Young Adults' Group

A Royal Priesthood

by Pastor Mark
May 09, 2019

Serving as priests

In the Scriptures, there are different Greek words that can be translated as a servant or a minister. The Greek word “doulos” means “a slave or a bondservant”. He is one whose heart is totally submitted to his master in obedience. Another Greek word is “diakonos” which means “humble servant”. He is one who does humble physical work. There is also the Greek word “oikonomos” which means “steward of the household”. He is to be a good steward of that which God has been entrusted to him. There is also the Greek word “leitourgos” which is a reference to someone who does the temple duties of a priest. His ministry is likened to the work of a priest. All of us are meant to serve as priests.

The Apostle Peter wrote about this concept in his epistle to the pilgrims who were scattered. He called the brethren of the church “a holy priesthood” and “a royal priesthood”. (1 Peter 2:5,9) How should we understand this priestly service?

A kingdom of priest

God first revealed this concept to Moses concerning Israel, “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” (Ex 19:5,6) It was part of God’s design for Israel. They were meant to be a kingdom of priests. They were to minister to the Lord as a holy nation of priests. However, Israel failed in this endeavour as they disobeyed God and followed after other gods.

A holy and royal priesthood

Peter applied this sacred concept of the royal priesthood to the church. They were meant to be a holy and royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2:5,9) As the priests of Israel were specially consecrated for sacred service to the Lord, we too should be specially set apart to serve as holy priests to the Lord. At the same time, we also have been made royalty through the Lord Jesus Christ. As children of God, we are considered to be joint-heirs with Christ. (Rom 8:17) Through Christ, we become part of the royal line. As Christ is our Great High Priest, we too have the great privilege of being part of a royal priesthood as Christ has. Let us see ourselves as a holy and royal priesthood who would minister to the Lord.

Kings and priests

“To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev 1:5,6) What is the basis of our understanding? It is the love of Christ. Through His love and His cleansing work of His blood, we are made kings and priests. The Lord has appointed us to be kings and priests to God. We are called “kings” of the Lord’s spiritual kingdom. We are not commoners. As we are joint-heirs with Christ, we are meant to be a royal priesthood.

The challenge of being a royal priesthood

As royal priests, we have the great privilege and the special access to minister to the Lord. We are to intercede on behalf of our brethren. The challenge is for us “to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) Our gifts and offerings should be given in an acceptable manner to the Lord. Let us be challenged to proclaim the praises of Him. (1 Peter 2:9) Let us seek to minister to the Lord as His royal priesthood.

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