Embracing Our Role in the Priesthood of All Believers

Summary

The priesthood of all believers is a profound truth that shapes not only our understanding of God but also our daily lives as followers of Christ. From the earliest days of Israel, access to God was limited to a select group of priests who mediated on behalf of the people. The Old Testament paints a vivid picture of the tabernacle and temple, where only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year. Ordinary people could not approach God directly; they needed a mediator. But with the coming of Jesus, everything changed. At the moment of His death, the temple curtain was torn in two, symbolizing the end of the old order and the beginning of a new covenant. Now, through Christ, every believer has direct access to God—no longer needing a human intermediary.

This access is not just a privilege but a calling. Each of us is invited to approach God with confidence, to pray, to worship, and to serve. We are called to perform priestly functions—not by offering animal sacrifices, but by offering our lives, our prayers, our service, and our love for others. The New Testament describes us as living stones, being built together into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood. This means that every believer is essential to the life and mission of the church.

With this privilege comes responsibility. We are each accountable for our own walk with God. We cannot blame others—pastors, parents, or even the church—for our spiritual choices. We are called to study and interpret Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit and in the context of community, so that we avoid error and grow in truth. The priesthood of all believers has also fueled the spread of the gospel and the translation of Scripture, empowering people everywhere to encounter God in their own language and context.

Yet, this freedom is not a license for self-centered or self-curated spirituality. We must guard against the temptation to shape our faith according to our own preferences, rather than submitting to the authority of Christ and the teaching of Scripture. True priesthood is about reverence for God, accountability to one another, and sacrificial service to others. Our pilgrimage is not just about personal experience, but about giving life to those around us, just as Christ gave His life for us.

Key Takeaways

- Direct Access to God Is a Sacred Gift
Through Christ’s sacrifice, every believer now has direct access to God, a privilege that was unimaginable in the Old Testament era. This access is not to be taken lightly; it is a gift that should inspire awe, gratitude, and reverence in our worship and daily walk. We are invited to approach God’s throne with confidence, knowing that Christ Himself intercedes for us. [13:14]

- The Responsibility of Personal Priesthood
Being part of the priesthood of all believers means we are each responsible for our spiritual growth and service. We are called to pray, worship, serve, and minister to one another, not as passive recipients but as active participants in God’s work. Neglecting this calling is akin to an Old Testament priest refusing to fulfill his duties—our faith is meant to be lived out in community and service. [17:59]

- Accountability Cannot Be Outsourced
While spiritual leaders and community are important, each believer will ultimately stand before God to give an account for their own life and choices. Blame-shifting—whether to the church, leaders, or circumstances—will not excuse us from personal responsibility. This truth calls us to honest self-examination and a commitment to integrity in our walk with God. [24:28]

- Guarding Against Self-Curated Spirituality
The freedom of the priesthood of all believers can be misused if we construct a faith based solely on personal preferences or cultural trends. True Christian spirituality is rooted in Christ and the authority of Scripture, not in a blend of philosophies or self-made beliefs. We must be vigilant to ensure our faith remains centered on Christ, resisting the pull of syncretism and hollow philosophies. [33:41]

- The Priesthood Is for the Sake of Others
Our priesthood is not a license for self-indulgence but a calling to serve, sacrifice, and give life to others. Like the man in Tolstoy’s story who stayed to help a suffering village, our pilgrimage is fulfilled when we pour ourselves out for the good of those around us. The true measure of our priesthood is found in how we love, serve, and point others to Christ. [37:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Canadian Baptist Ministries Update
[01:46] - Top Gun Maverick and the Clash of Old and New
[03:01] - The Old Testament Priesthood Explained
[06:12] - The Holy of Holies and Access to God
[07:59] - The Priesthood of All Believers Defined
[10:39] - The Curtain Torn: Christ’s Sacrifice and New Access
[13:14] - Implications: Direct Access to God
[17:24] - Our Priestly Responsibilities Today
[19:52] - Interpreting Scripture as Believers
[21:48] - Personal Accountability Before God
[25:11] - The Priesthood and Global Mission
[27:08] - Reverence in Worship
[29:51] - The Need for Spiritual Accountability
[32:21] - The Danger of Self-Curated Spirituality
[35:33] - Tolstoy’s Two Old Men: Serving Others
[38:10] - Personal Prayer and Closing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Priesthood of All Believers

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### Bible Reading

1. Hebrews 4:14-16
"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. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 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."

2. 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."

