1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

John 3:3 (ESV) Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom ofGod.”

What a Priest is:

• Represents God to mankind and advocates for mankind to God.
• Has personal access to God.
• Priest is a dedicated servant.

What a Priest is not:

• Priests are not elected by the people, they are adopted by God.
• Priests are not hired to do a job, they are called to a profession.
• Priests are not elevated above everyone else.

You can exercise your privilege as a priest in God’s nation by following Peter’s instructions.

Examples of Priests failing in their role:

• Micah and Priest for hire – Judges 17
• Priests who Deviate instead of Mediate
  • Aaron’s sons – Leviticus 10
  • Eli’s sons – 1 Samuel 2:22
  • Samuel’s sons – 1Samuel 8:5
• Priests who choose Expedience over Obedience John 11:45-53

Peter’s Instructions

1. Royal Priesthood – Family of the King. Famous Jim Putman Quote, Our King is not up for election.

• Galatians 3:25-27 (ESV) But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

2. Offering Spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

• Romans 12:1-2 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

3. Proclaim the Praises of the One. (1 Peter 2:9)

4. Live Differently – Abstaining from fleshly desires so that people know you are different. (1 Peter 2:11)

5. Submit yourself to human institutions, knowing that the authority of your King overrides them all. (1 Peter 2:12)

6. Silence the Ignorant. (1 Peter 2:15)

7. Live Free Without Vice. (1 Peter 2:16)

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