SERMON OUTLINE

RLJ-579 

THE OFFICE OF A PRIEST  
Sept 7,1997

It was Jesus Himself who gave two titles (positions) to each believer in Christ, KINGS and PRIESTS. 
Revelation 1:1-6

The word "priest" in Hebrew is "kohen", which means 'prince", "minister." God has created two priesthoods.
1. The priesthood of Melchisedec – Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7:1-3 2.
2. The Levitical priesthood – Exodus 28:1-3; 40:12-15

THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD BEGAN AFTER THE EXODUS IN EGYPT AND CEASED TO EXIST WHEN JESUS DIED ON CALVARY! Hebrews 7:4-12

JESUS IS AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHISEDEC! Hebrews 7:13-28

Jesus is our high priest REPRESENTING THE SECOND COVENANT! Hebrews 8:1-7

The first covenant is null and void since the death of Jesus on the cross, and will never again reinstated – Hebrews 8:8-13

Thus all efforts by Jewish people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and institute a new round of sacrifices, are against the will of God and will be rejected by God. This kind of temple will be the temple of the Antichrist - Matthew 24:15; Daniel 11:37 - 39; 2 Thessalonians. 2:1-5

The Bible is clear, JESUS WAS THE PERFECT LAMB OF GOD (John 1:29) WHO HAS ONCE AND FOR ALL TAKEN AWAY MAN'S SIN AND BECAME THE FINAL PERFECT SACRIFICE! THERE ARE NOW NO MORE BLOOD SACRIFICES! Hebr. 9:1-26

EVERY BELIEVER IN CHRIST IS A PRIEST FOR GOD ON THIS EARTH: 1 Peter 2:5-10

There is no difference if the believer is a man or a woman, or what nationality the believer is, ALL BELIEVERS IN CHRIST ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST! Gal.3:22-29

DUTIES OF A PRIEST UNDER THE SECOND COVENANT
1. Before Jesus died on Calvary, the priests were to offer daily sacrifices. Now the sacrifices have been with intercessory prayer - Eph. 6: 10-18

2. To be a teacher of God'3 Word - Deut.6:1-9; 17:8-13

3. To worship God in Spirit and in Truth and together with other believers in Christ and worship God with them - Isaiah 6:1-7; John 4:23-24; Rev.7:9-17; 19:1-6

4. To feed and lead believers in Christ, to help them to mature and become strong priests John.21:15-17 God has warned His priests, if they neglect this duty. Ezek. 34:1-11

5. To be zealous for the Lord and destroy sin, by converting people to Christ and teach them the ways of the Lord - Numbers 25:10-13. To keep heresy out of the church of Jesus Christ
1 Tim.6:3-5; 2 Tim.4:1-5

ARE YOU SAVED? ARE YOU UPHOLDING YOUR OFFICE AS A PRIEST? If not, ask God for forgiveness today and seek Him in forgiveness at the altars!