Embracing Our New Testament Priesthood and Spiritual Authority
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we continue our teaching on dismantling altars, focusing on the New Testament priesthood. As believers in Christ, we are called to a ministry of intimacy with God. This priesthood is not limited by gender or status; it is a call to all who are washed by the blood of Jesus. Our role as priests involves obedience, communion with the Lord, and offering spiritual sacrifices.
In the Old Testament, the Levitical priests were the only ones with access to the Holy of Holies. However, through Christ's sacrifice, the veil has been torn, granting all believers access to God's presence. This new priesthood allows us to destroy any demonic altars erected in our lives, families, and regions. These altars can manifest as false belief systems, superstitions, or even physical altars in some cultures.
We must understand that every human being worships something, and if it is not God, it is an idol. The New Testament priesthood calls us to offer spiritual sacrifices, which include our prayers, praise, time, talents, and bodies. Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices of animals, our sacrifices are our lives, dedicated to God.
The blood of Jesus is central to this new priesthood. It redeems, cleanses, justifies, and sanctifies us. However, just as the blood of Jesus brings life, the shedding of innocent blood for demonic altars brings curses, judgment, and spiritual bondage. This is evident in practices like abortion, which is a modern-day sacrifice to the god of convenience and self.
To dismantle these altars, we must build righteous altars through true repentance, confession, and the laying down of our lives. We must also recognize the signs of demonic altars, such as strange infirmities, cycles of violence, family dysfunctions, and rejection of the gospel in certain regions.
As New Testament priests, we have the authority to raise up the altar of God in our lives and regions, tearing down any demonic altars. This requires spiritual warfare, intercession, and a deep understanding of our identity in Christ. Let us embrace our role as priests, offering our lives as living sacrifices and standing in the gap for our families and communities.
### Key Takeaways
1. Ministry of Intimacy: The New Testament priesthood is a ministry of intimacy with God. As believers, we are called to commune with the Lord, offering our lives as spiritual sacrifices. This involves obedience and a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. [01:44]
2. Access to the Holy of Holies: Through Christ's sacrifice, the veil has been torn, granting all believers access to the Holy of Holies. This new priesthood allows us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, offering our prayers, praise, and lives as sacrifices. [07:28]
3. Dismantling Demonic Altars: We have the authority to destroy demonic altars erected in our lives, families, and regions. These altars can manifest as false belief systems, superstitions, or even physical altars. Recognizing and dismantling these altars is crucial for spiritual freedom. [08:58]
4. Power of the Blood of Jesus: The blood of Jesus redeems, cleanses, justifies, and sanctifies us. It is central to our new priesthood. However, the shedding of innocent blood for demonic altars brings curses and spiritual bondage. Understanding the power of Jesus' blood is essential for spiritual warfare. [44:02]
5. Building Righteous Altars: To dismantle demonic altars, we must build righteous altars through true repentance, confession, and the laying down of our lives. This involves recognizing the signs of demonic altars, such as strange infirmities and family dysfunctions, and standing in the gap through intercession. [36:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:44] - Ministry of Intimacy
[04:54] - Understanding Altars
[07:28] - Access to the Holy of Holies
[08:58] - Authority to Destroy Altars
[10:28] - New Testament Priesthood
[11:40] - Spiritual Sacrifices
[12:39] - Old vs. New Covenant Sacrifices
[17:28] - Eternal Altar of Grace
[19:15] - Chosen Generation and Royal Priesthood
[23:16] - Isaiah and Revelation on Priesthood
[25:28] - Power of the Blood of Jesus
[27:19] - Following Jesus' Pattern
[29:42] - Intercession and Sacrifice
[31:48] - Sacrifice of Praise
[35:44] - Building the Altar of the Lord
[36:27] - True Repentance and Confession
[38:43] - Building Evil Altars
[41:54] - Blood as a Life Source
[44:02] - Four Functions of Jesus' Blood
[45:36] - Consequences of Evil Altars
[47:07] - Modern-Day Sacrifices
[49:57] - Jesus' Blood Covenant
[51:51] - Spiritual Warfare and Intercession
[53:13] - Battle of Altars
[54:29] - Judgment and Mercy
[55:09] - Family Lineage and Spiritual Hindrances
[56:20] - Breaking Family Curses
[57:31] - Personal Testimony
[01:03:06] - Recognizing Evil Altars
[01:12:21] - Prayer and Renunciation
[01:19:19] - No Shame in Seeking Freedom
[01:20:31] - Renouncing Demonic Agreements
[01:21:02] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:26:36] - Final Thoughts and Encouragement
[01:28:49] - Next Week's Preview
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 2:5 (NIV) - "You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
2. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) - "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."
3. Hebrews 7:25 (NIV) - "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 2:5, what are believers being built into, and what are they called to offer?
