February 12, 2023
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
1 Peter 2:9 NKJV
When you look at your local church, what do you see? Here’s what God sees: “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” If that’s not what you see, then you are not seeing clearly. Let’s focus in on the “royal priesthood” idea. What does a priest do in the New Covenant? Verse 5 in this same chapter says that we are to, “offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” The New Testament tells us that those include:
- Our bodies. We give ourselves to God completely for His service. Romans 12:1
- Our money. Paul says our offerings are “a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” On this basis, he promises that God will meet our needs. Philippians 4:16-19
- Our praise. Hebrews calls it “the fruit of our lips giving thanks.” Hebrews 13:15
- Our acts of charity. Hebrews says God is well-pleased when we “do not forget to do good and to share.”
This Sunday is a great time to gather with the other royal priests in your local congregation and do things that please God by offering the sacrifices He desires. Let’s see if we can make Him happy today.
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