Welcome To The Priesthood

Living Beyond Myself, part 2 of 4
So often when the term “priest” comes up we think of somebody in cleric garb, collar, single, living in a parsonage, and who does religious services for people. But you may be surprised to know that the bible teaches that every Christian is a priest. In this message we’ll talk about some of the key questions of the priesthood like; What is a priest? What does a priest do? How do we operate as a priest in every day life? and also the benefits of operating as a priest. The whole goal of this talk is to encourage people with the idea that they have special gifts and abilities because of their direct access to God to intercede or act like a priest to serve other people. Pastor Vince DiPaola

Download the notes.

I. History: the “priesthood” story

1. In the Old Testament, Priests represented people to God.

” 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.” (Hebrews 10:11, NIV)

“Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.” (Hebrews 5:1, NIV)

2. With Jesus’ arrival, He became the new, great high priest.

“…[Jesus became] a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2:17b, NIV)

“…[Jesus] always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25b, NIV)

3. Today, every Christian is a priest w/ direct access to God.

“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. “ (1 Peter 2:9, NIV)

“[Jesus] made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God…” (Revelation 5:10, NIV)

II. Help: the “priesthood” shortage

Sometime ago in history, the church has forgotten who the priests are and created a “Pastors” and “people” chasm.

III. Hope: the “priesthood” solution

Welcome To The Priesthood!

The church must move from the super pastor syndrome to the Super people solution!

1. Recognize the wisdom of god in giving you your gifts.

“Now there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us.” (1 Corinthians 12:4–6, NLT)

2. Understand the spiritual gifts & learn which is yours.

“Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.” (1 Corinthians 12:1, NIV)

3. Engage Opportunities to discover & deploy your gifts.

“Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.” (1 Peter 4:10, CEV)

4. Appreciate the role you play in building up others.

“A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.” (1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT)

“He is the one who gave these gifts to the church… apostles… prophets… evangelists… pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church… until we come to such unity in our faith… that we will mature…” (Ephesians 4:11-13, NLT)

Weekly Reading: “Living Beyond Myself” study guide p. 23-34

Upcoming Weeks: Next Sunday: Ministry Expo after service

Common Ground Pizza Party Thursday, October 5 In two weeks: “The Power Of Doing Good”