2. What does 1 Peter 2:9 say about the identity and purpose of believers?
3. In Hebrews 7:25, what role does Jesus play for those who come to God through Him?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being a "holy priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:5 change the way believers should view their daily lives and actions? [11:40]
2. What does it mean to be called "out of darkness into his wonderful light" as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:9, and how should this transformation impact a believer's life? [19:15]
3. How does Jesus' role as an intercessor in Hebrews 7:25 influence the way believers should approach prayer and intercession for others? [29:42]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal relationship with God. How can you deepen your intimacy with Him as part of your priestly ministry? [01:44]
2. What are some practical ways you can offer your life as a spiritual sacrifice to God in your daily routine? [11:40]
3. Identify any "demonic altars" in your life, such as false beliefs or harmful habits. What steps can you take to dismantle these altars and build righteous ones instead? [08:58]
4. How can you apply the power of Jesus' blood in your spiritual warfare and intercession for your family and community? [44:02]
5. Think about a specific area in your life or community where you sense spiritual bondage or resistance to the gospel. How can you engage in spiritual warfare to raise up the altar of God in that area? [53:13]
6. What are some signs of demonic altars in your family or region, and how can you stand in the gap through intercession to bring about spiritual freedom? [36:27]
7. How can you practically live out your identity as a "royal priesthood" in your interactions with others this week? [19:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Ministry of Intimacy
As believers in Christ, we are called to a ministry of intimacy with God. This New Testament priesthood is not limited by gender or status; it is a call to all who are washed by the blood of Jesus. Our role as priests involves obedience, communion with the Lord, and offering spiritual sacrifices. This means dedicating our lives to God, spending time in prayer, worship, and studying His Word. It is through this intimate relationship with God that we can truly understand His will and purpose for our lives. [01:44]
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: How can you deepen your intimacy with God today? What specific steps can you take to spend more time in His presence?
Day 2: Access to the Holy of Holies
Through Christ's sacrifice, the veil has been torn, granting all believers access to the Holy of Holies. This new priesthood allows us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, offering our prayers, praise, and lives as sacrifices. No longer are we separated from God's presence; we can now enter boldly and experience His grace and mercy. This access is a privilege that we should not take for granted but should cherish and utilize daily. [07:28]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: What does it mean to you to have direct access to God’s presence? How can you make the most of this privilege in your daily life?
Day 3: Dismantling Demonic Altars
We have the authority to destroy demonic altars erected in our lives, families, and regions. These altars can manifest as false belief systems, superstitions, or even physical altars. Recognizing and dismantling these altars is crucial for spiritual freedom. As New Testament priests, we must be vigilant and proactive in identifying and tearing down anything that stands against the knowledge of God. This requires spiritual warfare, intercession, and a deep understanding of our identity in Christ. [08:58]
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: Are there any false beliefs or practices in your life that need to be dismantled? How can you begin to address these today through prayer and intercession?
Day 4: Power of the Blood of Jesus
The blood of Jesus redeems, cleanses, justifies, and sanctifies us. It is central to our new priesthood. However, the shedding of innocent blood for demonic altars brings curses and spiritual bondage. Understanding the power of Jesus' blood is essential for spiritual warfare. It is through His blood that we have victory over sin, death, and the enemy. We must continually apply the blood of Jesus in our lives, recognizing its power to bring life and freedom. [44:02]
Revelation 12:11 (ESV): "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."
Reflection: How can you apply the power of Jesus' blood in your daily spiritual battles? What areas of your life need the cleansing and sanctifying power of His blood?
Day 5: Building Righteous Altars
To dismantle demonic altars, we must build righteous altars through true repentance, confession, and the laying down of our lives. This involves recognizing the signs of demonic altars, such as strange infirmities and family dysfunctions, and standing in the gap through intercession. Building righteous altars means dedicating our lives to God, living in obedience to His Word, and continually offering our lives as living sacrifices. It is through these righteous altars that we can experience God's presence and power in our lives and communities. [36:27]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What steps can you take to build a righteous altar in your life? How can you offer your life as a living sacrifice to God today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The ministry of priesthood is a ministry of intimacy. I want to repeat that again: the ministry of priesthood of the New Testament priest, which is the believer in Christ, whether male or female, brother or sister, is a ministry of intimacy." [01:44] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Any altar that is risen up or erected besides the altar of the living God, which is through the blood of Jesus, is a demonic altar. It's a demonic altar. And it will bring curses on a person, on a society, and in a region." [04:54] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Now in Christ, he's tore down that veil and as believers from all nations, all tribes, all tongues, all nations, we have access to that holy of holies which is an altar. It is an altar of God but the altar that God erected was through sending his son on the cross to die for us." [07:28] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The believer in Christ now attends and worships at an eternal altar of grace. That is our place. You can call it the secret place. We can call it the throne of grace. We attend and we worship at an eternal altar of grace. It is eternal. It is everlasting. It would not fade away." [17:28] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have to build up that altar. We have to build up that relationship. We have to build up the life of Christ in us. So how does the altar of the Lord get built in someone's life, in a believer's life? One, it starts with true repentance and confessions. It starts with true repentance and confessions." [36:27] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Because we are transferred over into priesthood, now we have authority to destroy every other altar that is erected in our lives, in our families' lives, in our regions, even in our family lineages. And more than likely, in all cultures, in all societies, there's altars that are erected, whether it's false belief systems, false religions, superstitions, manifestations of other spiritual things in people's lives." [08:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are a holy priesthood. That is who the body of Christ is. That is who the believer is. A holy priest offering up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. And what are spiritual sacrifices? What are those things? What do they look like? What do they entail? There's going to be five things we're going to give you here, and they can be a little bit more, but we're going to give you the five main things." [11:40] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "How do we follow Jesus' pattern as a priest? How do we follow that? One, he makes intercession for us. In Hebrews chapter seven, verse 25, it says, therefore, he also, he's talking about Jesus, he also is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." [29:42] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we are priests, then we monitor and we function. We are not an altar, which is the altar of grace, which is the throne of grace, which is the place of secret or the place of intimacy with Jesus Christ. That is where we, as believers now, are supposed to be functioning and we're supposed to be monitoring ourselves from and other affairs." [23:16] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The blood of Jesus does four things for us. It redeems us. Number two. It cleanses us. It justifies us. It makes us righteous before God. It sanctifies us and makes us holy. So this is what the blood of Jesus does for us as believers, as the new priesthood, as the holy generation." [44:02] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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