Priesthood of Believers
Priesthood of Believers7
Golden Snuffers
By T. Austin-Sparks0EXO 37:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the 'golden snuffers' in maintaining the freshness of God's testimony through His people, represented as wicks in the candlestick of Christ. He explains that while Christ and the Holy Spirit provide the light, the human element can cause staleness, necessitating regular trimming to keep the testimony vibrant and alive. The sermon highlights the priestly ministry of believers in restoring one another with gentleness, using the golden snuffers to remove what hinders the light. Sparks encourages a daily renewal of our spiritual lives, ensuring that our experiences with God remain fresh and relevant. Ultimately, the message calls for believers to actively participate in this divine work of restoration and renewal, reflecting the nature of Christ in their ministry.
The High Calling - Priesthood
By G.W. North1ROM 12:1G.W. North emphasizes the high calling of the priesthood for all believers, urging them to present themselves as living sacrifices to God rather than merely offering physical gifts. He explains that while the Old Testament priests had a specific role, the New Testament calls all believers to fulfill their priestly duties by interceding for others and living in holiness. North highlights that this self-presentation is essential for realizing one's birthright and fulfilling God's purpose, as it transforms believers into vital links between God and humanity. He draws parallels between the ministry of Jesus and the apostolic mission, stressing the importance of sanctification and the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in the Church. Ultimately, he calls for a unified life in the Spirit, where believers embody the holiness and power of God.
The New Temple Priesthood
By David Wilkerson0EZK 44:15David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of the Zadok priesthood, highlighting Zadok's unwavering faithfulness to both King David and God. This faithfulness exemplifies the true minister of God, who prioritizes prayer and communion with the Holy Spirit, ensuring their message is divinely inspired. In the new temple priesthood, believers are called to minister to the Lord first, embodying their roles as priests regardless of formal credentials. Wilkerson encourages all Christians to come prepared to worship and serve, recognizing their part in the royal priesthood. Ultimately, the message is about deepening one's relationship with God to effectively minister to others.
The Belovedness of Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0EXO 32:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the 'belovedness' of Christ in relation to His priestly ministry, illustrating how God's people are called to be a priestly nation, precious to Him. He draws parallels between the Levites and Jesus, highlighting that both are marked by a covenant of life and peace, and that their ministry is characterized by an open Heaven. Sparks encourages believers to understand their own belovedness in Christ, which empowers them to serve with assurance and peace, despite trials and adversities. He warns against the enemy's attempts to cloud this assurance, stressing that knowing we are beloved by God is essential for effective ministry. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of what is truly precious to God, urging believers to seek that which aligns with His heart.
1 Peter 2:5
By John Gill0ROM 12:1EPH 2:191PE 2:5John Gill emphasizes that believers are likened to 'lively stones' in 1 Peter 2:5, illustrating how they are transformed by God's grace from ordinary stones in the quarry to vital components of a spiritual house. This transformation signifies their role in the church, which serves as a dwelling place for God, distinct from the physical temples of the past. Gill highlights that all believers are part of a holy priesthood, called to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. The sermon underscores the importance of living in accordance with the Spirit and engaging in spiritual worship and service. Ultimately, it calls believers to recognize their identity and purpose within the body of Christ.
Set Apart
By C.H. Spurgeon0EXO 19:6ISA 61:6MAT 6:33ROM 12:11CO 10:31PHP 4:6COL 3:23HEB 13:151PE 2:9REV 1:6C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that believers are spiritually designated as priests of the Lord, called to live distinctly for God and engage in holy service. He encourages Christians to prioritize their spiritual duties over worldly distractions, presenting their lives as a continuous offering of prayer, praise, and testimony. Spurgeon reminds us that while we may participate in everyday activities, our true calling is to serve God and reflect His holiness in all we do. He urges believers to embrace their sacred duty and adorn themselves with holiness as they minister before the Lord.
Ordained of God
By William MacDonald0EXO 19:6MAT 28:19ACT 2:41ROM 6:3ROM 12:1HEB 13:151PE 2:51PE 2:9REV 1:5William MacDonald emphasizes the priesthood of all believers, contrasting the Old Testament priesthood with the New Testament understanding that every believer is a priest. He highlights the responsibilities of this sacred office, including offering spiritual sacrifices, prayer, and care for others, while also recognizing Jesus as the Great High Priest. MacDonald critiques the modern church for reverting to a hierarchical priestly system reminiscent of Judaism, urging believers to embrace their roles as priests in a collective and individual manner. He calls for a church that embodies the New Testament principles of priesthood, worship, and community service, ultimately reflecting the true nature of the body of Christ.