Prepare for Worship | Your Priestly Service
Last Sunday, Jeremy Chasteen encouraged us from Acts 6:1-7 with the truth that healthy conflict resolution advances the gospel.
Read: Acts 6:8-7:60
This Sunday, Pastor Jason Finley will preach from Acts 6:8-7:60 and show us that God’s unchanging mission is to fill the earth with His glorious presence. As you prepare for our Sunday gathering, let this devotional from John MacArthur encourage you to offer yourself as a living sacrifice unto God, living daily in his presence and pointing others to do the same through Jesus Christ.
Reflect: “Your Priestly Service”
“You … are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).
Christians share common spiritual characteristics with Old Testament priests.
Peter identified believers as holy priests, but many Christians don’t really know what that means because priests aren’t part of our culture as a whole.
The primary purpose of an Old Testament priest was to offer acceptable sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. Priests were chosen by God Himself, specially cleansed through prescribed ceremonies, clothed in a prescribed manner, and anointed with oil as symbolic of God’s Spirit upon them. They were expected to obey God, love His Word, and walk with Him.
Faithful priests had a positive impact on believers and unbelievers alike. Malachi 2:6 says they “turned many back from iniquity.” Verse 7 adds that “the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.”
Those qualifications are paralleled in Christians, whom God regards as the only true priests. You were chosen by Him from before the foundation of the world and were cleansed by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. You are clothed with the righteousness of Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit. Your purpose is “to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).
Scripture tells you therefore to present your body as “a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom. 12:1). Obedience, love for the Word, and communion with God should characterize your life; saints and sinners alike should see Christ in you and be affected by what they see.
The priesthood of believers is a high and holy calling to which no one is suited apart from God’s grace and power. But be assured that He who called you will accomplish His good pleasure in you. Be committed to that goal each day as you lean on His resources and trust in His sufficiency.
Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the priesthood He has entrusted to you. Ask Him to use you today to influence others in godly ways.
For Further Study: Read Leviticus 8 and 9, which tell of the consecration and inauguration of the Aaronic priesthood.
“Your Priestly Service,” July 7th Devotional, in Drawing Near, by John MacArthur.
Sing: Song List for Sunday
1. “All My Boast Is in Jesus,” by Matt Papa
2. “On That Day,” by CityAlight
3. “It Is Well with My Soul,” Arr. Aaron Keyes
4. “Behold the Lamb,” by Keith & Kristyn Getty
5. “You’ve Already Won,” by Shane & Shane