1. A Royal Priesthood From 1 Peter ch 2 verses 4 - 9 1

2. Our Calling – 1 Peter chapter 2 Verse 4: As you come to him, the living Stone— rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Verse 8: 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. 2

3. So what is our calling? A chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, 3

4. What is a priest? What does a priest do? What should we do to fulfil our calling? 4

5. What is a priest? – Hebrews 5 v 1 ​ Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins. And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses. That is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as theirs. And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honour. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was. 5

6. Priesthood A priest is someone who: Acts as a go-between Offers sacrifices and gifts to God Intercedes with God for others Sympathises with those who are weak Is chosen / called by God – set apart for God 6

7. Some Priests from the Old Testament 1 Exodus 4 v 27 Now the Lord had said to Aaron, “Go out into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So Aaron went and met Moses at the mountain of God, and he embraced him. Moses then told Aaron everything the Lord had commanded him to say. Aaron 1 - chosen 7

8. Some Priests from the Old Testament 1 Exodus 29 v 5 Dress Aaron in his priestly garments—the tunic, the robe worn with the ephod, the ephod itself, and the chestpiece. Then wrap the decorative sash of the ephod around him. Place the turban on his head, and fasten the sacred medallion to the turban. Then anoint him by pouring the anointing oil over his head.. Aaron 2 - anointed 8

9. Picture of anointing Psalm 133 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe…… For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life for evermore. 9

10. Some Priests from the Old Testament 1 Numbers 6 v 22-27 The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Aaron 3 - blessing 10

11. Some Priests from the Old Testament 2 Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the Lord give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the Lord.” Then they would go home. And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Eli – blesses others 11

12. Some Priests from the Old Testament 2 ​ Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance? As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day…… When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying. 1 Samuel 10: 1, 9 Samuel – anoints kings and the Spirit comes 12

13. Some Priests from the Old Testament 3 Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16 v 12-13 Samuel anoints David 13

14. Anointing can bring healing Mark 6 v 12-13 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. 14

15. Some Priests from the Old Testament 4 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Genesis 14 v 18-20 Melchizedek blesses Abram 15

16. Some Priests from the Old Testament 4 Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. ​ This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. Hebrews 6 v 20 – 7 v 3 Melchizedek 16

17. If we are priests – what does that mean? We are chosen / called by God – set apart for God We offer sacrifices and gifts to God – praise and worship We intercede with God for others We can communicate with God – speak and listen We can understand the ways of God and helps others to do so We can bring God’s blessing to others 17

18. Response You can come to the front for anointing with oil if you would like more of the Spirit or need healing of any sort. Please offer God’s blessing to others – anyone who wants it. If you need to receive rather than give, then just wait for someone to come to you. 18