Worship and Priesthood: Our Call to Sacrificial Living
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound significance of worship and the role of the priesthood in both the Old and New Testaments. We began by reflecting on the importance of worship in the Exodus narrative, where the Israelites sought permission from Pharaoh to worship God in the desert. This theme of worship is deeply embedded in the fabric of the Bible, from the construction of the tabernacle to the rebuilding of the temple after the exile. The exile was not just a physical displacement but a spiritual loss, as the people were separated from the place where God chose to dwell.
We then transitioned to the New Testament, where Jesus is described as the ultimate tabernacle, dwelling among us. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, uses temple worship language to describe his ministry, emphasizing that the Gentiles are an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. This priestly duty is not just about evangelism but about bringing people into a deeper relationship with God.
The sermon also touched on the concept of sin, particularly idolatry, which is the root of many of our spiritual problems. In our modern, post-Christendom world, we face new forms of idolatry and deception. As priests, we are called to guide people back to God, helping them to fill the void in their lives with Jesus rather than counterfeit solutions.
We concluded by discussing the practical aspects of living as a priest in today's world. This involves sacrificial living, as exemplified by the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper, which symbolize our participation in Christ's suffering and resurrection. We are also called to be a corporate temple, where God's presence dwells uniquely when we gather together. This corporate identity challenges our individualistic tendencies and calls us to a higher standard of communal living and worship.
### Key Takeaways
1. Worship as Central to Our Faith: Worship is not just a ritual but a central theme throughout the Bible. From the Exodus to the rebuilding of the temple, worship signifies our relationship with God and our acknowledgment of His sovereignty. It is a space where God chooses to dwell uniquely among His people. [01:12:28]
2. The Role of the Priesthood: In the New Testament, Paul describes his ministry in terms of priestly duties, emphasizing that his work is to present the Gentiles as an offering to God. This priestly role is about more than evangelism; it involves guiding people into a deeper, sanctified relationship with God. [01:16:33]
3. Idolatry and Modern Deception: Idolatry remains a significant issue, even in our modern world. Anything that eclipses the glory of God can become an idol. As priests, we must help people recognize and overcome these deceptions, guiding them back to the true worship of God. [01:18:03]
4. Sacrificial Living: The sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper remind us of the sacrificial nature of our faith. Baptism symbolizes dying to our old selves and rising anew in Christ, while the Lord's Supper calls us to partake in Christ's suffering. This sacrificial living is essential for our spiritual growth and communal worship. [01:22:20]
5. Corporate Identity in Worship: We are called to be a corporate temple where God's presence dwells uniquely. This challenges our individualistic tendencies and calls us to a higher standard of communal living and worship. Together, we form a place where God is happy to meet us, and this corporate identity is crucial for our spiritual journey. [01:24:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[55:49] - Introduction and Prayer
[01:00:56] - Colombian Worship Experience
[01:03:14] - Repeated Greetings
[01:12:28] - Worship in Exodus
[01:13:22] - The Exile and the Temple
[01:14:23] - The Tabernacle and God's Presence
[01:15:54] - Jesus as the Tabernacle
[01:16:33] - Paul's Priestly Duties
[01:17:31] - The Concept of Sin
[01:18:03] - Idolatry in Modern Times
[01:20:27] - Practical Christian Living
[01:21:07] - Sacrificial Worship
[01:22:20] - The Sacraments
[01:24:36] - Corporate Worship
[01:34:24] - Priestly Blessing
[01:37:06] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 5:1 - "Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, 'This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: "Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness."'"
