Empowered as a Royal Priesthood in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Priestly Identity

Believers are called to a royal priesthood, a concept that transcends the Old Testament's limited priesthood of the tribe of Levi. This new identity is not based on heritage or human selection but on a divine calling that is accessible to all who embrace the transformative power of Christ. As members of this royal priesthood, individuals are empowered to minister and intercede for others, carrying the divine presence into every aspect of their lives. This calling is a profound responsibility, inviting believers to reflect God's love and grace in their daily interactions and to serve as conduits of His power in the world.

"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." - 1 Peter 2:5 ESV

Reflection: How can you live out your priestly identity in your everyday interactions with others?

Day 2: The Transformative Process of Spiritual Rebirth

The journey to becoming part of the royal priesthood involves a series of steps that mirror the ministry of Jesus Christ. Repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost are not mere rituals but essential components of a profound transformation. This process signifies a rebirth into a new life of authority and divine purpose. It requires daily commitment and a willingness to follow the Spirit's guidance, allowing believers to walk in the fullness of their calling and to experience the power of God in their lives. [01:59:19]

"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." - 1 Peter 2:9 ESV

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your commitment to the transformative process of spiritual rebirth?

Day 3: Empowered by the Holy Ghost for Service

The Holy Ghost is more than an experience; it is a heavenly declaration of our status as children of God, called to serve in His kingdom. Speaking in tongues is a sign of God's indwelling presence and a proclamation of divine sonship. This empowerment is not for personal edification alone but for service—to be witnesses of Christ's love and power. Believers are equipped to demonstrate the reality of the kingdom of God through their words and actions, impacting the world with the transformative power of the Gospel. [02:00:26]

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." - John 14:16-17 ESV

Reflection: In what ways can you allow the Holy Ghost to work through you to serve others today?

Day 4: Exercising Authority Through Christ

The authority granted to believers is not rooted in their own strength or capabilities but in the power of the Holy Spirit within them. When praying for healing or deliverance, it is the authority of Christ that operates through faith. This divine empowerment enables believers to act as agents of God's will on earth, trusting that He will work through them to accomplish His purposes. It is a call to step out in faith, to be bold in prayer, and to expect miracles as a testament to God's power and love. [02:01:23]

"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you." - Luke 10:19 ESV

Reflection: What situation in your life requires you to step out in faith and exercise the authority you have through Christ?

Day 5: Catalysts for Revival and Change

Understanding and embracing our identity in Christ is essential for becoming catalysts for revival and change in our communities. As part of the royal priesthood, believers are equipped to bring transformation not just within the church walls but in every sphere of influence. By exercising the authority and power given by God, they can initiate a ripple effect of spiritual renewal and societal transformation. This divine purpose calls for active engagement in the world, demonstrating the kingdom of God through acts of love, service, and the proclamation of the Gospel. [02:02:15]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15 ESV

Reflection: How can you be a catalyst for change in your community by demonstrating the kingdom of God in practical ways?

Sermon Summary

As we gather together as a congregation, we are reminded of our unique calling and identity in Christ. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people. We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light, and this calling is not just for a select few but for all who have answered the call of God. Our journey with God is a process, one that mirrors the Old Testament priesthood and the ministry of Jesus Christ Himself.

In the Old Testament, the priesthood was a privilege reserved for the tribe of Levi. These individuals were set apart to minister unto the Lord and to bridge the gap between God and man. However, God's ultimate plan was for all of His people to be priests, to have direct access to Him. This plan was fulfilled in the New Testament, where the priesthood of believers was established through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Jesus, our High Priest, went through a process of baptism, anointing, and public declaration at the age of 30, marking the beginning of His ministry. Similarly, we too must go through a process. We must repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This process cleanses us, anoints us, and declares us as sons and daughters of God.

The Holy Ghost empowers us to be witnesses of Christ, to lay hands on the sick, and to see them recover. It is not the will of God for us to remain stagnant, but to step out in faith, demonstrating the kingdom of God wherever we go. We are called to minister not just within the walls of the church but in our everyday lives, at our jobs, and in our communities.

We must embrace our identity as part of the royal priesthood, understanding that we have been given authority and power to minister healing and deliverance in Jesus' name. When we encounter someone in need, we should not hesitate to pray for them, believing in the power of God to perform miracles.

As we continue to walk in obedience and submission to the Holy Spirit, we will see God move mightily through us. We are empowered to bring heaven to earth, to touch lives, and to make a difference in the world around us. Let us not shy away from the process God has called us to, for through it, we are transformed and made ready to fulfill our divine purpose.

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 2:9, what are the four identities given to believers? How do these identities relate to our calling in Christ? [48:22]
What are the three steps mentioned in Acts 2:38 that are part of the process of becoming part of the royal priesthood? [01:02:34]
In Romans 8:30, what sequence of actions does Paul describe that God performs for those He calls? How does this sequence reflect our spiritual journey? [50:36]
How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Ghost in empowering believers to minister and perform miracles? [01:09:03]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to be called out of darkness into God's marvelous light, as described in 1 Peter 2:9? How does this calling impact our daily lives? [48:22]
How does the process of repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost transform a believer's identity and purpose according to Acts 2:38-39? [01:02:34]
Romans 8:30 speaks of being predestinated, called, justified, and glorified. How do these stages of spiritual development reflect the journey of a believer from initial faith to mature ministry? [50:36]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of stepping out in faith to minister to others. How does the empowerment of the Holy Ghost enable believers to fulfill this calling? [01:09:03]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own journey of faith. How have you experienced being called out of darkness into God's marvelous light? What changes have you noticed in your life since answering this call? [48:22]
The sermon mentions the process of repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost. Have you gone through this process? If not, what steps can you take to begin this journey? If you have, how can you continue to grow in your faith? [01:02:34]
Consider the authority and power given to believers through the Holy Ghost. How can you actively use this empowerment to minister to those around you, both within and outside the church? [01:09:03]
The sermon encourages believers to pray for healing and deliverance in Jesus' name. Have you ever prayed for someone in need? What was the outcome? How can you increase your faith and confidence to pray for others? [01:16:04]
Think about a specific area in your life where you feel called to minister. What steps can you take this week to step out in faith and demonstrate the kingdom of God in that area? [01:09:03]
The sermon highlights the importance of understanding our identity as part of the royal priesthood. How does this identity influence your interactions with others at work, in your community, and in your family? [01:02:15]
Reflect on a time when you felt the leading of the Holy Spirit. How did you respond? What can you do to be more open and obedient to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? [02:02:15]

Sermon Clips

1) "When I can accept what he has done, when I can accept that he filled me with his Spirit for a purpose, then it causes me to step out of these four walls with a boldness and an authority that I did not even know I had." [01:59:19] (Download | )

2) "God has forgiven us, he has cleansed us, he has watched us. Now we need to go forth in the power of the Spirit." [01:58:19] (Download | )

3) "The purpose is to reach the lost and he will lead people to you, that you will open up your mouth and God will fill your words. It won't be your words, but it will be the word of God and it will be God's words that will begin to flow through you." [01:59:19] (Download | )

4) "If you could only see how powerful that you are, the enemy is trembling, the enemy is scared to death that we realize what we have been called to do and the power that is working within us." [02:00:26] (Download | )

5) "But when that person talks to you, whether it be on the job, don't think it's an accident that they just happen to tell you about some of the situation. It's the door that God has given you." [02:01:23] (Download | )

6) "We've all been called to ministry. We've all been called to be part of this royal priesthood." [02:02:15] (Download | )

7) "God is calling everyone he's calling every person in the midst of their sin in the midst of their darkness he's calling them out said if you'll come out I'll use you." [01:15:58] (Download | )

8) "We've got to take this out and realize that God has called us to be part of that royal priesthood that we come together on Sundays for for a time of training for a time of impartation but the purpose is to leave here as part of that royal priesthood to demonstrate the kingdom of God outside of these four walls." [01:17:10] (Download | )

9) "We don't need to camp out where we come back to church every Sunday and we repent of the same thing that happened 10 years ago. Because if we're going back and we're beginning and still repenting of the thing that happened 10 years ago, we have not quite accepted the forgiveness of God." [01:58:19] (Download | )

10) "The Holy Ghost is not an emotional experience, the Holy Ghost is a spiritual experience... it's the father saying that's my son, that's my daughter." [01:26:56] (Download | )

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?