031906

Christ Followers
What? Me a priest?
1 Peter 2:9
March 19, 2006


1 Peter 2:9 (Monday)
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (NIV) What a wonderful truth for the believer in Christ Jesus! You are a royal priesthood! In Exodus 19:1-6, we find that these words were first spoken as a “conditional” promise to the children of Israel after they had been delivered from Egypt (sin.) “If you will…..” Of course, sadly, it did not take long for the Israelites to forsake God and their promise to do “all that the Lord has said….”

God instructed Moses on His holy mountain with instructions for his “peculiar treasure,” Israel. The “model” for this royal priesthood fell to Moses’ brother, Aaron, a Levite, and his descendants.

1 Peter is often called the gospel of hope. It was written during a time of persecution of the early church, somewhere between 60-67 A.D. Because of the Roman persecution, believers were facing many trials and had been scattered throughout Asia Minor. In this letter, the apostle Peter is reminding believers of their call to holiness: “…just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16).”

The word used here is “hagios” (pronounced hag'-ee-os) (to be “set apart”)and comes from the root word meaning to be different or distinct in the sense of a separating of one’s self from sin and impurity and being dedicated to God—literally, it means to be “set apart.” Holy, as in “holy ones,” is often translated as “saints.”

1) “Holy”—the completed work of Christ Jesus in our lives—Redemption
a. “…Christ Jesus, who has become for us…our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)
b. “For ye are bought with a price…” (1 Corinthians 6:20)
c. “redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ…” (1 Peter 1:18)
d. “…because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” (Hebrews 10:14)

Redemption from slavery was easily understood by both Jew and Gentile believers. The Jews were very familiar with the concept of redemption since they had been redeemed or “brought out of” slavery from Egypt. A Gentile slave could be “redeemed” or receive his freedom at a price.

2) “Holy”—the “perfecting” of our faith—Sanctification
a. 2 Corinthians 7:1—“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
i. Sanctification is the work of God
1. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)
2. “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
ii. Believers personal responsibility
a. “work out you own salvation in fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)

