Embracing Our Identity as Royal Priests in Christ
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor introducing the theme of the month, "the priests of the kingdom," and its relevance to the congregation's individual situations. The pastor draws from Exodus 19:6, where God declares the Israelites as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. However, the pastor notes that the Israelites failed to fulfill God's intention due to their distorted identities. The pastor emphasizes the importance of understanding one's true identity in Christ, using a personal example of their child struggling with identity. The pastor extends this concept to the nation, stating that when a nation loses its identity, it loses everything.
The pastor then emphasizes the importance of knowing one's identity in God, stating that once we understand who we are in God, we can live confidently and according to His calling. The pastor encourages the congregation to consider what God has called them to be and to pattern their lives after that calling. The pastor also discusses the role of mediators in the context of sin, explaining that in the past, people needed mediators, such as priests, to plead on their behalf for forgiveness of sins. However, with the coming of Jesus Christ, this need for mediators has been removed. The pastor emphasizes that individuals can now go directly to God for forgiveness and do not require a priest.
The pastor also addresses the fear that some people have when it comes to seeking God's will in their lives. Some individuals are afraid of what God might ask of them, whether it be in regards to their career or marriage. They avoid praying because they believe that God's will may not align with their desires. However, the pastor reassures the congregation that God is merciful and that their worst fears may not come to pass when they trust Him. He encourages them to release their fears and trust that God will surprise them in a positive way.
The pastor then emphasizes the importance of priesthood in salvation, explaining that worship is based on priesthood because it is an essential part of salvation. Just as in the Old Testament, where the high priest offering sacrifices was crucial for the people, in the New Testament, Jesus serves as the glorious high priest who brings us into a relationship with God. The pastor then delves into the practical implications of priesthood, citing various Bible verses. He highlights that priests are called to come near to God, minister to Him, and bless people in His name.
The sermon concludes with the pastor discussing the influence of various content providers in our lives, such as social media platforms and online videos. He emphasizes that filling our hearts with worldly content leaves no room for the Holy Spirit. The pastor then refers to 1 Peter 2:9, which describes believers as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. He explains that being part of this chosen group means thinking of oneself differently and behaving in a distinct manner.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding our true identity in Christ is crucial for fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. When we lose sight of our identity, we lose everything. We must pattern our lives after God's calling and live confidently in Him ([12:45]).
- With the coming of Jesus Christ, the need for mediators for forgiveness of sins has been removed. Individuals can now go directly to God for forgiveness and do not require a priest. This emphasizes the personal relationship we can have with God through Christ ([22:30]).
- Fear of God's will in our lives can prevent us from seeking Him. However, God is merciful and our worst fears may not come to pass when we trust Him. We should release our fears and trust that God will surprise us in a positive way ([32:15]).
- The role of priesthood in salvation is significant. Just as in the Old Testament, where the high priest offering sacrifices was crucial for the people, in the New Testament, Jesus serves as the glorious high priest who brings us into a relationship with God. Priests are called to come near to God, minister to Him, and bless people in His name ([42:50]).
- Filling our hearts with worldly content leaves no room for the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are described as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. Being part of this chosen group means thinking of oneself differently and behaving in a distinct manner ([52:30]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 19:6 - "And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel."
2. 1 Peter 2:5 - "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."
3. 1 Peter 2:9 - "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light."
Observation Questions:
1. What does Exodus 19:6 reveal about God's intention for the Israelites?
2. In 1 Peter 2:5, what does it mean to be built up as a spiritual house and a holy priesthood?
3. How does 1 Peter 2:9 describe believers and what are they called to do?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding one's identity as a "kingdom of priests" and a "holy nation" as stated in Exodus 19:6, influence one's relationship with God and others?
2. In the context of 1 Peter 2:5, what could be the spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God by Jesus Christ?
3. Based on 1 Peter 2:9, what does it mean to be called out of darkness into God's marvellous light?
Application Questions:
1. Reflecting on Exodus 19:6, how does understanding your identity in Christ influence your daily decisions and interactions?