3. Romans 12:1
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 4:14-16, what is the significance of Jesus being our high priest, and how does this affect our ability to approach God?
2. In 1 Peter 2:9, what titles and roles are given to believers, and what purpose is attached to these roles?
3. The sermon described the Old Testament system where only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year. What changed at the moment of Jesus’ death, and what did the torn curtain symbolize? [11:20]
4. What kinds of “spiritual sacrifices” does Romans 12:1 and 1 Peter 2:5 say we are to offer as part of our priestly role? [18:38]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that direct access to God is both a privilege and a calling. Why is it important not to take this access for granted, and how might a lack of reverence show up in our worship or daily lives? [27:08]
2. The priesthood of all believers means each person is responsible for their own spiritual growth. What are some dangers of neglecting this responsibility, according to the sermon? [17:59]
3. The pastor warned against “self-curated spirituality.” What does this look like in practice, and why is it a problem for Christians? [32:21]
4. The story of the two old men in Tolstoy’s tale was used to illustrate the purpose of our priesthood. What does this story teach about the true focus of our spiritual journey? [37:31]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon emphasized that we now have direct access to God through Christ. When was the last time you approached God with confidence in prayer, and what holds you back from doing this more often? [13:14]
2. The idea of being a “living sacrifice” is central to our priestly calling. What is one area of your life where you sense God is asking you to offer yourself more fully to Him? [18:38]
3. The pastor said that every believer is responsible for their own walk with God and cannot blame others for their spiritual choices. Are there areas where you have been tempted to blame others (church, leaders, family) for your spiritual struggles? How can you take more ownership? [24:28]
4. The sermon warned against shaping our faith around personal preferences or cultural trends. Are there beliefs or practices in your life that might be more about your own comfort than about following Christ and Scripture? How can you realign your faith? [33:41]
5. The priesthood of all believers is not just for our own benefit but for the sake of others. Who in your life right now needs your prayer, encouragement, or practical help? What is one step you can take this week to serve them? [37:31]
6. The pastor talked about the need for accountability and having someone who can ask us hard questions. Do you have someone like this in your life? If not, what is one step you could take to find or invite such accountability? [31:04]
7. The sermon challenged us to approach worship with reverence and awe. What practical changes could you make to prepare your heart for worship each week, both personally and as part of the church community? [29:08]

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Devotional

Day 1: Christ Our High Priest Grants Us Direct Access to God
Through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, the barrier that once separated humanity from God has been removed, symbolized by the tearing of the temple curtain. No longer do we need a human mediator to approach God; instead, every believer is invited to come boldly and confidently before the throne of grace. This access is not reserved for a select few but is the privilege of all who are in Christ, allowing us to receive mercy and find help in our time of need. Take a moment to appreciate the profound gift of being able to speak directly to your Heavenly Father, knowing that Christ Himself intercedes for you. [13:14]

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you have hesitated to approach God directly? Take time today to bring that specific need or struggle to Him in prayer, trusting in Christ’s intercession for you.

Day 2: Every Believer Is Called to a Priestly Life of Service
The priesthood of all believers means that each Christian is not only granted access to God but is also entrusted with priestly responsibilities—offering spiritual sacrifices, interceding for others, serving in ministry, and building up the body of Christ. Just as every brick is essential to a house, every believer’s service is vital to the spiritual health and mission of the church. This calling is not optional or reserved for a few; it is the shared privilege and duty of all who follow Jesus, who together form a spiritual house pleasing to God. [18:38]

1 Peter 2:5 (ESV)
"You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Reflection:
What is one practical way you can serve or encourage someone in your church family this week as part of your priestly calling?

Day 3: We Are Accountable to God for Our Own Spiritual Walk
Each believer will ultimately stand before God to give an account for their own life, choices, and conduct. While spiritual leaders and community can offer guidance and support, no one else can take responsibility for your relationship with God or your obedience to His Word. Blame-shifting or using past hurts as an excuse does not absolve us of our personal responsibility before God. This truth calls us to sober self-examination and a commitment to live faithfully, knowing that God is just and will judge each person impartially. [24:28]

2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV)
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."

Reflection:
Is there an area where you have been blaming others for your spiritual struggles or choices? Ask God to help you take personal responsibility and seek His guidance for your next step.

Day 4: God Deserves Our Reverence and Awe in Worship
While we celebrate the freedom and access we have in Christ, we must not lose sight of the holiness and majesty of God. True worship is marked by reverence and awe, not casual familiarity or a cavalier attitude. The God we approach is a consuming fire, worthy of our deepest respect and wholehearted devotion. Let us be mindful of our posture and attitude as we gather for worship, remembering that we come before the Creator of heaven and earth, not merely a friend or peer. [29:08]

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV)
"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

Reflection:
How can you intentionally prepare your heart and mind to approach God with reverence the next time you gather for worship?