PURPOSE FOR BEING “SET APART”
1) That we come to the living Stone: (1 Peter 2:4)
a) This living Stone, Christ Jesus, was “rejected by men but chosen by God and precious…”
i) “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone [ or cornerstone]…) (Psalm 118:22)
(1) Jesus is the rock, literally translated “massive rock,” or “cornerstone” of the church
(a) “Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "…on this rock I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:16-18)
2) As believers, we become “living stones” added to God’s spiritual house—God’s spiritual temple.” (1 Peter 2:5)
a) “And I tell you that you are Peter..” (Matthew 16:18)
i) Peter is translated, Petros which means “piece of a rock.”
b) “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV)
3) “In Christ, it is very important for believers to realize that we are “ (present tense) a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” (1 Peter 2:9)
a) The original (conditional) call to be a royal priesthood was given to the entire nation of Israel
i) (Exodus 19:1-6), “In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt--on the very day--they came to the Desert of Sinai. After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, "This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: `You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
b) The entire nation of Israel was called to meditate on God’s word and be a light to the Gentiles
i) Isaiah 42:6—"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,”
(1) The model for the priesthood fell to the Israelite tribe of Levi. Specifically, to Aaron, Moses’ older brother, and his descendants (Exodus 28:1.) The remainder of the tribe served in the temple, but were not allowed to participate in the priestly duties.
(a) The priest were given special garments to wear to bring dignity and honor to their service to the LORD (Exodus 28:2-43)
(ii) The priestly garments consisted of :
1. a breastpiece – This square shaped portion of the high priest’s garment was also called the breastpiece of decision. The Urim and the Thummim (no one is exactly sure what these two items were) were placed in the breastpiece, so they may be over the heart of the high priest, This way, whenever he entered the presence of the LORD, he would always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart.
2. an ephod – This garment, worn by the high priest, included two onyx stones engraved with the names of the son of Israel (formerly, Jacob.) The stones were a memorial before the LORD for the sons of Israel (Exodus 28: -12)
3. a robe—made entirely of blue cloth. Pomegrantes made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with gold bells sewn between them were attached to its hem so that the sound of the bells could be heard when the high priest entered or left the Holy Place before the LORD. This assured that he would not die.
4. a turban – The turban worn by the high priest also included a plate of pure gold engraved with the seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. It was to be upon the high priest’s forehead to bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites that were consecrated to the LORD. Only then were the gifts acceptable.
5. a woven tunic and turban of fine linen, sashes and headbands were the garments of all the priests.
a. linen undergarments were also worn as a covering for the body, reaching from the waist to the thigh. The high priest and priests were to wear them whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die.
(ii) Specific Colors and Fabrics were required:
1. gold, blue, purple and scarlet
(iii) Specific Fabrics were required:
1. fine linen
3) The priest had to be consecrated (set apart) for service unto the Lord (Exodus 29:1-46.)
a) Consecration included washing with water (vs. 4, 21) and by having the lobes of their right ears, the thumbs of their right hand and the big toes of their right foot touched with the blood of the consecration sacrifice. Their priestly garments were also sprinkled with the blood of the spotless, innocent sacrifice. The priests had to participate in the sacrificial consecration ceremony by placing their hands on the head of the ram being sacrificed (vs. 20,21. In this way, the priests acknowledged the necessary death of an innocent life for their sins and the sins of the people. (Exodus 29:
3) The priests has to be anointed (vs. 7
4/ The priests had to participate in the consecration ceremony by placing their hands on the head of bull that was being sacrificed. Then, they were to be physically sprinkled with its blood"This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without defect.
2. And from fine wheat flour, without yeast, make bread, and cakes mixed with oil, and wafers spread with oil.
3. Put them in a basket and present them in it--along with the bull and the two rams.
4. Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.
5. Take the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breastpiece. Fasten the ephod on him by its skillfully woven waistband.
6. Put the turban on his head and attach the sacred diadem to the turban.
7. Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.
8. Bring his sons and dress them in tunics
9. and put headbands on them. Then tie sashes on Aaron and his sons. The priesthood is theirs by a lasting ordinance. In this way you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.
10. "Bring the bull to the front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.
11. Slaughter it in the LORD's presence at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
12. Take some of the bull's blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar.
13. Then take all the fat around the inner parts, the covering of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar.
14. But burn the bull's flesh and its hide and its offal outside the camp. It is a sin offering.
15. "Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.
16. Slaughter it and take the blood and sprinkle it against the altar on all sides.
17. Cut the ram into pieces and wash the inner parts and the legs, putting them with the head and the other pieces.
18. Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the LORD by fire.
19. "Take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.
20. Slaughter it, take some of its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Then sprinkle blood against the altar on all sides.
21. And take some of the blood on the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their garments. Then he and his sons and their garments will be consecrated.
22. "Take from this ram the fat, the fat tail, the fat around the inner parts, the covering of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh. (This is the ram for the ordination.)
23. From the basket of bread made without yeast, which is before the LORD, take a loaf, and a cake made with oil, and a wafer.
24. Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and wave them before the LORD as a wave offering.
25. Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar along with the burnt offering for a pleasing aroma to the LORD, an offering made to the LORD by fire.
26. After you take the breast of the ram for Aaron's ordination, wave it before the LORD as a wave offering, and it will be your share.
27. "Consecrate those parts of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons: the breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented.
28. This is always to be the regular share from the Israelites for Aaron and his sons. It is the contribution the Israelites are to make to the LORD from their fellowship offerings.
29. "Aaron's sacred garments will belong to his descendants so that they can be anointed and ordained in them.
30. The son who succeeds him as priest and comes to the Tent of Meeting to minister in the Holy Place is to wear them seven days.
31. "Take the ram for the ordination and cook the meat in a sacred place.
32. At the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the ram and the bread that is in the basket.
33. They are to eat these offerings by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no one else may eat them, because they are sacred.
34. And if any of the meat of the ordination ram or any bread is left over till morning, burn it up. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred.
35. "Do for Aaron and his sons everything I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them.
36. Sacrifice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it.
37. For seven days make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy.
38. "This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs a year old.
39. Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight.
40. With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering.
41. Sacrifice the other lamb at twilight with the same grain offering and its drink offering as in the morning--a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the LORD by fire.
42. "For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD. There I will meet you and speak to you;
43. there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory.
44. "So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests.
45. Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.
46. They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.
Priests were to be anointed.
(b) According to the word of the Lord, the tribes of Israel were allotted a portion of the Promised Land—each assigned by the casting of lots. However, the priesthood (the Levites) had no such inheritance! God’s command was that the priests were to live as subjourners on the land allotted for them within the territories of the other tribes. Their food, income, dwelling—everything was from the Lord God. Why?
(ii) Their inheritance was the Lord
(iii) Their portion was the Lord
(iiii) Their reward was the Lord
3. Two of Aarons sons perish because of disobedience—priestly service then fell to entire tribe of Levi (for purpose of serving priests)
3. The nation of Israel rejected God and disobeyed their calling:
b) Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, God’s call is now offered to both Jew and Gentile believers. (1 Peter 2:9)
i) God has “chosen” us
1. “You did not choose me, but I chose you…” (John 15:16)
2. “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37)
3. “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (Ephesians 1:4)

