Embracing Our Identity as Priests in Christ

Summary

Today’s focus is on the profound truth that every follower of Jesus is called to be a priest—a representative of Christ to the world. This identity is not reserved for pastors, missionaries, or church leaders, but is the calling of every believer. The old model, where only a select few could approach God on behalf of others, was radically transformed by Jesus’ death and resurrection. The tearing of the temple curtain signified that all who are in Christ now have direct access to God and are commissioned to represent Him to those around them.

This calling is not about being worthy or having special training. In fact, God delights in using ordinary, imperfect people to reach others, so that no one can boast in their own strength. The stories of the first disciples show that the movement of the gospel began with simple, organic invitations within their own circles—family, friends, neighbors, coworkers. Each of us has a “sphere of influence,” a unique network of relationships where God has intentionally placed us to be His ambassadors.

The practical challenge is to recognize and embrace this identity. Start by identifying those in your sphere of influence—write down their names, even if you don’t know them well yet. Then, prayerfully ask God to highlight a handful of people (the “pick five”) to focus on. Begin to pray for them regularly, asking God to bless them, stir spiritual hunger, and open doors for deeper relationship and service. Don’t rush ahead of the Spirit, but also don’t wait for perfect circumstances—be attentive to God’s promptings, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

Accountability is key: share your list of five with another believer and invite them to pray with you and check in on your progress. This process is not about instant results, but about faithful presence and obedience. As you embrace your role as a priest, ambassador, and fisher of people, remember that God is the one who brings the fruit. Our job is to love as the Father loves, to serve as Jesus served, and to trust that God will use our imperfect efforts to draw others into His marvelous light.

Key Takeaways

- Every follower of Jesus is a priest, not just church leaders. This identity means direct access to God and the responsibility to represent Him to others. The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus’ death was God’s declaration that all believers are now His royal priesthood, called to bring light into darkness. [03:54]

- God intentionally places us within unique spheres of influence—our families, friends, workplaces, and neighborhoods. We are sent as missionaries to these very people, not by accident but by divine design. Our mission field is not somewhere “out there,” but right where we are. [13:27]

- Worthiness is not a prerequisite for being used by God. In fact, God delights in using those who feel unworthy, so that His grace and power are made evident. When doubts arise about your adequacy, remember that Jesus is the only worthy one, and He calls imperfect people to share His perfect love. [09:18]

- The process of representing Jesus begins with prayerful intentionality. Start by identifying those in your sphere of influence, then ask God to highlight a few to focus on. Pray for them, seek opportunities to serve, and be open to the Spirit’s leading—even if it means stepping out in ways that feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar. [23:54]

- Accountability and community are essential for faithfulness in this calling. Share your “five” with another believer, invite them to pray with you, and ask them to check in on your progress. This shared journey helps us persevere, keeps us focused, and multiplies the impact of our witness as we trust God for the fruit. [28:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:16] - Rethinking What It Means to Be a Priest
[03:00] - Our New Identity in Christ
[03:54] - The Curtain Torn: Access for All
[04:59] - Jesus, Paul, and Peter: Ambassadors and Priests
[06:04] - Representing Jesus in Everyday Life
[06:53] - Celebrating Baptism and Everyday Priests
[08:35] - Feeling Unworthy? God Uses the Unworthy
[09:18] - Where Do I Start? The Power of Testimony
[10:38] - The Chain Reaction of Invitation
[12:35] - Your Sphere of Influence
[13:27] - God Sends You to Your World
[14:59] - Practical Steps: The Sphere of Influence Worksheet
[16:08] - Who’s in Your Life? Naming Your Mission Field
[17:24] - Planting, Watering, and Harvesting
[18:20] - Kim’s Story: Obedience in the Neighborhood
[21:05] - The Challenge: Pick Five
[23:54] - Pray Over Your Five
[25:07] - Loving Even the Difficult People
[26:53] - Share Your Five: Accountability in Mission
[28:16] - The Parable of the Sower: Bearing Fruit
[29:38] - Embracing Your Identity as Priest
[30:28] - Love the Lost as the Father Loves
[31:30] - Start Where You Are
[32:02] - You Are Already Called
[32:36] - God’s Readiness, Not Ours
[33:45] - Praying for Our Spheres of Influence
[34:40] - Sent Out in God’s Strength

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

---

### 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.

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.

John 1:35-45 (ESV)
> [Read the story of how the first disciples began following Jesus and invited others in their circles.]

