Review

• Context for 1 Peter
• Why this series Holy Nation
• Last week – you are chosen for …Gods possession with a purpose –to declare
• Next week the job description for a citizen of the Kingdom of heaven

1 Peter 2:4–12 (NIV)

1. This week –Chosen for a Royal priesthood –Gods plan from the beginning

• You have a new identity
• You have a job description here –you/me—are priests

Exodus 19:3–6 (NIV)

Isaiah 49:6 (NIV) — 6 he says: “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 my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

The priesthood in the Old Testament

• Building on the Old testament foundational truths
• The tribe of Levi –one of the 12 tribes – their job
• The High priest –other priests

You and I are called to be priests – Job title – we have others –disciples and disciple makers

2. What does a priest do

• Not what Mormons or Catholics think
• A priest represents God to mankind and advocates for mankind to God
• Mediator –intercessor
• A priest has personal access to God
• A dedicated servant
• What a priest is not –not elected by people rather appointed by God –and born into an appointed family – a Levite
• Not elevated to privilege but dedicated to reconciliation – service

A. We are ambassadors –messengers –and the King sets the terms for the job

2 Corinthians 5:16–21 (NIV)

B. We are teachers

Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV) — 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Hebrews 5:12–13 (NIV) Ephesians 4:11–12 (NIV) 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Matthew 10:16 (NIV) — 16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

C. We intercede for believers and unbelievers

Luke 23:34 (NIV) — 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Philippians 3:18 (NIV) — 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Colossians 4:3 (NIV) — 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

3. How we do our job in the different spheres –we walk in the tension of being among and separate (verse 11)

• You are a priest and have everything you need if you will use it
• Church, home, public world sphere
• Through our actions
• Through our declarations
• Through our attitudes –tone

Matthew 5:13–14 (NIV) 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) 2 Peter 1:3–10 (NIV)

1. We stand—set apart Jesus as Lord –abide
2. We preserve/illuminate– and abstain
3. We participate in good pointing to Jesus in speech –and good deeds
4. We suffer willingly when suffering for the right reasons –we rejoice –in hope

1 Peter 1:6–9 (NIV)

For Small Group Discussion:

Opening Question: What’s your favorite piece of clothing or thing to wear? Why?

Main Point: As God’s chosen people, we are set apart by Christ and we should reflect Christ to the world.

Read/Tell the Story: Exodus 19:3-6, 28:1-5; Colossians 3:5-17 Questions:

1. Read Exodus 19:3-6. In this passage, what was God asking His people to do? What did God promise that the Israelites would be?
2. Read 1 Peter 2:9. How do these verses relate to the picture from Exodus?
3. Why does God want us to be a royal priesthood, according to 1 Peter?
4. Read Exodus 28:1-5 and Colossians 3:5-17. The priests from the Old Testament were meant to be set apart and recognizable by their priestly garments. What should it look like for us to be set apart in today’s culture?
5. What do you need to “put off” or “put on” in your life now?
6. For homework this week – ask a friend ‘What is something they see in you that reflects Christ?’
7. For the bold – ask, ‘What is something they see in you that doesn’t reflect Christ?’

Supporting Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10, Psalms 4:3, Romans 1:1