26 June 2022 || CHOSEN PRIESTHOOD by Pst. Josephat Karanja || Chosen Series

I Peter 2: 9

Last Sunday the sermon was on Chosen for Fruitfulness. Today we focus on ‘Chosen Royal Priesthood’.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (I Peter 2:9 NKJV).

The royal priesthood we have is grounded on the words and finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

In the Old Testament, a promise of salvation and priesthood is given:

But you shall be named the priests of the Lord, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory, you shall boast. (Isaiah 61:6 NKJV)

This promise is fulfilled in the New Testament where believers are considered priests. Christ is the cornerstone, believers are the spiritual temple,…..

‘ … you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (I Peter 2:5 NKJV).

The work of Christ goes all the way to the end.

… and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:6 NKJV)

Jesus is the fulfillment of the scripture in Isaiah 61

ROLE OF ROYAL PRIESTHOOD:

1. Whatever they do speaks of the kingdom they represent

A chosen priesthood is royal and aligns with God’s plan and purpose.

In Malachi 2, the very first reverence of the Levites was to God. Then they were honoured by the people.

Disobedience of priesthood calling draws wrath from God!

Conversely, it draws blessings when we walk in right path or God’s order. Prayers are answered.

Zachariah, for being a loyal priest, God answered his prayer for a son (See Luke 1: 13).

When we burn the right incense and fire, God will hear us

Job would purify his sons.. to cleans them before the Lord. He was rewarded by God.

What kind of priests are we to our children and family?

In Exodus, all first borns were dedication to God. Similarly in Luke 2: 24 – the parents of Jesus took a priestly role to dedicate Christ before the high priest in the temple.

Dedication separates and commits us to God for service.

2. Royal priesthood needs to turn people away from sin to righteousness

The Levites taught righteousness. They offered sacrifices to cleanse sin.

In Genesis 12: 8 at Bethel – House of God, God spoke to Jacob. Later on Genesis 35: 2 Jacob asked all his family to purify themselves before going back to Bethel. He called family to repentance.

And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. (Genesis 35:2 NKJV)

Eli neglected his responsibility as a priest. The presence of God (the Ark) departed from him. He was punished.

For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them (I Samuel 3:13 NKJV).

We must be the good example. Walk the talk.

3. Royal priesthood preserves the knowledge of God

Priests are called to seek knowledge from God.

“For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 2:7 NKJV).

In Numbers 27: 18, Moses was directed to send Joshua to the priest Eliezah for directions.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children (Hosea 4:6 NKJV).

We get into trouble by listening to the wrong priesthood! Covenanting with idols, dead people, wrong doctrine, …

Believers are cautioned against neglecting the truth- Jesus Christ.

Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:29 NKJV)

If we understand our priesthood will not joke with it.

Calling:

– As priests we are ambassadors of Christ.
– We have responsibilities to fulfil
– We are called to walk according to His teachings and lead others to Christ
– We need to represent Him with all authority.
– Ultimately looking forward to enjoying fellowship with our high priest Christ in Heaven.

God bless

Amen