Introduction: In today's Christian world, there is the mentality of two groups -- the professional workers of God (i.e., pastors, music ministers, missionaries, evangelist, etc. . .), and the rest of the Christians.  As a result, most believers see themselves not as ministers in the church, but more as the recipients of ministry.  This creates such attitudes as expecting to come to church and have the music director and pastor work you up into some form of worship, instead of coming to church seeking to worship God; it creates attitudes of letting the "Pastor or Staff do it, that's what they are paid for" instead of volunteering to work in the church.  But the Bible doesn't this type of attitude or approach for the believer.

The Bible gives us some word pictures that describe what every Christians role is in relationship to the Lord and His church. You could call these word pictures, Job Descriptions that tell us what God expects of every believer. Last year I taught on the Soldier of the Lord.  The Bible also tells us that we are a Child in God's family; a sheep in God's flock; a Pilgrim Citizen who's citizenship is in heaven; a Member of a Body; a Living Stone in God's Building; a Dedicated debtor to God; a Runner in the Race; an Ambassador of the King; Seeds and Loaves of Bread; a New Creation; and what I'm going to speak about this morning, a Priest in our local church and community.

I. A Priesthood That Is Holy And Royal (vv.5a, 9a; Ex.29:1-4; Eph.1:4; 2Thes.2:13-14; John 15:16).
1. Set Apart by God - "a holy priesthood" (v.5a).

A. Born into the right family (Ex.29:1-4; John 1:12-13; 3:1-16).

1) In the O.T. God called Aaron and his sons to be the priest of Israel (Ex.29:1-4).

- Not every Jew was a priest, only those that were born into the right family.

2) The N.T. believer is described as priest, because they too have been called by God and born into the right family.

A) John 1:12-13, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

B) In John 3, Jesus told Nicodemus that unless a man be "born again" he could not enter into God's kingdom.

(1) When a person acknowledges that they are lost to God and reach out to Him and accept His gift of salvation, they are at that moment "born into God's family."

- According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, they are changed into a new creation with a new nature or desire to serve God.

(2) This exactly what happens to every true Christian, they have be "reborn" into God's family, a family of priest who are to serve Him.

B. Washed (Ex.29:4, 10-25; Lev.17:11; Zech.3; 1Cor.6:9-11; Titus 3:5; Heb.9:11-15; Rev.1:5-6).

1) The O.T. priest were washed (bathed), which symbolized the cleansing of their sins (Ex.29:4).

A) The priests were to represent the people before God and this meant maintaining a holy life (Zech.3).

B) In Exodus 29:10-25, there was a bull and two rams that were slain as sacrifices for Aaron and his sons, which was and is the biblical principle that "without shedding of blood there is no remission" of sin (Heb.9:22).

(1) Leviticus 17:11, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul."

(2) The blood from the sacrifice was applied to the right ear, right thumb, and the right big toe of Aaron and his sons to remind them that they were "set-apart," or "consecrated" to the work of the Lord.

2) The N.T. believer has also been washed, cleansed of their sins by the blood of Christ.

A) Revelation 1:5, ". . .Jesus Christ. . .washed us from our sins in His own blood."

B) If there is no forgiveness of sins without the shedding of blood, then this means works cannot save us, it has to be a sacrifice and in this case God gave the ultimate, perfect, sacrifice for the covering of our sins – this means there can be no other substitutes, because they all fall short of the high standard that God set by offering up His own sinless Son as our sacrifice.

C) For the Christian, when we think of the blood of Christ we normally think of God's sacrifice for us, but it should also be a reminder to us (as it was with Aaron and his sons) that we too are "set-apart" or "consecrated" to the work of the Lord.

C. Clothed (Ex.29:5-9; 28:43; Isa.61:10; 2Cor.5:2-4, 21; Eph.1:6; Rev.19:14).

1) In Exodus 28, God told Moses to have special garments made for Aaron and his sons.

