Three Ways Believers Perform God’s Pre-Planned Works Scripture Reading: Hebrews 9:1-14 I Peter 2:1-10
Introduction As a slave (servant) of Christ As a minister (attendant) of Christ that attends to the physical and/or spiritual needs of other believers NT believers are to perform God’s pre-planned works as priests
Israel’s Priestly Service to God (Rom 9:4) Originally intended for all Israelites Ex 19:5-6 Limited to one family of one tribe They were to religiously serve the Lord after they came out of Egypt Acts 6:6-7 They were given up to religiously serve the “host of heaven” Acts 7:39-42
The Church Performing God’s Pre-Planned Works as Priests All NT believers are priests Gal 3:26-28; I Pet 2:5,11 The Church does not POSSESS a priesthood, we ARE a priesthood. Not in relation to a material tent or building Not in relation to particular clothing Not in relation to blood relationships Priestly service involves our human spirit Phil 3:3; cf Jn 4:24
The Church Performing God’s Pre-Planned Works as Priests Priestly service involves performing spiritual sacrifices Rom 12:1-2 - Sacrifice of the body (container of soul and spirit) As LIVING, holy and well-pleasing to God A logical priestly service By means of a renewed (regenerated) mind, the mind of Christ I Cor 2:16, cf. Mk 10:30
The Church Performing God’s Pre-Planned Works as Priests Sacrifice of praise Heb 13:15 Sacrifice of fellowship Sacrifice of doing good Sacrifice of faith Phil 2:17 Sacrifice of giving Phil 4:15-18
The Church Performing God’s Pre-Planned Works as Priests Priestly service involves communicating to God on the behalf of others Rom 1:9 Priestly service involves a clean conscience Heb 9:14; II Tim 1:3
Conclusion Priestly service can only be accomplished while living in the realm of God’s grace for the NT believer Heb 13:9, 12:28