---

### Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Peter 2:9, what are some of the new identities given to followers of Jesus? What is the purpose of these identities?
2. In the story from John 1:35-45, how did the first disciples come to follow Jesus? Who did they invite next?
3. The sermon says, “You are a priest. You are a priestess. And for those of you that this may be a new idea or maybe the Holy Spirit's stirring. No, this is true. You're probably freaking out a little bit.” What feelings or reactions does the idea of being a “priest” bring up for you? [08:35]
4. What does Paul mean when he calls believers “ambassadors for Christ” in 2 Corinthians 5:20? How is this similar or different from being called a “priest”?

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus’ death symbolized a big change. What does this mean for how we approach God and represent Him to others? [03:54]
2. The sermon emphasizes that God uses “ordinary, imperfect people” to reach others. Why do you think God chooses to work this way instead of only using “qualified” or “worthy” people? [09:18]
3. In the story of the first disciples, their invitations started with people they already knew. What does this suggest about where our own mission field begins? [12:35]
4. The sermon challenges us to “pick five” people in our sphere of influence to pray for and focus on. Why is it important to be intentional and prayerful about this, rather than just waiting for opportunities to come to us? [23:54]

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon asks us to write down the names of people in our “sphere of influence”—family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, even people we don’t know well yet. Have you ever done this before? If not, what’s stopping you? If yes, what did you learn from the experience? [14:59]
2. Who are five people God might be putting on your heart right now? Are there any names that surprise you or make you uncomfortable? Why do you think that is? [25:07]
3. The sermon says, “Don’t rush ahead of the Spirit, but also don’t wait for perfect circumstances—be attentive to God’s promptings, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.” What is one practical step you could take this week to reach out to someone on your list, even if it feels awkward? [25:07]
4. Accountability is key: “Share your list of five with another believer and invite them to pray with you and check in on your progress.” Who could you share your list with for encouragement and accountability? What would make this easier or harder for you? [28:16]
5. The sermon reminds us, “Worthiness is not a prerequisite for being used by God.” When have you felt unworthy or unqualified to represent Jesus? How can you remind yourself that Jesus is the only worthy one, and He delights in using you as you are? [09:18]
6. Think about your daily routines—work, school, neighborhood, hobbies. Where do you sense God might be sending you as His ambassador? What would it look like to be more intentional in those places? [13:27]
7. The sermon says, “Our job is to love as the Father loves, to serve as Jesus served, and to trust that God will use our imperfect efforts to draw others into His marvelous light.” What is one way you can show the love of Jesus to someone in your sphere of influence this week? [30:28]

---

Close in prayer, asking God to help each person embrace their identity as His priest and ambassador, and to give courage and wisdom as you reach out to those He has placed in your life.

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Your Identity as a Royal Priesthood
Every follower of Jesus is called a royal priest or priestess, not because of their worthiness or special training, but because Jesus, the true High Priest, has made a way for all believers to represent God to the world. This identity is not reserved for pastors or church leaders, but is the calling and privilege of every Christian, regardless of background or experience. When you look around at your fellow believers, you are seeing priests—people set apart to declare God’s praises and bring light into darkness. Embracing this identity means stepping out of the role of spectator and into the role of participant in God’s story, trusting that God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect purposes. [03:00]

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 ways have you seen yourself as a spectator rather than a participant in God’s mission, and how might embracing your identity as a royal priest change the way you approach your daily life this week?


Day 2: Represent Jesus in Your Everyday Relationships
Jesus calls His followers to be “fishers of people,” and Paul describes believers as Christ’s ambassadors—representatives sent into their own spheres of influence to make God’s appeal to others. This means that your mission field is not somewhere far away, but right where you are: among your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even casual acquaintances. You don’t need a platform or special permission; you are already sent by God to the people you encounter daily. Start by recognizing that God has placed you exactly where you are for a reason, and that you are the best representative of Jesus to those in your life. [06:04]

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: Who are three people in your daily life that you sense God has placed in your path, and what is one small way you can intentionally represent Jesus to them this week?


Day 3: Start Within Your Sphere of Influence
The story of Jesus’ first disciples shows a simple, organic pattern: those who encountered Jesus began by sharing the good news with those closest to them—family, friends, and neighbors. The chain reaction of faith often starts within your own sphere of influence, not with strangers or in distant places. God has uniquely positioned you to reach the people you already know, and your testimony—your story of what God has done in your life—is a powerful tool. You don’t need to be an expert; just share what you have seen and experienced, trusting that God will use your witness to draw others to Himself. [12:35]

John 1:40-42 (ESV)
"One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas' (which means Peter)."