- Unless God's priests were properly attired, they could not minister in the Tabernacle, if they did it would cost them their lives (Ex.28:43).

2) The N.T. Believer-priest is clothed in God's righteousness.

A) This is a picture of what Christ did for us when He died on the cross, He was made sin for us so that we might wear the robe of His righteousness and stand "accepted and beloved."

B) 2 Corinthians 5:21, "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

C) Question?  If God cared about how His O.T. priest dressed, do you think He cares about how we dress, since we are His priest who represent Him?

D. Anointed (Ex.29:7; 30:22-33; 2Cor.1:21; 1John2:27).

1) The O.T. priest were Anointed with oil (Ex.29:7), which was made specially for this purpose (Ex.30:22-33) so even the oil was "set-apart" by God.

A) The physical act of applying oil upon a priest, was a visual reminder to all that saw it that these priest were "set-apart" by God for His service.

B) Oil is often used as a symbol in the Bible for the Holy Spirit.

2) The N.T. believer is "anointed" by God when put their faith in Christ as their Savior.

A) 2 Corinthians 1:21, "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God."

B) If you are a Christian, then you have been anointed by God to be His Priest, for service to Him.

A. Verse 9 reinforces everything that we just covered, except it adds that we are more than just priests to God, we are His family too.

- Galatians 4:4-6, "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'"

B. As royal priests, we represent our Heavenly Father before the whole world.

1) We have the potential to lift up God's name before people or disgrace Him before people.

2) We are kingly priest.

But let me ask you this?  As God's priest, what kind of example are you setting?  This Scripture passage points out that God has standards that He expects of everyone who calls themselves a Christian to represent Him well, not just the pastor of your church.  When God saved you, He also gave you some standards by which to live because you now represent Him as His priest to the rest of the world in which we live.

Transition: There was much more to being a priest in God's tabernacle than having just the title.  This brings us to the second aspect of the priesthood of the believer. . .

II. A Priesthood That Serves (vv.5b, 9b).
1. Who offer up spiritual sacrifices (v.5b).

5b . . . a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. .

A. By caring for God's dwelling place (Num.3; 1Cor.3:16-17; 6:19-20; 14:40; Eph.2:20-22).

1) Three families from the tribe of Levi were put in complete charge of the tabernacle, with each family assigned a specific area of ministry.

A) The family of Gershonites {ger-shon-ites} cared fro the tabernacle coverings and hangings.

B) The family of Kohathites {ko-hath-ites} were in charge of the furniture and vessels.

C) The family of Merari {me-ra-ri} supervised the tabernacle structure, the boards, bars, pillars, and other equipment.

2) Everything was carefully organized because this was God's dwelling, and everything had to be done decently and in order.

- The same is true for the church according to 1 Corinthians 14:40, "Let all things be done decently and in order."

3) The Bible describes God's dwelling place today within individual believers (1Cor.6:19-20), the local church (1Cor.3:16-17 with the use of plural pronouns), and the whole body collectively from all ages (Eph.2:20-22).

A) The N.T. believer priest has the wonderful privilege of caring for God's dwelling place.

(1) It begins with our own bodies, which are a temple of God.

(2) The local church is an extension of this as it reflects our actions and attitudes when it comes to worshiping God.

- Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

B) When it comes to caring for God's dwelling place, the Believer Priest can either glorify God or defile God through their actions and attitudes.

B. By keeping the altar fire burning (Lev.6:12-13; 9:22-24; Luke 24:32; 1Tim.4:14; 2Tim.1:6; Rev.3:15-16).

1) When Moses had Aaron dedicate the tabernacle, fire came down from God and consumed the sacrifices of the brazen altar (Lev.9:22-24).

A) It then became the responsibility of the priests each morning to remove the old ashes, and to put fresh wood on the fire to keep it burning.

B) Without the fire on the altar, the people could not offer their sacrifices.