Day 5: Beware of Self-Curated Spirituality—Hold Fast to Christ
In a world that encourages personalized spirituality and blending of beliefs, we are warned not to substitute Christ with philosophies or practices that are not rooted in Him. True Christian faith is anchored in Christ alone, not in human traditions or self-made spiritual paths. We must be vigilant to guard our hearts and minds, ensuring that our beliefs and practices are shaped by Scripture and the gospel, not by what simply feels good or aligns with our preferences. [34:17]

Colossians 2:8 (ESV)
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Reflection:
Are there any beliefs or practices you have adopted that are more influenced by culture or personal preference than by Christ and His Word? Ask God to reveal these to you and help you realign your faith with Him.

Quotes

When it comes to the core baptist distinctive of the priesthood of all believers it can often come off as a clash between the old and the new very much like the Top Gun movie, but before we explore this distinct uh distinctive in formal detail let's look a little bit about the context of the priesthood by exploring the idea of priesthood in the Old Testament so that we gain an appreciation as to how we get to the priesthood of every believer. [00:03:01]

The priests would come and offer sacrifices offerings and prayer on behalf of the people not only that they also led the people in the singing of psalms in maintaining the tabernacle but also in teaching them the law what we would call the Torah. [00:04:30]

The holy of holies was only entered in once a year on the day of atonement when the high priests would apply the blood for the sacrifice of the people on the mercy seat which was on top of the ark of the covenant which looked like this both the holy place and the holy of holies were reserved for priests and they were considered to be the very presence of God. [00:06:24]

Simply stated it is a doctrine that teaches that all believers in Christ share in this priestly status therefore there is no special class of people who mediate the knowledge presence and forgiveness of Christ to the rest of believers and all believers have the right and authority to read interpret and apply the teachings of scripture. [00:07:47]

There is no longer a priestly class of people within God's people because all of us share in that priestly status by virtue of the union that we have with Christ who fulfilled this role by his life his death and his resurrection therefore Christ was the final priest or high priest and he is the mediator between God and man. [00:09:11]

He did not call for the elimination of the role of pastors but rather he elevated the role and responsibilities of all parishioners by reminding us that we have a priestly function now while we attribute the idea of the priesthood of the believer to Martin Luther he is not exclusive in holding on to this claim. [00:10:07]

In Matthew's account of the crucifixion of Christ we read in Matthew chap 27 50 and 51 that when Jesus died and he cried out in a loud voice he gave up his spirit verses 51 then tells us that at that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. [00:10:47]

Due to the finished work of Jesus on the cross we now have access to God in a way that those who lived in the Old Testament never did you no longer need a priest to make blood sacrifices for you jesus has made the ultimate and the final sacrifice by shedding his blood and we now have Jesus as our perfect high priest. [00:12:01]

You and I now in this very moment have access to the same God as every other believer has regardless of where they are on the face of the planet we have the same access to our heavenly father as the great men and women of the past and we have the same ability to go to God in prayer hear from God through his word and see God at work in each of our lives. [00:14:01]

Every believer has the right of direct access to God under this new covenant that is enacted in Christ's substitutionary death as I said there is no need for anyone to stand between man and God and this is a wonderful truth for us to celebrate and be grateful for because you and I have direct firthand communication with God. [00:14:56]

As Christians in the New Testament we fully appreciate what this means which is why I think contrary to what I was told when I became a Christian I think it is important you read the Old Testament before you read the New Testament you need to get a a context of why the New Testament makes sense by reading the laws of the Old Testament. [00:15:32]

The other implication is that every believer has the responsibility and opportunity to perform priestly tasks now thankfully we are not called upon to kill animals or divide them up or place them on the altar as the priests in the Old Testament did there is however a level of priestly function that the New Testament Christian is called to. [00:17:24]

Each one of us constitute a brick in the house that God is building if you've ever looked at any house or any construction project you know if you are missing a brick or a a number of bricks you can't technically say that house is complete in fact as per the building code you can't live in that house. [00:18:58]

Every believer must adopt their own standards under the guidance of scripture the guidance of the Holy Spirit and their own conscience as an as an essential part of what it means to practice the priesthood of every believer john 14 26 reminds us that the helper the Holy Spirit whom the father will send in my name will teach you. [00:21:29]

It is quite clear that our usual tendency to blame shift will not be allowed in the day when we appear before God to be judged many of us have had an unfortunate experience in life and sadly some of us have had pretty painful and unfortunate experiences in the church for which I am so sorry that you've had to endure and go through that. [00:22:51]

The priesthood of the believer has encouraged people to become involved in missionary work as they see themselves having a direct responsibility to the work of sharing the gospel and so that other Christians all over the world may have access to the scriptures that they can read for themselves. [00:24:57]

Chatbot

What is the biblical basis for the priesthood of all believers?

How does Christ's sacrifice change access to God?

What are practical ways believers fulfill priestly duties today?