What does being a "holy priesthood" mean for your daily life? A Living Identity—1 Peter 2:5 “...you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” What “Holy Priesthood” Means Right Now • You have direct access to God through Christ (Hebrews 4:16). • Your whole life becomes worship, not just Sunday (Romans 12:1). • You represent God to people and people to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). • You are set apart from sin for God’s service (1 Peter 1:15-16). Daily Sacrifices God Welcomes • Praise and thanksgiving—“the fruit of lips that confess His name” (Hebrews 13:15). • Doing good and sharing—“with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). • A pure heart—“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit” (Psalm 51:17). • Persistent prayer—“pray in the Spirit on all occasions” (Ephesians 6:18). Walking in Priestly Holiness • Guard your thoughts and speech (Ephesians 4:29). • Flee immorality; pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace (2 Timothy 2:22). • Confess sin quickly; God cleanses and restores (1 John 1:9). • Dress your life in good works that adorn the gospel (Titus 2:10). Priestly Ministry to Others • Intercede by name for family, church, leaders, the lost (1 Timothy 2:1-4). • Speak words of truth and comfort (Proverbs 25:11). • Use spiritual gifts to build up the body (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Share the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Building the Spiritual House Together • Gather consistently with believers; stir one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Submit to sound teaching; handle the Word accurately (2 Timothy 2:15). • Cultivate unity—one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:4-6). Living with the End in View • Christ “has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Revelation 1:6). • Every act of faithful service today echoes in eternity (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Look forward to the day you will serve Him unhindered in His presence (Revelation 22:3-4). Putting It into Practice—At a Glance – Begin each morning offering yourself to God. – Keep a running dialogue of praise. – Treat home, school, and workplace as your “temple courts.” – Confess sin immediately. – Carry a prayer list and use it. – Seek out one person to serve daily. – End the day reviewing God’s faithfulness. |
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