Embracing Our Identity as Priests in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound transformation from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant and how it redefines our identity and mission as believers. Under the Old Covenant, the role of a priest was reserved for a select few, born into the priestly tribe of Levi. They served as mediators between God and His people, offering sacrifices for sins and maintaining a high standard of moral conduct. However, these priests were human and flawed, requiring rituals of cleansing and forgiveness through blood sacrifices.
With the arrival of Jesus, the religious landscape was revolutionized. Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilled the Old Testament law, rendering the continuous offering of sacrifices obsolete. We no longer need to bring lambs or bulls to church; Jesus has done it once and for all. As a result, every Christian is now a priest, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and called to be holy and set apart for God. This is not a part-time commitment but an all-encompassing way of life.
As priests of the New Covenant, we have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, our one mediator. We are no longer under the Old Covenant laws unless they are reiterated in the New Covenant. Our entire lives are to be devoted to God, not just a fraction. We are to be holy, representing Jesus in every aspect of our lives, whether at home, work, school, or in the community.
The priesthood of all believers, a concept recovered during the Reformation, emphasizes that every follower of Jesus has a part in His mission. We are chosen, called, forgiven, and redeemed. We are to live out this truth daily, embracing our role as God's priests wherever we go.
Every believer is endowed with spiritual gifts, a unique set of experiences, and a personality crafted by God for a specific purpose. These gifts are not just for personal edification but are meant to serve one another. Whether it's through mercy, administration, evangelism, or intercession, each of us is called to use our gifts to make an impact in the world.
In summary, as followers of Christ, we are to embody our priestly identity, fully devoted to God, and actively participating in His mission. We are to be the hands, feet, ears, and eyes of Jesus, with our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. We are to honor God with everything we do, using our spiritual gifts to serve others and advance His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
1. Every Christian is anointed as a priest in the New Covenant, called to live a life of holiness and dedication to God's mission. This is not a role reserved for a select few but a universal calling for all who follow Christ. [49:33]
2. Our identity as priests should permeate every aspect of our lives, influencing our actions and interactions. Whether at home, work, or in the community, we are to represent Jesus and be on mission with Him. [51:20]
3. Spiritual gifts are given to each believer for the purpose of serving one another and building up the body of Christ. Identifying and utilizing these gifts is essential for fulfilling our priestly duties. [52:13]
4. The concept of the priesthood of all believers should transform how we view our place in the church and the world. It empowers us to take ownership of our faith and contribute actively to the work of the kingdom. [50:23]
5. As priests, we are to be agents of reconciliation, showing others the goodness of God and calling them out of darkness into His wonderful light. This mission is not just for pastors or church leaders but for every believer. [43:59]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9 (NLT)
> "You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God... But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."
2. Leviticus 8:1-13 (NLT)
> "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Bring Aaron and his sons, along with their sacred garments, the anointing oil, the bull for the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of bread made without yeast, and call the entire community of Israel together at the entrance of the Tabernacle.' So Moses followed the Lord’s instructions, and the whole community assembled at the Tabernacle entrance. Moses announced to them, 'This is what the Lord has commanded us to do!' Then he presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. He put the official tunic on Aaron and tied the sash around his waist. He dressed him in the robe, placed the ephod on him, and attached the ephod securely with its decorative sash. Then Moses placed the chest piece on Aaron and put the Urim and Thummim inside it. He placed the turban on Aaron’s head and attached the gold medallion—the badge of holiness—to the front of the turban, just as the Lord had commanded him. Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the Tabernacle and everything in it, making them holy. He sprinkled the oil on the altar seven times, anointing it and all its utensils, as well as the washbasin and its stand, making them holy. Then he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head, anointing him and making him holy for his work. Next Moses presented Aaron’s sons. He clothed them in their tunics, tied their sashes around them, and put their special head coverings on them, just as the Lord had commanded him."
3. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NLT)
> "For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the specific items and actions involved in the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests in Leviticus 8:1-13?
2. According to 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9, what are believers in Christ described as, and what is their role?
