God Establishes the Priesthood

Exodus 28:1-5, Ephesians 4:1-16

Ephesians 4:11-13: So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

 

In God’s eyes every believer is a priest.

Exodus 19:5-6: Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

1 Peter 2:9: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

 

But throughout history God/the Church has appointed people with particular (not superior) gifts to lead his people. Priests/pastors are called to:

· Equip his people for works of service - Ephesians 4:12

· Bring unity in the faith - Ephesians 4:3-6

· Lead people to maturity in Christ - Ephesians 4:14-16

 

How are you/we serving others?

Is there a spirit of unity among us?

Are we becoming more like Jesus?

 

Ephesians 4:16: From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

 

You can listen to the sermon here: 

...