Reflection: Who in your sphere of influence—family, friends, coworkers—needs to hear your story of faith, and what is one step you can take to share it with them this week?


Day 4: Rely on the Holy Spirit, Not Your Own Worthiness
Feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness are common when stepping into the role of God’s representative, but God delights in using imperfect people to reach other imperfect people. The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers, guides, and prompts you to act, even when you feel unprepared or unsure. Your job is not to be perfect, but to be available and obedient, trusting that God will work through your willingness. When you pray and listen for the Spirit’s leading, you may be surprised by whom God puts on your heart—even those you find difficult to love. [09:18]

Romans 8:26 (ESV)
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

Reflection: What is one area where you feel unworthy or inadequate to represent Jesus, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in that area today?


Day 5: Take Practical Steps—Pick Five, Pray, and Share
Living out your calling as a priest or ambassador begins with practical steps: identify five people in your sphere of influence, pray for them regularly, and share their names with another believer for encouragement and accountability. This process is not about immediate results, but about faithfulness—planting seeds, building trust, and waiting on God’s timing. As you pray, ask God to show you how to love, serve, and share with each person, and be open to the Spirit’s promptings, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Remember, fruitfulness comes from obedience, not perfection. [28:16]

Colossians 4:2-6 (ESV)
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Reflection: Will you commit to writing down five names from your sphere of influence, praying for them daily, and sharing this commitment with a fellow believer for encouragement and accountability this week?

Quotes

``But after the resurrection, something fundamentally changed. You see, Jesus was the final high priest. And those of you who are familiar with the story, you know that when he gave his life for him, one of the results was that that huge, thick curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, that curtain that only the high priest could enter into, ripped into two. As if God was saying, anyone can enter through my son. [00:04:11] (38 seconds)  #CurtainTornForAll Edit Clip Translate Clip

Any good pastor, at least, and I think every pastor, but at least any good pastor, when people start calling him a pastor or her a pastor, you don't feel like one. And you don't feel like you're worthy. And quite frankly, that's the point. That was the shift. Jesus is the only worthy one. And what he does is...he calls unworthy people to do the best that they can to represent to other unworthy people that God loves unworthy people. [00:08:35] (33 seconds)  #TestifyAsYouAre Edit Clip Translate Clip

If you're ever called to give testimony, it probably will not be as an expert. Almost all testimony is given as a personal eyewitness. And you usually don't have to do much preparation for that. You just go in and say, this is what I saw. This is what happened. This is the result of what happened. And you're done. [00:09:50] (24 seconds)  #YouAreTheMissionary Edit Clip Translate Clip

When God wanted a missionary in your neighborhood, he sent you. When he needed a missionary for where you work, he sent you. When he needed a missionary for the school that you attend, he sent you. When he needs a missionary to your family, you're it. [00:13:41] (17 seconds)  #PrayOverYourFive Edit Clip Translate Clip

When God chose you and brought you unto Himself, He had your sphere of influence in mind. You are at least one of. You're probably not exclusively. None of us usually are exclusively. Even those of us who have seen people respond to a conversation we had, and they actually respond to the good news of Jesus, the chances are there have been several people in their life that God has used. [00:17:31] (23 seconds)  #FaithThatBearsFruit Edit Clip Translate Clip

Embrace your identity as a priest. Embrace your identity as a priestess. And when the enemy starts telling you, you're not worthy, don't argue with them. Say, you're right. Okay? Don't argue with them. You don't have to be worthy. Jesus is the worthy one. All right? You can witness to someone as a tattered, imperfect, but hopefully person in progress. People respect people in progress. Actually, a lot more than they respect somebody who at least claims in their eyes to have it all together. Because we all know no one has it all together. [00:29:52] (40 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

Love the lost as the Father loves the lost. That's all I'm asking. That's all God's asking. I did it. I want you to follow in my footsteps. Imperfectly, yes, but definitely. I don't want you any longer just to be a spectator. He says, I want you to participate in my story, God says. You are a royal priest or priestess. You are called to bring light in the darkness. Yes, you. [00:30:43] (29 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

You are Christ's ambassador. You are sent to represent him in your world. You are a sent one. You are a fisher of men and women, casting the net through relationships, through God's love. So start where you're at. You don't need to go somewhere else. You don't need special training. You get better at this, but experience usually is the best trainer. Your world is your mission field. You don't have to look for it. It's within your sphere of influence right now. [00:31:23] (38 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

So my challenge is for us to go and be who Jesus says that we already are. He doesn't say you're going to become. He says you are. You are. Now, do you get better as you go along? Absolutely. [00:32:02] (17 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip