Holy and Royal

Warriors Arise: March 2, 2022

1 Peter 2:4-9 (NKJV) Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” 7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” 8 and "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. 9 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

I am a priest of God.

What are some things you expect of your pastor? Let's name a few expectations we have of our pastor, minister, or priest.

• Be a man or woman of God.

• In the Word of God.

• Living out the Word of God.

• Praying without ceasing.

• Counseling according to the Word of God.

• Diligent in all that he or she does.

• Tithing.

• Doing the work of the Gospel.

• Releasing kingdom for healing, deliverance, life abundant, restoration, redemption, and empowerment.

• Overcomer of the attacks of the enemy.

• One who demonstrates kingdom tenacity.

• One who walks in kingdom finances breaking the back of poverty.

• One who calls out purpose in everyone he or she meets.

• One who leads with integrity.

• One who leads with godly wisdom.

• One who has godly understanding.

• One who seeks the Lord in every situation.

• Leads their family according to the Word of God.

How different would we be if we actually thought of ourselves as a priest of God? What if you held yourself to the standard you have for your pastor, minister or priest?

Would you act differently?

Would you talk differently?

Would your integrity need an upgrade?

Would your finances need to be reworked so you could tithe and give according to God's direction rather than your desires?

Would your parenting style need to be improved?

Would respect need to be implemented toward your spouse?

Would you need to kick fear in the face and do the thing God called you to do?

If you would say that you are a born again, saved by the blood of Jesus, a child of God, that would have to change if you started acting like His priest. In verse 5 we are called a holy priest. What would have to change for you to step into what you already have the title for? As a believer in Jesus Christ, professing Him as your Lord and Savior, you already have the title. You are a holy priest. So, do you act like one? Is your talk holy? Is your integrity holy? Keep in mind I am not talking about being perfect. There is not one of us that is righteous without the blood of Jesus washing away our sins and making us new. But we have a responsibility to represent Jesus well. That starts with each one of us getting our relationship in the place for the title we carry. You and I are holy priests. We represent God. How well do you represent God? What comes out of your mouth? What is your behavior toward your spouse? What is your attitude toward your kids? Are you training them in the ways of the Lord?

In verse 9 we are called a royal priesthood. Peter is trying to make a point. There are times when I am trying to explain something and the person listening doesn't comprehend. When this happens I have to figure out how else I can explain what I am trying to get across. Generally, it is with my kids and I want to make sure they understanding what I want done, how I want it done, and when I want it done. Peter is writing this letter and is wanting people to know we are a part of what Jesus began to build. We are living stones, building God's kingdom here on earth. Jesus is the cornerstone to the advancement of God's kingdom here on earth. We are living stones placed specifically for the continued expansion of God's kingdom here on earth. As Peter is writing he comes to another way to get his point across. As a living stone not only are you and I to be a holy priest unto God to demonstrate His love to the people, but we are also to be royal priests. What is the difference between a holy priest and a royal priest? The adjective. No really, it is the adjective. Holy describes how we are to act while royal describes our position. A royal priest means what we do and say are given weight, a level of importance. As a royal priest we minister to the king and have the authority, a level of importance to speak on behave of the king to the people. In Peter's day, not just any priest would be able to approach the king. The king would only allow someone of importance to speak of religious matters to him.

God calls us a holy priest. Therefore we are to represent, in all areas of our lives, the Word of God. We are to know Him through prayer, faith, demonstration of His love in our lives, relate it to the lives of others and accomplish the dreams God has planted within us. Peter is trying to say in verse 5, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. As God's holy priests there are going to be some things we put up on the altar and let burn away. There will be a sacrifice. These are things that prevent us from fully stepping into being the priest God has called us to be. There is grace but, at least for me, I can give myself a little too much grace when I just need to make a change. That change begins when I put my excuses and the things that do not line up with God's plan for my life on the altar. I must let Him burn away the chaff. I don't need to put them in a box, hide them in my closet or make any more excuses. I need to put them on the altar and let them burn away. There is no way to get back what has been burnt to ash. But I can receive beauty for those ashes. I can receive a garment of praise for the chains and shackles I used to wear around. God is all about making me look better and live free. The better I look means the garment of praise is flowing well from my actions and words. To live free means the chains of my past and shackles of my fears have been removed. I am His holy priest.

God also calls us to be a royal priest. Therefore, we are to come before Him, minister to Him, and walk in the authority He has given us to release His demonstrative love, kindness, generosity, and favor to others. Because we come from the presence of the King, we would have the authority to speak on behalf of the King. God is our King. We are to minister to Him and then to the people. Verse 9 ends with that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; This is what Peter was trying to get across. As God's holy Priest we are to proclaim the praise of Him who called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light. To be God's royal priest means I am not afraid to approach God. I am in full faith that He values me. I know He acknowledges my presence, wants me to speak, and will not withhold from what I need to accomplish His will in my life. When I enter His courts with thanksgiving on my lips, He knows I am faithful to honor Him, He knows I have seen Him working in my life and He knows my worship is all directed toward Him. Therefore, He can give me assignments to the people He has me serve. My honor and praise, related to acknowledging what He has done, opens the doors for favor upon my life to speak to His people with his authority. As His royal priest I have favor with God and authority to speak His word to others.

Father, this is big. If there is anything in my life that I need to lay on the altar, I ask for You to reveal this to me. I pray for courage to put it on the altar. My desire is to be what You say I am. I am Your holy priest. I come before You to walk in Your favor to be seen and heard by You. I desire to be trusted with knowing Your ways and delivering Your Word to those I meet. I am Your royal priest. I will walk with dignity and humility at the same time. I will be confident in coming into Your presence. I will make my petitions known and receive Your Word for my life and the lives of those I have influence. I am Your holy, royal priest in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

Join together as Believers in Jesus Christ to pray and to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.