2. Romans 15:15-16 - "Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit."
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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the primary reason Moses and Aaron asked Pharaoh to let the Israelites go into the desert? ([01:12:28])
2. How does Paul describe his ministry to the Gentiles in Romans 15:15-16? ([01:16:33])
3. What does Romans 12:1 urge believers to do as their true and proper worship? ([01:21:07])
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the tabernacle and temple in the Old Testament? ([01:14:23])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is worship considered central to the faith of the Israelites in the Exodus narrative? How does this theme continue throughout the Bible? ([01:12:28])
2. In what ways does Paul’s description of his ministry as a "priestly duty" expand our understanding of evangelism and discipleship? ([01:16:33])
3. How does the concept of idolatry in the Old Testament relate to modern forms of idolatry mentioned in the sermon? ([01:18:03])
4. What does it mean to offer our bodies as living sacrifices according to Romans 12:1, and how does this relate to the idea of sacrificial living discussed in the sermon? ([01:21:07])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal worship practices. How can you make worship a more central part of your daily life, acknowledging God's sovereignty? ([01:12:28])
2. Paul saw his ministry as a priestly duty. How can you view your own role in the church and community as a form of priestly service? ([01:16:33])
3. Identify any modern "idols" in your life that may be eclipsing the glory of God. What steps can you take to remove these idols and refocus on true worship? ([01:18:03])
4. Baptism and the Lord's Supper symbolize sacrificial living. How can you embody this sacrificial nature in your daily interactions and decisions? ([01:22:20])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of corporate worship and identity. How can you contribute to building a stronger sense of community and shared worship in your church? ([01:24:36])
6. Think of a specific area in your life where you can practice sacrificial living. What practical steps can you take this week to live more sacrificially? ([01:21:07])
7. How can you help guide others back to God, especially those who may be struggling with modern forms of idolatry and deception? ([01:18:03])
Devotional
Day 1: Worship as the Heartbeat of Our Faith
Worship is not just a ritual but a central theme throughout the Bible. From the Exodus to the rebuilding of the temple, worship signifies our relationship with God and our acknowledgment of His sovereignty. It is a space where God chooses to dwell uniquely among His people. Worship is the heartbeat of our faith, a sacred act that connects us to the divine and reminds us of our dependence on God. In the Exodus narrative, the Israelites sought permission from Pharaoh to worship God in the desert, highlighting the importance of worship even in times of hardship. This theme continues throughout the Bible, from the construction of the tabernacle to the rebuilding of the temple after the exile. The exile was not just a physical displacement but a spiritual loss, as the people were separated from the place where God chose to dwell. Worship is a profound act of acknowledging God's presence and sovereignty in our lives. [01:12:28]
Exodus 33:14-16 (ESV): "And he said, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' And he said to him, 'If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?'"
Reflection: How can you make worship a central part of your daily routine, acknowledging God's presence and sovereignty in your life today?
Day 2: The Priestly Role in Guiding Others to God
In the New Testament, Paul describes his ministry in terms of priestly duties, emphasizing that his work is to present the Gentiles as an offering to God. This priestly role is about more than evangelism; it involves guiding people into a deeper, sanctified relationship with God. Paul uses temple worship language to describe his ministry, highlighting the sacred responsibility of leading others to Christ. As modern-day priests, we are called to guide people back to God, helping them to fill the void in their lives with Jesus rather than counterfeit solutions. This priestly duty is a profound calling that requires us to live sacrificially and to be deeply rooted in our faith. [01:16:33]
Romans 15:16 (ESV): "To be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: Who in your life can you guide into a deeper relationship with God today? How can you take a step towards fulfilling your priestly role in their life?
Day 3: Recognizing and Overcoming Modern Idolatry
Idolatry remains a significant issue, even in our modern world. Anything that eclipses the glory of God can become an idol. As priests, we must help people recognize and overcome these deceptions, guiding them back to the true worship of God. In our post-Christendom world, we face new forms of idolatry and deception that can easily distract us from our faith. These idols can be anything from material possessions to personal ambitions that take precedence over our relationship with God. Recognizing these idols and addressing them is crucial for our spiritual well-being and for leading others back to true worship. [01:18:03]
1 John 5:21 (ESV): "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
Reflection: What modern idols might be present in your life today? How can you actively work to remove these idols and refocus your worship on God?
Day 4: Embracing Sacrificial Living
The sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper remind us of the sacrificial nature of our faith. Baptism symbolizes dying to our old selves and rising anew in Christ, while the Lord's Supper calls us to partake in Christ's suffering. This sacrificial living is essential for our spiritual growth and communal worship. Embracing a life of sacrifice means putting others before ourselves and living in a way that reflects Christ's love and humility. It is through these acts of sacrifice that we grow closer to God and to one another, building a stronger, more unified community of believers. [01:22:20]
Romans 12:1 (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."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice sacrificial living today? How can you embody the principles of baptism and the Lord's Supper in your daily actions?
Day 5: The Power of Corporate Worship
We are called to be a corporate temple where God's presence dwells uniquely. This challenges our individualistic tendencies and calls us to a higher standard of communal living and worship. Together, we form a place where God is happy to meet us, and this corporate identity is crucial for our spiritual journey. Corporate worship is a powerful expression of our faith, bringing us together as one body in Christ. It is in this communal setting that we experience God's presence in a unique and profound way, strengthening our faith and our bonds with one another. [01:24:36]
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the corporate worship and communal life of your church today? What steps can you take to strengthen your connection with your church community?
Quotes
1. "The exile, yes, was physical. People were taken into Babylon. But the exile was the loss of the building where God chose to dwell. Now, I know in our Protestant faith, we don't think a lot about this. To be honest, we probably don't really think of ourselves as priests a lot, which is why I want to bring this message because I'm unpacking it myself." [01:13:22] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God set up a perfect garden where he was pleased to dwell. He chose to walk in the cool of the evening and be with us face to face. What did they say about Moses? He talked to God as if he was talking to someone face to face. The tabernacle wasn't just some ceremonial tent, but for some reason, it was a place where God says, I'll be there. In a... unique way. Special way." [01:14:23] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And the temple, we know that when they consecrated it, the Shekinah glory came and the worship band had to stop. I mean, his presence manifested. He lived there. He was happy to dwell there. And for 70 years, they were without that. And then we know that in the New Testament, Jesus himself is the tabernacle. He chose the tabernacle. The word became God and chose the tabernacle with us." [01:15:10] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Bring yourselves in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship. The whole conclusion of the message of Jesus justifies that. Dedication, righteousness, getting right with God, the power of the cross, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He sums it up sacrificial priestly worship language for us to lay down our lives as Christ laid down his." [01:21:07] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "But if you're going to be a priest in the kingdom, it might be costly. It's going to be costly. And eventually, Paul pushes the whole metaphor even further. We're not just the sacrifice. We're actually the temple. Yes, we have the Spirit living in us. Yes, that's true in other places. But when he talks, about being a temple, I think the language is corporate. Again, we miss that in our Western thinking." [01:23:09] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Together, we're a temple. Thanks. Next one. There you go, mate. Cheers. Yeah, live in a place of sacrifice, sacrifice and worship. We've got evidence of that here. Is that blood on the carpet? No. And so, it's a place of spiritual learning and advice. Yeah, Ian? Do people, do you give advice? Yeah? Here's one. Advice is best received when first it's been asked for. Yeah. That saves a lot of pain." [01:25:02] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Together we form a place where God is happy to meet us. And that's a privilege. That's all I really want to say. There's some stuff here about prophecy. Should we do prophecy? Yeah, but there's some, but that's really the message. That's where it lands. The calling of being a priest is to serve in the temple. And we collectively form that temple. So here we should be meeting. Meeting with God. Yes, helping each other, gaining advice, worship." [01:27:47] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And finally, need the anointing. That's all we need. You just want the anointing. Actually, right now, I want the worship band, but yeah, so I can have the worship band. But I would like, they'll bring an anointing, I'm sure. But yeah, I just, yeah, there's some conversations that we need, really need God's wisdom for. Because the landscape has changed. Folks, yeah? I got an amen somewhere over there, but thanks. The landscape, and so we've got to be wise." [01:33:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I'm trying to think, Simon, what is it to be a priest? To represent God in a situation? To carry something of his presence? To help connect people? Isn't that what a priest does? They help to connect. I'm looking for someone to stand in the presence of God. Gap, that's how it was said in Ezekiel. So, receive this. I'm going to take the role and the mantle of a priest, and I speak over each one of you." [01:34:54] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you his peace. I'm going to do it one more time. The Lord bless you. Pour the overflow of his heart into you and his lavish love upon you. The Lord keep you, protect you, surround you with angels. The Lord make his face shine upon you that you become an image carrier of his glory." [01:35:40] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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