1. Three Ways Believers Perform God’s Pre-Planned Works
Scripture Reading:
Hebrews 9:1-14
I Peter 2:1-10

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. The Church Performing God’s Pre-Planned Works as Priests
Priestly service involves performing spiritual sacrifices
Rom 12: 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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