THE BELIEVER’S PRIESTLY ROLE

1) Reflect God’s Holiness
a. “I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:45)
2) Offer Acceptable Worship and Sacrifice
a. Worship and sacrifice goes back as far as Abel, Noah and the Patriarchs. King David left us a perfect example of the right attitude toward offering a sacrifice to the Lord. He said, “I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." (2 Samuel 24:24)
b. We are to offer our lives
i. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
ii. “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. (Romans 6:11-14)
iii. “I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.” (Romans 6:19)
iv. “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20)
c. We are to offer our praise, good works
i. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)
d. We are to offer our gifts, offerings
i. “I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received…the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18)
3) Discernment of God’s Will
4) Be a Blessing
a. To Fellow Believers
i. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another…(Romans 12:10 KJV)
ii.. “…serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
iii. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
iv. “…remember [each other] in.. prayer” (Romans 1:9-10)
v. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other…” (James 5:16)
vi. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1)
b. Represent God and Intercede for the Lost
i. “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ…He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors…” (2 Corinthians 5:19-20)
ii. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men…For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

HOW TO PREPARE FOR GOD’S CALLING ON OUR LIVES

1) Prepare your minds for action. (1 Peter 1:13) This statement implies that we pull our thoughts together—have disciplined minds. Be sober minded—calm, steady, controlled—able to weigh all matters.
a. “…have [your] minds set on what the Spirit desires…” (Romans 8:5)
b. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
c. “…have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)
2) We must know that we are called to a hope! That is, we have a living hope—we are waiting for Christ to be revealed! Therefore, we are commanded to be watchful! (1 Peter 1:13)
a. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.” (1 Thess. 4:16-18)
b. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:1-3)
3) We must be e Self-Controlled
a. “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
i. Put away (like you would take off a garment)
1. Malice (1 Peter 2:1) – Stored up anger, bitterness, unforgiving spirit
2. Deceit
3. Hypocrisy
4. Envy
5. Slander
6. Abstain from sinful desires (1 Peter 2:11)
7. Do not misuse your freedom in Christ (1 Peter 2:16)
a. “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. “ (1 Corinthians 8:9)
b. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
c. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” (Romans 6:1-2)
i. “…he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
1. “By standing firm you will gain life.” (Luke 21:19)
ii. “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness..” (2 Timothy 2:22)

c. Seek After
i. Crave pure spiritual milk—Hunger after God’s word. (1 Peter 2:1)

Have you ever noticed how a baby instinctively hungers for their bottle? That is how we are to hunger after God’s word.

1. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-3)
a. The word of God offers us eternal life.
i. “Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)
b. The word of God sanctifies us
i. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
1. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
4) Live good lives—display good deeds before a sinful world (1 Peter 2:12)
a. “"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

5) Set your hope fully on Jesus Christ
a. “whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 9:33)
b. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3)
c. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised…” (Hebrews 10:23)

6) Know your works will be judged (1 Peter 1:17)
a. “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead…” (2 Timothy 4:1)
i. Christian’s Judgment
1. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
2. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
3. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)

b. Unbeliever’s Judgment
i. “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.
ii. “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)

7) Live as “strangers” on the earth
a. “…they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own…Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:13-16)
b. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 3:20)

8) Be Obedient. True belief always leads to obedience. Jesus submitted to His Father’s will and is our perfect example.
a. “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” (John 14:21)
b. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” (Romans 2:13)

9) Love one another deeply from the heart (1 Peter 1:22) “Deeply” can be translated as “exerting one’s self with all of one’s energy.” Sincere love is constant, enduring and unshaken.
a. “And now I will show you the most excellent way… Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:4-8)


i) What is light and what is its purpose in our lives?
(1) Jesus, the Word of God made flesh is the light of men (John 1:1-5!)
(2) Light is our armor (Romans 13:12!)
(3) Light exposes things hidden in the dark (1 Corinthians 4:5!)
(4) Light gives us the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6!)
(5) We are now light (Ephesians 5:8!)
(6) We are sons of light and sons of day (1 Thessalonians 5:5!)
(7) We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, so we may declare the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9!)
(8) Walking in the truth of God’s light brings fellowship with God and man (1 John 1:5-7!)
(9) If we love our brothers and sisters in Christ, we walk in God’s light (1 John 2:8-11!)
(10) ; Jude 1:6; Jude 1:11-13


Hosea 4:4-9
The priests were suppose to lead the nation into a right relationship with God--rightfully interpreting God’s truth in His law, intercession, service. Here we find God voicing His righteous anger against them. Yet, what does verse 7 tells us was taking place during this period in Israel’s history? Why do you think this was so? Was this a sign of greater spirituality or moral decay? Explain.
Spiritual leadership carries a heavy responsibility (James 3:1.) Why do you think leaders are held to a higher accountability with God?
What sins does God say the priests were guilty of?
Hosea 4:6 in the NIV is translated as, “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” The KJV says, “my people perish.” Is it possible to have an abundance of godly knowledge, yet still not “know” God? It’s interesting to note that when Jesus came to earth some 700 years after Hosea, He accused the Pharisees and Scribes of this same sin. He called them hypocrites! See Matthew 15:1-9.

The Jews had become puffed up—proud—superior in their relationship with God. Yet, all along, Israel had been given a mission to the world around them. (See Exodus 19:6, “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation." God again reveals the heart of His intent for His people and their mission in Isaiah 49:6. “"It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."
Now, you can be sure that God’s intent for the world has not changed! As Christ followers, this commission to be a light for the world now falls on us. See Matthew 5:14-16, “"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Also, it is quite interesting to see what Jesus calls us, His church, in Revelation 1:5-6, “…To him (Christ) who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father…” Sound familiar?
Since we are light, priests and a holy nation to our God and Father, what was Jesus’ command to us just before He returned to the Father? (See Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” and Mark 16:15.) “"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”


See Revelation 20: 1-6
"And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.


i) Two dwelling places for God’s glory to be among the people—the tabernacle and the temple. Don’t fail to note the limitations of each! The tabernacle was limited in that the people could only move out when they saw the glory of the Lord had been lifted! With the temple, the people were bound in worship and service by a location! Do you think that either was what God had in mind when He promised in Exodus 25:8 to dwell among His people? No, God’s true heart can better be interpreted in Matthew 1:23! Emmanuel, God with us—Jesus Christ, God in flesh!
ii) It is very important that we realize that in each dwelling place, only the priests were allowed to enter or serve in the sanctuary of God! Limiting, indeed! Although, we have to remember it was always God’s heart that Israel (every single last person, be a priest (Exodus 19:4-6!) Isn’t God good? It gets better!
iii) Oh, let’s see a picture of Christ’s church! Please turn to 1 Peter 2:4-10!
(1) Who is the living Stone?
(2) What does God call us in 1 Peter 2:5. See the difference—Stone, stones!
(3) Together, as living stones, what are we being built into? Oh, see Ephesians 2:19-22!
(4) And, what are we called in 1 Peter 2:9? Glory, glory! You are a priest, you can enter into God’s most holy place, sister! Right before His throne!
iv) What is the most obvious difference in these three dwelling places of God? Remember, Christ now is dwelling in you (1 Corinthians 3:16 and Colossians 1:27!)
(1) Now, thanks be to God, the Godhead Trinity dwells in us and goes wherever we go (John 4:19-24 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-20!) Here’s your spiritual priesthood in action!
v) Now, while we are all “living stones” making up Christ’s church, do we all have the same duties or responsibilities within the church? In other words, are we all “hewed or cut” the same (1 Corinthians 12:4-3?) Does this scripture say that any stone is of less important and value than another stone? Same value—different service or gift—One God!
b) Later, in Leviticus, specifics of the Law enter the picture and God lays out for us how the sacrifice was to be performed. Read Leviticus 3:2, 8, 13 “He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood against the altar on all sides.” – “He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron's sons shall sprinkle its blood against the altar on all sides.” – “He is to lay his hand on its head and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron's sons shall sprinkle its blood against the altar on all sides.”
i) Why do you suppose God required the one who sinned to place their hand on the head of the innocent sacrifice—taking part in the slaughtering and then seeing the innocent blood being sprinkled?
ii) What would be your personal reaction?
iii) How should we respond to Jesus’ sacrifice—the Innocent for the sinner?

a. He loves us! This is in the present tense. This means He keeps on loving us! He died for you and he will always love you!
b. He has freed us from our sins by the shedding of his blood!
i. “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life.” (Leviticus 17:11)
ii. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.” (1 Peter 1:18-20)
c. He has made us his king and his priests to serve before God!
i. This was an original calling for the entire nation of Israel (Exodus 19:1-6). However, they rejected this calling of God (Matthew 21:43) and this privilege has now been passed on to each of us—all believers—yes, you and me (1 Peter 2:1-10)!



