Embracing Our Identity as a Royal Priesthood

Summary

Today, we explored the profound truth of our identity in Christ, focusing on what it means to be called a “royal priesthood.” Many of us have been given names or labels by others, but the most important name we carry is the one Jesus gives us. In 1 Peter 2:9, we are reminded that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s special possession. This is not just a title, but a reality that shapes how we live, love, and serve.

Being chosen means we are hand-picked by God, deeply known and loved. The imagery of Jesus flipping through a photo album, delighting in each of us, reminds us that our place in God’s family is intentional and precious. We are not just any people; we are royalty in God’s eyes, set apart to declare His praises and to live in the light He has called us into.

This royal priesthood is rooted in the story of God’s people from the Old Testament, affirmed by Peter, and confirmed in Revelation. It is a calling to live as both kings and priests in God’s kingdom—a kingdom not of this world, but one marked by righteousness, peace, and joy. Jesus is the bridge that brings us out of darkness and into this kingdom of light, and when we accept His love and forgiveness, we step into our true identity.

Our royalty is not about outward appearance or status, but about reflecting the character of Jesus. Just as Jesus was regal among ordinary people, so we are called to carry His presence into our families, workplaces, church, and community. Holiness, love, and transformation should flow from us, so that others sense something different—something regal—when they are with us.

To live as royal priests means to walk worthy of our calling, to be generous as Jesus was generous, and to offer spiritual sacrifices—especially in prayer, worship, and service. This is a high calling, but it is also a gift of grace. Jesus has made us royal priests, not by our merit, but by His sacrifice. Let us embrace this identity, living out our calling with dignity, generosity, and sacrificial love, so that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light.

Key Takeaways

- Our identity as a royal priesthood is not earned, but given by God’s grace. We are hand-picked, chosen, and deeply loved, not because of our achievements or background, but because of Christ’s love and sacrifice. This truth should anchor our sense of worth and purpose, especially when other voices try to define us. [02:44]

- The kingdom of God is fundamentally different from the kingdoms of this world. While earthly kingdoms are built on power, status, and self-preservation, God’s kingdom is marked by humility, love, forgiveness, and justice. Entering this kingdom means embracing a new way of living and thinking, rooted in the presence and authority of Jesus within us. [06:21]

- Being a royal priest is not about outward appearance or religious status, but about reflecting the character of Jesus in everyday life. Just as Jesus’ presence transformed those around Him, we are called to carry His holiness and love into our families, workplaces, and communities, so that others encounter the reality of God through us. [11:52]

- Walking worthy of our calling as royal priests involves both responsibility and privilege. We are called to live lives that match our identity—bearing with one another in love, pursuing unity, and embodying the kingly and priestly nature of Christ. This means our actions, attitudes, and relationships should reflect the dignity and calling we have received. [16:30]

- Generosity and sacrificial living are essential marks of the royal priesthood. As recipients of Christ’s abundant generosity, we are called to freely give, serve, and offer spiritual sacrifices—especially in prayer, worship, and acts of love. True priesthood is not about what we receive, but about what we give away for the sake of others and the glory of God. [22:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:45] - Childhood Nicknames and Identity
[02:44] - Chosen People: God’s Photo Album
[03:45] - Royal Priesthood: Old and New Testament Connections
[06:21] - Two Kingdoms: Darkness and Light
[07:51] - Jesus as the Bridge to God’s Kingdom
[08:49] - Embracing Our Identity as Royal Priests
[09:56] - The Significance of Being Royal
[10:51] - Our Spiritual Lineage and Character
[11:52] - Reflecting Jesus’ Presence in Everyday Life
[12:59] - Holiness that Transforms
[14:37] - Being Regal in Family, Work, and Community
[16:30] - Walking Worthy of Our Calling
[18:38] - Generosity as a Mark of Priesthood
[19:56] - Toning Up Our Generosity
[21:43] - Growing in Generosity
[22:54] - Offering Spiritual Sacrifices
[24:16] - The Shift to a New Priesthood in Christ

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Royal Priesthood – Our True Identity in Christ”

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### Bible Reading

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
> 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.

Exodus 19:6 (ESV)
> 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.

