1. The Christian is… A Priest
What is a Christian?
The Christian is…
A Priest

2. A servant assigned to approach God, usually on behalf of others.
Priests!
What is a Priest?
A servant assigned to approach God, usually on behalf of others.

3. Priest of the Most High God Melchizedek – Genesis 14:18-20 Psalm 110:4
Priests!
Priest of the Most High God
Melchizedek – Genesis 14:18-20 Psalm 110:4

4. Priests!
The Levitical Priesthood
Served Israel under the Law of Moses – Aaron Ex.28:1-3, Num. 3:10
They offered sacrifices
Enforced purity laws
Taught the people – Lev. 10:8-11, cf. Neh. 8:1-8

5. Priests! The Priesthood of Jesus
Patterned after both Melchizedek and the Levitical Priesthood
Hebrews 2:17, “…He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”

6. Priests! False priesthoods Old Testament gods
Catholicism – 1) no clergy/laity system in Bible 2)Matt. 23:5-10 – no titles 3) “Sacraments” do not require special servants (baptism, LS,…) 4) We receive forgiveness directly through Jesus (1 John 1:9)

7. 1 Peter 2:4-5, “being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood”
Priests!
The Christian is a Priest
Rev. 1:5-6, 5:10
1 Peter 2:4-5, “being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood”
1 Peter 2:9-10, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood…”
We serve directly under Jesus

8. Our Duties as Priests! Be washed, Heb. 10:19-22 Enter into our duty
Before serving, Levites had to wash themselves Ex. 30:20, Lev. 8:6-7
The temple a type of the church, Ac. 15:16, Heb. 8:2, 5; 1 Cor. 3:16-17, Eph. 2:21
Baptism – Acts 2:38, 47

9. Our Duties as Priests! 1 Peter 2:5
Provide a dwelling place for God
He is within us, 1 Cor. 6:18-20
1 Peter 2:5
Purity 1 John 3:3, 1 Pet. 1:22
James 1:27
Purity ensures our prayers are not hindered
Serve Him with a pure conscience
Makes worship acceptable

10. 1 Peter 2:5 Offer Spiritual sacrifices
Our Duties as Priests!
Offer Spiritual sacrifices
1 Peter 2:5
The Levites offered several types of sacrifices Lev. 1-7

11. Our Duties as Priests! Good works Heb. 13:16, Jas. 1:27, Titus 2:14
Offer Spiritual sacrifices
Praising God Heb. 13:15
Good works Heb. 13:16, Jas. 1:27, Titus 2:14
Support gospel Phil. 4:18
Our living bodies Rom. 12:1, Gal. 2:20, Rom. 6:12-14
Our lives Phil. 2:17, 2 Tim. 4:6, Rev. 2:10

12. We need to know our Law – 1 Pet. 3:15
Our Duties as Priests!
Proclaim His praises
1 Peter 2:9
We need to know our Law – 1 Pet. 3:15
Romans 15:15-16

13. Are you faithfully serving in His priesthood?