2) The N.T. believer priest has the responsibility to keep the fire burning brightly on the altar of their hearts.

A) This is what the Apostle Paul talked about when he told Timothy that he wanted "to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you. . ." in 2 Timothy 1:6.

B) The believer priest must be careful to tend the fire of his heart to keep it burning so that they will continually offer up spiritual sacrifices to the Lord.

- We must get rid of the old ashes from the past sacrifices and blessings, and add fresh fuel each morning through prayer, God's Word and our continual service to Him.

C. By washing at the laver (Ex.30:17-21; John 13:1-11; 1 John 1:5-2:2).

1) The O.T. Priest who served in God's Tabernacle got their hands and feet dirty serving the Lord, so they needed regular cleansing.

- Those who failed to do so, were in danger of death.

2) The N.T. Believer Priest also gets dirty as they serve the Lord in this world, and we too must come to the Lord on a daily basis for cleansing.

A) 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

B) We too need regular cleansing, which means we must first and foremost be honest about ourselves before the Lord.

(1) That's what "confession" means, to call sin as God calls it.

(2) No political correct renaming it, or glossing it over, but coming before God and acknowledging our guilt just as God sees it.

D. By burning the incense (Ex.30:7-9; Psa.141:1-3; Luke 1:5-17; Heb.10:19-25).

1) There was also an golden altar of incense that stood before the veil of the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle.

A) The priest burned the incense each morning and evening, some of the fragrance would cling to them and people would know that they have been at the golden altar.

B) The golden altar pictures the offering up of prayer to the Lord.

(1) King David wrote in Psalm 141:2, "Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."

(2) We are given the same picture in Revelation 8:3-4, "Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.  And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand."

2) The N.T. Believer Priest has an even greater privilege than did the O.T. priest, for we are invited to come boldly into the very presence of God and give our petitions to Him (Heb.10:19-25).

A) When Jesus died on the Cross, the veil of the temple was torn in two, and those who have been called of God now have free access to mercy seat of God.

B) Also as we pray, there should be a spiritual fragrance in our lives that lets others know we have been with Jesus.

E. By keeping the lamps lit (Ex.30:7-8; Psa.119:105; Matt.5:14-16; 2Pet.1:19).

1) A 7-branched golden candlestick stood before the veil and to the right of the golden altar in the tabernacle.

A) The O.T. priest was responsible to trim the wicks each morning and light the lamps each evening.

B) This candlestick primarily spoke of God's light and truth shining through the nation of Israel to a dark and sinful world.

- The priest attended the lamp in connection with his ministry at the altar of incense because prayer and witness go together, as do prayer and the Word of God.

2) Likewise, the N.T. Believer Priest and his church have a testimony and a witness to shine the truth and light of God's Word into the world.

A) As Believer Priest we have an obligation to shine forth God's truth.

- Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

B) As Believer Priest we have an obligation to follow God's truth.

- Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path."

F. By eating the bread (Ex.25:23-30; Lev.24:5-9; John 6:33).

1) On the Sabbath, the O.T. priest would place 12 loaves of special bread on the table in the holy place, and only the priests were permitted to eat it.

A) The loaves reminded the priest that their nourishment (both physical and spiritual) came from God.

B) Even though it was the people gave tithes and offerings, God reminds us here that they did not pay the preachers, He did.

- They gave to God in worship, and it is God who took from what is His and provides for His workers.

2) The N.T. Believer Priest also finds their physical and spiritual nourishment in the bread that God provides.

A) John 6:33, "For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

B) Jesus, like the manna sent from heaven, was sent down from heaven to give spiritual life to the world.

(1) Christ is the "show bread" in God's sanctuary given to sustain life and to remind all believers that it is God who ultimately provides for all our needs.

(2) We must feed on Christ if we are to have the spiritual strength we need to serve Him as His Priests.