2. Considering 1 Peter 2:5, what are some specific ways you can offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God this week?
3. In light of 1 Peter 2:9, how can you show forth the praises of God in your workplace or school this week?
4. Can you identify a fear or concern that is preventing you from seeking God's will in your life? How can you trust God with this fear?
5. What is one specific step you can take this week to ensure that your heart is filled with the Holy Spirit rather than worldly content?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Understanding our true identity in Christ is crucial for fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. When we lose sight of our identity, we lose everything. We must pattern our lives after God's calling and live confidently in Him ([12:45]). This means recognizing ourselves as God's chosen people, created in His image, and called to live according to His purpose.
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you view your life and purpose? Can you identify one area of your life where you need to embrace this identity more fully?
Day 2: Direct Access to God
With the coming of Jesus Christ, the need for mediators for forgiveness of sins has been removed. Individuals can now go directly to God for forgiveness and do not require a priest. This emphasizes the personal relationship we can have with God through Christ ([22:30]). This direct access to God is a privilege that we should not take for granted.
Bible Passage: Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Reflection: How can you take advantage of your direct access to God today? Is there a sin or struggle you need to bring before Him?
Day 3: Trusting God's Will
Fear of God's will in our lives can prevent us from seeking Him. However, God is merciful and our worst fears may not come to pass when we trust Him. We should release our fears and trust that God will surprise us in a positive way ([32:15]). Trusting God's will means surrendering our desires and plans to Him.
Bible Passage: Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: What fears are preventing you from fully trusting God's will for your life? How can you surrender these fears to Him today?
Day 4: The Role of Priesthood in Salvation
The role of priesthood in salvation is significant. Just as in the Old Testament, where the high priest offering sacrifices was crucial for the people, in the New Testament, Jesus serves as the glorious high priest who brings us into a relationship with God. Priests are called to come near to God, minister to Him, and bless people in His name ([42:50]). As believers, we are all called to be priests in God's kingdom.
Bible Passage: Hebrews 4:14 - "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."
Reflection: How can you live out your role as a priest in God's kingdom today? What does it mean for you to come near to God, minister to Him, and bless others in His name?
Day 5: Guarding Our Hearts from Worldly Content
Filling our hearts with worldly content leaves no room for the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are described as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. Being part of this chosen group means thinking of oneself differently and behaving in a distinct manner ([52:30]). We must guard our hearts and minds from worldly influences that can distract us from our calling.
Bible Passage: Colossians 3:2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Reflection: What worldly content is currently occupying your heart and mind? How can you make more room for the Holy Spirit in your life today?
Quotes
1. "There are so many content providers now, producing different kinds of content and dumping it into our hearts and spirits. We cannot fill our hearts with such things and have room for the Holy Spirit."
2. "You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people. You should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
3. "Priesthood occupies a very important place in the Bible. In the Old Testament, a priest is one who is duly authorized to minister in sacred things, particularly to offer sacrifices at the altar and act as a mediator between men and God."
4. "What God intends for us is that we should look intently at His word, study it, and know what He has called us. We should assume that identity and play the roles He has given us."
5. "Once you know who you are, you have confidence and say, 'I know who I am.' We have to look at what God has called us to be and pattern our lives after that."
6. "Thank God for role models, but they are not our perfect examples. Thank God for pastors, evangelists, prophets, but they are not our perfect example. We have the power of the Holy Spirit to make us live and behave with the identity of a priest."
7. "We are called to be lively stones, building up a spiritual house and a holy priesthood. Our sacrifices should be acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, not a corrupt or worldly offering."
8. "Today, people run away from God because they are afraid of what He will say. They are not willing to pray because they think God will ask them to do something difficult."
9. "God is so merciful. Sometimes your worst fear does not happen when you trust Him. If you release all your worries and fears to Him, He will surprise you."
10. "All worship is based on priesthood because the Priestly office is an essential part of Salvation."
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