Revelation 1:5b-6 (ESV)
> To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Peter 2:9, what are the four ways Peter describes our identity in Christ?
2. In Exodus 19:6, what did God originally call Israel to be, and how does Peter connect this to believers in the New Testament? [03:45]
3. What does Revelation 1:6 say Jesus has done for us, and what new role does it say we have?
4. In the sermon, what image did the pastor use to describe how God sees us as chosen? [02:44]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Peter uses the phrase “royal priesthood” instead of just “priesthood”? What difference does the word “royal” make? [09:56]
2. The sermon mentioned that our identity as royal priests is not about outward appearance or status. What does it mean to reflect the character of Jesus in everyday life? [11:52]
3. The pastor said that Jesus is the bridge from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. What does it look like for someone to “cross that bridge” and step into their new identity? [07:51]
4. How does understanding that our identity is given by grace, not earned, affect the way we see ourselves and others? [10:51]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about labels and nicknames we’ve been given by others. Are there any names or labels from your past that still affect how you see yourself? How does knowing you are “chosen” and “royal” in Christ challenge those old labels? [01:45]
2. The pastor described Jesus flipping through a photo album and delighting in each of us. How does this image change the way you think about your place in God’s family? [02:44]
3. In what areas of your life (family, work, church, community) do you find it hardest to live out your identity as a royal priest? What is one practical step you could take this week to reflect Jesus’ character there? [14:37]
4. The sermon emphasized generosity as a mark of the royal priesthood. Can you think of a recent time when you had the opportunity to be generous? Was it easy or difficult? What might it look like to “tone up” your generosity this month? [19:56]
5. The pastor said that being a royal priest means offering spiritual sacrifices, especially in prayer, worship, and service. What is one area where you could offer a new or deeper sacrifice to God this week? [22:54]
6. The message highlighted that God’s kingdom is different from the world’s kingdoms—marked by humility, love, forgiveness, and justice. Where do you see a clash between these values and the values of the world in your daily life? How can you respond as a royal priest? [06:21]
7. The sermon called us to “walk worthy” of our calling. Is there a relationship or situation where you need to pursue unity, forgiveness, or sacrificial love? What would it look like to take a step in that direction this week? [16:30]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person embrace their true identity as a royal priest and to live it out with dignity, generosity, and sacrificial love.

Devotional

Day 1: You Are a Chosen People, a Royal Priesthood

You have been hand-picked by God, set apart as His own, and called into a unique relationship marked by love, care, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. This identity is not based on your achievements or background, but on God’s grace and His deep desire for you to belong to Him. As a royal priesthood, you are invited to step out of darkness and into His wonderful light, to live as someone who is cherished and significant in His eyes. Embrace this truth today: you are not forgotten or overlooked, but chosen and precious, called to declare His praises and reflect His character wherever you go. [02:44]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most struggle to believe that you are truly chosen and precious to God? How can you remind yourself of your royal identity today?


Day 2: God’s Kingdom: From Darkness to Light

God has rescued you from the kingdom of darkness and brought you into the kingdom of His beloved Son, a kingdom not built on earthly power or status but on humility, love, forgiveness, and justice. This kingdom is not of this world; it is experienced within you, transforming your heart and mind to live in a new way. Jesus is the bridge that brings you from the old life into this new kingdom, and in Him, you are accepted, forgiven, and restored. Today, remember that your citizenship is in a kingdom of light, and you are called to live out its values in every part of your life. [07:51]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV)
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can demonstrate the values of God’s kingdom—humility, love, forgiveness, or justice—in your interactions today?


Day 3: Walk Worthy of Your Calling

Being a royal priest comes with a high calling and a great responsibility: to live a life worthy of what you have received. This means striving to reflect Jesus’ character in your daily actions—being holy, bearing with others in love, and seeking unity and peace. It’s not enough to claim the title; your life should match the calling, showing the world what it means to belong to Jesus. Even when it’s challenging, you are urged to walk in a way that honors the One who called you, knowing that your identity as a royal priest is both a gift and a mission. [16:30]

Ephesians 4:1 (ESV)
"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called."

Reflection: Where do you sense God inviting you to step up and live more fully in line with your calling as His royal priest today?


Day 4: Generosity as a Mark of Royal Priesthood

As royal priests, you are called to reflect the generosity of Jesus, who gave everything for you. True generosity goes beyond the minimum; it means giving freely, cheerfully, and even sacrificially, just as Christ has given to you. Whether it’s your time, resources, encouragement, or forgiveness, let your generosity be a visible sign of God’s love at work in you. Like spiritual muscles, generosity grows stronger the more you practice it, and it becomes a powerful testimony to those around you of the grace you have received. [18:38]

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection: Who is one person you can bless with unexpected generosity today, and what will you do to show them the love of Christ?