Romans 6:9-10 “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.”; Hebrews 9:1-15 “Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron's staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings--external regulations applying until the time of the new order. When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.”.)
Hebrews 10:1-2, 11-14. “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. – “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. “ Perfect cleansing of the sinner—that was the problem with animal sacrifice. Animals can never take away sin—their blood only covered it—it was a shadow or foretaste of something or Someone far more able!. Jesus—our sinless Sacrifice—the God Man. If He had only been a man, His sacrifice would have been in vain. No, as the God Man—fully tempted as we, but without sin--He alone could take away our sin and our guilt! Once and for all! What does Jesus’ sacrifice do for us that animals could not? (Read Hebrews 7:25 “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”!)


1) Dear ones, let’s take a close look at exactly how God see each and every one of us:
i) You are blessed and you will be a blessing (Genesis 12:2!)
ii) You are God’s treasured possession (Exodus 19:5 and Deuteronomy 7:6!)
iii) You are child of the Most High (Psalms 82:6; Luke 6:35 and 2 Corinthians 6:18!)
iv) You are called to be a part of God’s holy people (Exodus 22:31!)
v) You have been set apart by God (Leviticus 20:13!)
vi) You are called by the name of the Lord and are displayed for the entire world to be in awe (Deuteronomy 28:10!)
vii) You will prosper and be successful (Joshua 1:8 and 2 Corinthians 9:11!)
viii) You are without flaw (SOS 4:7!)
ix) The Lord will guide and satisfy you (Isaiah 58:11 and Luke 6:21!)
x) You are called to be a priest and minister of the Lord (Isaiah 61:6!)
xi) You are a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand (Isaiah 62:3!)
xii) The Lord delights in you (Isaiah 62:4!)
xiii) You are the Lord’s portion and a part of His inheritance (Deuteronomy 32:9!)
(1) This works both ways—He is your Portion and your Inheritance (Jeremiah 10:16 and Numbers 18:20!) He’s also our Reward (Genesis 15:1!)
xiv) You are the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10 and Psalm 17:8!)
xv) Jesus has promised that your reward will be great (Luke 6:35!)
xvi) You will one day be with Jesus (Luke 23:43!)
xvii)Jesus has promised to free us (John 8:36!)
xviii) You will be kept strong and made blameless in the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:8!)
xix) You will be saved, and that by God (Philippians 1:28!)


Job 1:4-8 (Tuesday)
“His sons used to take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." This was Job's regular custom. One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it." Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." (NIV)
1) Look at Job’s tender heart for his children! Job was acting as priest for his family. Sacrificing for them, should they have sinned (does this remind you of Someone (John 3:16?) Don’t ever miss your opportunity to see God and Jesus the Christ in scripture!
2) What are we called in Revelation 1:-4-6? You are a priest of the most high God! Are you making regular intercession for your family? for others? Share!

1 Samuel 2:12-35 Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD.
13. Now it was the practice of the priests with the people that whenever anyone offered a sacrifice and while the meat was being boiled, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand.
14. He would plunge it into the pan or kettle or caldron or pot, and the priest would take for himself whatever the fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh.
15. But even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, "Give the priest some meat to roast; he won't accept boiled meat from you, but only raw."
16. If the man said to him, "Let the fat be burned up first, and then take whatever you want," the servant would then answer, "No, hand it over now; if you don't, I'll take it by force."
17. This sin of the young men was very great in the LORD's sight, for they were treating the LORD's offering with contempt.
18. But Samuel was ministering before the LORD--a boy wearing a linen ephod.
19. Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.
20. Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, "May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD." Then they would go home.
21. And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.
22. Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
23. So he said to them, "Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours.
24. No, my sons; it is not a good report that I hear spreading among the LORD's people.
25. If a man sins against another man, God may mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?" His sons, however, did not listen to their father's rebuke, for it was the LORD's will to put them to death.
26. And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.
27. Now a man of God came to Eli and said to him, "This is what the LORD says: `Did I not clearly reveal myself to your father's house when they were in Egypt under Pharaoh?
28. I chose your father out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in my presence. I also gave your father's house all the offerings made with fire by the Israelites.
29. Why do you scorn my sacrifice and offering that I prescribed for my dwelling? Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?'
30. "Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: `I promised that your house and your father's house would minister before me forever.' But now the LORD declares: `Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.
31. The time is coming when I will cut short your strength and the strength of your father's house, so that there will not be an old man in your family line
32. and you will see distress in my dwelling. Although good will be done to Israel, in your family line there will never be an old man.
33. Every one of you that I do not cut off from my altar will be spared only to blind your eyes with tears and to grieve your heart, and all your descendants will die in the prime of life.
34. "`And what happens to your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, will be a sign to you--they will both die on the same day.
35. I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before my anointed one always.