1. The Price of Privilege
Malachi 2:1-9

2. Noblesse Oblige “Nobility obliges”
Churchill, “The price of greatness is responsibility”
Luke 12:48
…From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.

3. Three Reminders: A priest’s privileges A priest’s responsibilities
A priest’s consequences

4. A Priest’s Privileges OT Priest – v5a Numb 18:7 – access & status
Numb 18:8,19-21 – excellent “salary”

5. A Priest’s Privileges How about us? Realize that we are priests, too
Revelation 1:5-6
... and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood-- and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father-- ...

6. A Priest’s Privileges How about us?
Realize that we are greatly privileged
True for all believers…
Intimate access to God’s presence (Heb 10:19-20)
Supernatural understanding of His Word (1 Cor 2:12-14)
Supernatural empowerment to walk in holiness (Gal 5:16)

7. A Priest’s Privileges How about us?
Realize that we are greatly privileged
Additional for GBC believers…
Access to wealth of biblical materials
Access to unprecedented training opportunities
Complete freedom to worship and minister
Vast financial resources

8. A Priest’s Responsibilities
Foundation: Revere God (v5)
Know the Word (v6a,7a)
Live the Word (v6b)
Teach the Word (v7b)

9. A Priest’s Consequences
Cause greater good or harm to the world
Great Good – v6b
Or Devastating Harm – v8
1 Tim 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

10. A Priest’s Consequences
Earn greater reward or greater loss
1 Cor 9:26-27
Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

11. Our Application
Do I believe I am one of the most privileged people on earth?
Do I live out my responsibilities as one of the most privileged people on earth?