G. By offering up sacrifices (Lev.16:1-34; Heb.5:1, 3; 7:27; 13:15-16; Rom.12:1-2; 15:16, 27; Phil.4:14-18).

1) The O.T. Priest also had to make various sacrifices for themselves and the people of Israel.

2) The N.T. Believer Priest has been called to make various sacrifices also (BBC).

A) The presentation of the body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.

- This is an act of spiritual worship (Rom.12:1).

B) The sacrifice of praise.

- ". . .the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name" (Heb.13:15).

C) The sacrifice of good works.

- "Do not forget to do good. ..." (Heb. 13:16).

D) The sacrifice of possessions, or pocketbook.

(1) Philippians 4:14-18, "Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God."

(2) Galatians 6:6, "Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches."

E) The sacrifice of service.

- Paul speaks of his ministry to the Gentiles as a priestly offering to God (Rom.15:16).

9b . . .a royal priesthood . . .that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

A. In short, our job as a Believer Priest is to daily proclaim the praises of God before all men.

1) 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, "You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart."

2) 2 Corinthians 5:20, "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God."

B. We are to be God's examples of encouragement to other believers, and an testimony of salvation to the lost as God's priestly representatives.

God didn't save us to be Christian Consumers who are in the business of looking for a church to meet our needs; but rather, God saved us to be His Priests looking for a place to minster exactly where God needs us -- and that's the difference between worldly thinking and  biblical thinking.  What kind of Priest have you been?  Who's temple have you been serving in lately -- the temple of self, or God's temple?

Transition: Just as there are duties and privileges that go along with be a Believer Priest for God, there are also snares to avoid that can stop our service to the Lord, and even worse defile them before the Lord.  The Bible gives us an examples of sins to be avoided in the book of Malachi. . .

III. The Priesthood That Must Not Be Defiled (Ma.1:6-2:9).
1. By not giving God our best in worship (Mal.1:6-8; Eph.6:5-8; 1Cor.10:31).

Malachi 1:6 "A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, 'In what way have we despised Your name?' 7 "You offer defiled food on My altar. But say, 'In what way have we defiled You?' By saying, 'The table of the LORD is contemptible.' 8 And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?" Says the LORD of hosts.

A. The O.T. Priest failed to give their best to God, instead they offered polluted bread and imperfect sacrifices and kept the best for themselves.

1) In doing so they disobeyed God's Word and didn't give Him what was due Him.

A) Have you ever ignored what God's Word says to do what you wanted?

B) Have you ever kept back your best for God, and gave Him something less?

B. God told these priest that when we do these things we are showing contempt towards God, and God called there actions evil!

2. By half-hearted service to God (Mal.1:13; 2:1-2; Isa.1:10-15; Rev.3:16).

Malachi 1:13 You also say, 'Oh, what a weariness!' And you sneer at it," Says the LORD of hosts. "And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; Thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?" Says the LORD.

A. The O.T. Priests began just going through the motions, they had no real heart for serving God -- they called serving the Lord a "burden" or "tiresome"

1) Let me put it in today's language, "you don't understand, I just don't have time. . ."

2) This is the sin of putting God second, or worse, in your life.

B. God's reaction to this sin was to place a curse upon them.

- God withheld His blessings from them because of their attitudes.

Malachi 2:8-9, "'But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,' Says the LORD of hosts. 'Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base Before all the people, Because you have not kept My ways But have shown partiality in the law.'"

A. Their sin spilled over onto others.

B. The fastest way to kill a church is to allow your sinful attitude to infect others around you.

Invitation:
1. If you get nothing else from this sermon, I hope that you go away knowing that God saved you to be more than just a passenger in life waiting for their bus to heaven to arrive.

A. God saved you, and has called you to a higher standard of life that what the world sets.

B. God didn't make the Believer Priest an option for believers, its comes as a standard package with all models of believers.

C. The only option that we have as Believer Priests, is to either glorify God with our service, or to defile His altar by our selfishness.

- You have to answer the call of God, before you can do anything else for Him.