Priesthood of believers

Introduction:

1. One of the pillars of the reformation movement.

a. The development of the priesthood of Catholic church – see quote 1c below.

b. Seen in the article by words ‘laity’ and ‘clergy’ –

1. laity, from ‘laos’, meaning “people”, used as short for God’s people…

2. Clergy from kleros, meaning

c. It is in reality the foundation of the relationship between God and any given person – such relationship is unique and personal.

1. All Christians are priests.

a. 1 Pet. 2: 5, 9

b. Rev. 1:6, 9

c. “The words ‘priest,’ ‘priesthood’ (hiereus, hierateuma) are never applied in the New Testament to the office of the Christian ministry. All Christians are said to be priests (1 Pet. ii, 5-9; Apoc., v., 10). Catholic Dictionary, 692).

2. As such priests, we have one high priest – Jesus.

a. Heb. 5:1f,

b. Heb. 8:1f

c. HENCE – our ONLY mediator between God and man – 1 Tim. 2:5; John 14:6

3. As such we have certain responsibilities:

a. The offering of OURSELVES in spiritual service: Romans 12:1-3

b. The offering of PRAISE – Heb. 13:15

1. Public worship – Acts 20:7; Heb. 10:25, 1 Cor. 11:

2. Praise in our prayers -

c. The offering of SERVICE – Heb. 13:16

1. First give self to Lord (2 Cor. 8: ), then ALL things of life will follow,

d. The holiness of conduct and life:

1. Are a HOLY priesthood –

2. HOLY – set apart from the world –

3. Need to ‘sanctify God’ – if serve Him, Nadab & Abihu – Lev. 10.2

³Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

4. PRACTICAL –

a. Holy in non-use of drunks – 1 Cor. 6; Gal. 5:19f; 1 Pet. 4:

b Holy in no immorality – 1 Cor. 6: Eph.

c. Holy in our manner of dress – 1 Tim. 2:

1. In OT example, even to be ‘covered’ when going up stairs in service -

Exodus 20:26

26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.

Exodus 28:42

42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:

d. Holy in our manner of speech – Eph. 4: 29, 5:4,

Clergy - Laity

Clergy - from greek word "kleros'

· literally = to cast lots, or to choose by lot.

· came to mean "to assign a portion"

· Then, became 'a heritage'

· God's "clergy" = HIS heritage, HIS PEOPLE (all of them!)

· in OT was Israel

1. Deut. 4:20 -

2. Deut. 9:29, etc.

· In New Testament = God's people (all of them)

1. Eph. 1:11 - Christians are 'chosen in Christ'

2. 1 Peter 5:3 - elders are over His "heritage' (chosen people)

3. Acts 26:18 - are God's 'kleros' when turn to God

4. Colossians 1:12 - partakers of 'the inheritance'

Laity - from greek work 'Laos'

1. Literally = people.

2. Old Testament -

Lev. 26:12; Ezek. 37:27, Israel = God's people.

3. Prophecy of Church

Hosea 1:10 - of church, 'they shall be My people'....

Romans 9:25-26, 1 Peter 2:10 - shows this is the church.

4. New Testament always the church.

2 Cor. 6:16, those called out of wickedness are to be His people

Hebrews 8:10, They shall be my people...

Titus 2:14 redeemed us for His people...

1 Peter 2:9-10 - a chosen people - God's chosen people = the church.