3. How does 1 Timothy 2:5-6 describe Jesus' role in the New Covenant? [46:17]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of the priesthood in the Old Covenant (Leviticus 8:1-13) compare to the New Covenant priesthood described in 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9? [41:03]
2. What does it mean for believers to be "living stones" and "holy priests" in the context of 1 Peter 2:4-5? How does this redefine their identity and mission? [43:00]
3. In what ways does the role of Jesus as the one Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5-6) change the way believers interact with God compared to the Old Covenant system? [46:17]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that every Christian is a priest. How does this change the way you view your daily activities and interactions? [49:33]
2. Considering that our identity as priests should influence every aspect of our lives, what specific changes can you make to better represent Jesus at home, work, or in your community? [51:20]
3. Identify your spiritual gifts. How can you use these gifts to serve others and build up the body of Christ? Share a specific example of how you plan to do this. [52:13]
4. The sermon emphasized the priesthood of all believers. How can this concept transform your view of your place in the church and the world? What steps can you take to actively contribute to the work of the kingdom? [50:23]
5. As priests, we are called to be agents of reconciliation. Think of someone in your life who needs to see the goodness of God. How can you show them this goodness and call them out of darkness into His wonderful light? [43:59]
6. How can you ensure that your entire life, not just a fraction, is devoted to God? What practical steps can you take to live a life of holiness and dedication to God's mission? [35:49]
7. Reflect on a time when you used your spiritual gifts to serve others. How did it impact you and those you served? How can you continue to grow in using your gifts for God's glory? [52:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Priestly Calling
Every believer is anointed to live a life that reflects God's holiness and dedication. This calling is not limited to a select few within the church but extends to all who follow Christ. It is a profound shift from the Old Covenant, where only the Levitical priests had such a role. Now, under the New Covenant, this priestly duty is democratized, with each Christian called to embody holiness and commitment to God's mission in their everyday lives. This means that the way one lives, works, and interacts with others should be a testament to their faith and dedication to God's purposes. It is a full-time commitment that requires a heart set apart for God's work, seeking to honor Him in all things.
[49:33]
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: How can you live out your priestly identity in your current environment, and what specific changes can you make to align your daily life more closely with this calling?
Day 2: Holiness in All of Life
Our identity as priests should influence every aspect of our lives, from our private moments to our public interactions. This holistic approach to faith means that representing Jesus isn't confined to Sunday services or religious activities but is a constant, ongoing mission. Whether at home with family, in the workplace, or within the community, believers are called to be on mission with Christ, embodying His love, grace, and truth. This requires a conscious effort to integrate faith into every decision and action, ensuring that one's life consistently reflects the character of Jesus.
[51:20]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What is one area of your daily routine where you can more intentionally demonstrate the love and character of Jesus?
Day 3: Serving with Our Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are not merely for personal enrichment but are intended for the edification of the church and the service of others. Each believer is equipped with a unique combination of gifts, experiences, and personality traits that are designed by God for a specific purpose within His kingdom. Understanding and utilizing these gifts is a crucial aspect of fulfilling our priestly duties. It is through serving one another with these gifts that the body of Christ is built up and strengthened, enabling the church to make a greater impact in the world.
[52:13]
Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Reflection: What spiritual gift have you been given, and how can you use it this week to serve someone in your community or church?
Day 4: Ownership of Our Faith and Mission
The priesthood of all believers empowers each Christian to take ownership of their faith and actively contribute to the kingdom of God. This concept, which was recovered during the Reformation, challenges believers to not be passive recipients of religious instruction but to be engaged and proactive in their spiritual growth and the mission of the church. It is a call to step into the fullness of one's role within the body of Christ, recognizing that every member has a vital part to play in advancing God's purposes on earth.
[50:23]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV)
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you take greater ownership of your role in the church, and what is one step you can take this week to engage more deeply in its mission?
Day 5: Agents of Reconciliation
As priests under the New Covenant, believers are called to be agents of reconciliation, reflecting God's goodness and inviting others into His light. This mission is not reserved for church leaders alone but is the responsibility of every Christian. It involves demonstrating the transformative power of God's love and grace in our lives and reaching out to those who are still walking in darkness. By living as examples of God's redemptive work, believers can draw others toward the hope and healing found in Christ.
[43:59]
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV)
"All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: Who in your life might be in need of experiencing God's reconciliation, and how can you be a vessel of His grace to them this week?
Quotes
1) "God made you exactly the way he wanted you to be. You have a unique set of experiences, and gifts, and your personality that's different than the person on your right and on your left. You are a priest of God." [58:26] (Download | )
2) "Friends, wouldn't it be amazing if every single follower of Jesus, so many of you are already doing this, but if every single one said, I know that I'm a priest of God. I am an everyday on mission with Jesus." [01:03:15] (Download | )
3) "Imagine if we all got that. If we had everybody serving with the right gifts and the right place with the right people, with the right passions at the right time, and just people going, I was made for this." [59:18] (Download | )
4) "Every conversation, you get to represent Jesus. And I say, I get to be the hands, the feet, the ears, the eyes of Jesus because 1 Corinthians 6 says that I don't belong to myself. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit." [51:20] (Download | )
5) "God's plan is clear. If you are a follower of Christ, you are a priest. Would you turn to your neighbor and tell him that? If you're a follower of Christ, you are a priest." [47:39] (Download | )
6) "Today, every Christian is a priest. That's what the Bible actually teaches. When Jesus arrives on the scene, the religious culture gets turned upside down." [41:21] (Download | )
7) "Friends, that's not the new covenant, right? And too many churches today, you still have maybe a measure of that, where they're sort of this like, you've got this group and you've got, you know, maybe the one or two who are higher and you have the rest of the people and the church just sort of limps along, ineffective in its mission." [49:33] (Download | )
8) "You are a chosen people. You are, there it is again, what? Royal priests, the holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." [43:59] (Download | )
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