identity in Christ transcends our earthly roots and heritage, as we are now rooted in Him, becoming new creations with a new nature.

The message also delves into the spiritual transformation that occurs when we move from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. This transition is made possible through Jesus Christ, who opened the way for us to return to fellowship with God. By exercising our free will to accept Christ, we are delivered from the bondage of sin and death, and brought into a life of light and truth.

Furthermore, I emphasized the immense value God places on each of us. Despite our failures and shortcomings, God treasures us as His peculiar possession. This understanding should transform how we view ourselves and others, recognizing the high price God paid for our redemption. In a world that often devalues life, knowing our worth in God's eyes brings profound peace and joy.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Priesthood of All Believers: Through Jesus Christ, every believer has direct access to God, a privilege once reserved for a select few. This access is a profound gift, symbolized by the tearing of the temple veil, and calls us to live as priests, offering spiritual sacrifices and representing God to the world. [03:33]
• 2. A New Identity in Christ: As believers, we are a chosen generation and a royal priesthood, called to declare God's excellencies. Our identity is no longer tied to our earthly roots but is rooted in Christ, making us new creations with a new nature. [08:03]
• 3. Transition from Darkness to Light: Through Christ, we are delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. This transformation restores our fellowship with God and calls us to live in truth and righteousness, reflecting God's light to the world. [46:45]
• 4. The Value God Places on Us: Despite our imperfections, God treasures us as His peculiar possession. Understanding the high value God places on us should transform our self-perception and how we view others, recognizing the immense price paid for our redemption. [19:00]
• 5. Living as God's Possession: As God's chosen people, we are called to live in submission to His authority, reflecting His virtues and excellencies. This calling is a privilege and responsibility, as we represent God's kingdom on earth. [36:29]
  ** [36:29]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:22] - Introduction to Priesthood
• [01:34] - Old Testament Priesthood
• [02:48] - New Testament Priesthood
• [03:33] - Access to God Through Christ
• [04:43] - Cost of Access
• [06:35] - Spiritual Sacrifices
• [08:03] - New Identity in Christ
• [10:29] - New Nature and Roots
• [12:47] - Kings and Priests
• [14:29] - Chosen People
• [19:00] - Value God Places on Us
• [22:29] - Societal Value of Life
• [36:29] - Living as God's Possession
• [46:45] - Transition from Darkness to Light

1. According to 1 Peter 2:5, what are believers described as, and what are they called to offer? How does this relate to the concept of the priesthood of the believer? [06:51]
2. What significant event in the New Testament symbolized the opening of access to God for all believers, and how is this event described in the sermon? [03:33]
3. In Revelation 1:5-6, what roles are believers said to have been made into through Jesus Christ? How does this connect to the sermon’s message about our new identity? [12:47]
4. How does the sermon describe the transition from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light, and what role does Jesus play in this transformation? [46:45]

1. What does it mean for believers to be a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" as described in 1 Peter 2:9? How does this new identity affect the way believers should live? [11:36]
2. How does the tearing of the temple veil at Christ's death redefine the concept of access to God, and what implications does this have for the traditional understanding of priesthood? [03:33]
3. In what ways does understanding the value God places on us, as described in the sermon, change our self-perception and interactions with others? [19:00]
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of being delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, and what responsibilities come with this transformation? [46:45]

1. Reflect on your understanding of being part of a "royal priesthood." How can you live out this identity in your daily life, especially in your interactions with others? [11:36]
2. The sermon emphasizes the direct access to God that believers have through Jesus. How can you make use of this access in your personal prayer life and spiritual growth? [03:33]
3. Consider the spiritual sacrifices mentioned in the sermon, such as praise and offering our lives to God. What specific actions can you take this week to offer these sacrifices? [07:12]
4. The sermon highlights the transition from darkness to light. Identify an area in your life where you feel you are still in darkness. What steps can you take to bring that area into the light of Christ? [46:45]
5. Understanding the immense value God places on us can transform our self-view. How can you remind yourself of this value daily, especially when facing self-doubt or criticism? [19:00]
6. The sermon calls believers to declare God's excellencies. Think of a way you can share God's light and truth with someone in your life this week. What will you do to make this happen? [36:29]
7. Reflect on the concept of being God's possession. How does this understanding influence your decisions and priorities? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this identity? [17:43]