Day 5: Offering Spiritual Sacrifices

A royal priesthood is marked by a life of spiritual sacrifice—offering up prayers, praise, and acts of worship to God, not out of obligation but from a heart of love and devotion. This sacrificial ministry means living in close fellowship with Jesus, giving of yourself for others, and letting your life be an offering that brings glory to God. Your prayers and worship are precious to Him, rising like incense, and your willingness to serve and sacrifice is a powerful part of your priestly calling. Let your life today be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. [22:54]

Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name."

Reflection: What is one area where God is inviting you to offer a new or deeper sacrifice—whether in prayer, praise, or service—this week?

Quotes

Jesus said in John 18, verse 36, chapter 18, verse 36, that his kingdom, okay, is not of this world. What he's saying is because his kingdom is not of this world, it doesn't originate from human systems, power or structure, earthly ambition. It's a heavenly authority run with righteousness, peace, and joy. That's the kingdom of Jesus. [00:06:44] (28 seconds)  #KingdomNotOfThisWorld Edit Clip

Jesus is the bridge from one kingdom to the kingdom of Jesus, out of this worldly kingdom into the kingdom of Jesus. It's a cross what Jesus has done for you. And when we accept that we are loved and forgiven, we step on that bridge, church, folks. And we're accepted, whoever we are. We accept Jesus forgives and restores us. When we accept that we are in that place, the door is open to us all. Our identity becomes that we are a royal priesthood, because that's who you are. That's who Jesus says you are. [00:08:28] (37 seconds)  #JesusBridgeToKingdom Edit Clip

When I read that verse, there's a key word in that verse and it's royal. It is royal. That is so important. Jesus says, we're not just priests, we are royal priests. When you read the Old Testament, they talk about the Levite priests, they were just priests. They weren't royal priests. We are royal priests, church. [00:09:56] (30 seconds)  #RoyalPriestsNotJustPriests Edit Clip

What highlights our royalty is that we are both a chosen people, a royal priesthood that is attached to Jesus. We have his character, his kingly character. And we received it not by natural birth or by human merit, but by his grace. That's our spiritual lineage. We are now royal priests, kings. It's about taking on the awesome character of Jesus. [00:11:07] (37 seconds)  #RoyalCharacterByGrace Edit Clip

Because when Jesus was among people, holiness flowed out of him. Holiness that said to everybody that you are loved, that you are cared for. And when people were in his presence, they were transformed by his holiness. And that's what Jesus wants you to be, filled with his holiness this morning. [00:12:32] (27 seconds)  #HolinessTransformsPresence Edit Clip

Church, I know I have received the generosity of Jesus. I have received my salvation because of Jesus' generosity. I have experienced Jesus' generosity in his healing for other people that we know. I've experienced the generosity of Jesus in reconciliation with other people. Church, I'm sure you're the same for you, that you experience the generosity of Jesus. And as priests and receptives of that generosity, we need to pass it on. Freely you have received. Freely give it. [00:19:01] (38 seconds)  #OfferSpiritualSacrifice Edit Clip

If we're going to be royal priests, we have to learn to offer sacrifice. Because if we don't learn sacrificial ministry, I don't think we can have a king -like ministry. If we look back in 1 Peter 2, verse 5, it says this, You are living stones, are being built on a spiritual house, a holy priest. And what's the next word? To offer up spiritual sacrifice. If we're going to be royal priests, and that's who you are, church, we need to be able to offer up spiritual sacrifice. [00:22:42] (37 seconds)  #ChosenToDeclarePraise Edit Clip

Folks, it's impossible to overemphasize the importance of the massive shift that Jesus brought about when he died to the cross and rose again. At the crucifixion, Jesus destroyed the old system of the typical priesthood and established a new system where all who follow him would be royal priests. That is who you are. Church, be regal priests. Be priests that are worthy of your calling. Be generous priests. Be sacrificial priests. Because you are. Because you are. [00:24:33] (43 seconds) Edit Clip

``Because we are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praise of him who has called you out of the darkness into the wonderful light. You are royal priests. Amen. [00:25:16] (21 seconds) Edit Clip