Our Identity in Christ: A Royal Priesthood
In the latest sermon at Laborers for Christ Church, we were powerfully reminded of our identity in Christ and the significance of being part of the royal priesthood. The message, titled "Our Identity in Christ: The Royal Priesthood," urged us to embrace who we are in Jesus and to live out our calling with confidence and purpose.
Foundational Scripture: 1 Peter 2
We began with a reading from 1 Peter 2:1-5, a passage that lays the foundation for understanding our identity in Christ. The scripture urges us to lay aside all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking, and instead, to desire the pure milk of the Word so that we may grow. As believers, we are likened to living stones, being built up as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Understanding Our Identity: Royal Priesthood
The concept of being a royal priesthood is central to our identity as Christians. As followers of Christ, we are not just ordinary people; we have been chosen and set apart by God. This priesthood is not based on our own righteousness but on the righteousness of Christ. As priests, we have the unique privilege and responsibility to offer spiritual sacrifices, such as praise, prayer, and service, that are acceptable to God.
This identity comes with certain characteristics and responsibilities. We are called to live holy lives, to walk in obedience to God, and to be representatives of His kingdom here on earth. As priests, we are also called to intercede for others, to stand in the gap, and to be vessels through which God’s love and mercy flow.
The Attack on Identity
In today's world, there is a fierce attack on identity, not just in the secular sense but also within the body of Christ. The enemy seeks to confuse and distort our understanding of who we are in Christ, leading to an identity crisis even among believers. However, as the sermon emphasized, it is critical that we know who we are in Christ and stand firm in that identity.
The enemy's tactics are subtle but destructive. He tries to sow doubt, guilt, and confusion, making us question our worth and our calling. But we must remember that our identity is not based on our feelings or circumstances but on the unchanging Word of God. We are who God says we are—His chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation.
Growing in Our Identity
The sermon also highlighted the importance of spiritual growth. Just as a newborn baby needs milk to grow, we as believers need the Word of God to mature in our faith. Growth is not just about gaining knowledge but about becoming more like Christ in our character and actions.
As we grow, we move from being spiritual infants to mature sons and daughters of God. This maturity enables us to discern God’s will, to walk in the Spirit, and to fulfill our calling as priests. Romans 8:14 reminds us that those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. This means that as we grow, we learn to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide us in all areas of our lives.
The Role of the Priesthood
As priests, we are called to offer sacrifices to God, not in the Old Testament sense of animal sacrifices, but spiritual sacrifices such as praise, worship, prayer, and acts of service. We have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, our High Priest, and we are called to use that access to intercede for others and to bring glory to God.
Being a priest also means that we carry the presence of God with us wherever we go. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to reflect God’s glory in our lives. This means living a life that is set apart, holy, and pleasing to God. It also means being a light in the darkness, showing the world who Christ is through our words and actions.
Counterfeit Identities and the World’s Deception
The sermon warned against the counterfeit identities that the world offers. The enemy tries to counterfeit everything that God creates, including our identity in Christ. False doctrines, deceptive teachings, and worldly philosophies all seek to lead us away from the truth of who we are in Christ.
But as believers, we must be discerning. We must know the Word of God and stand firm in our faith. We must not allow the world to define who we are but instead, hold fast to the truth that we are children of God, redeemed by the blood of Christ, and called to live for His glory.
Living Out Our Identity
Living out our identity in Christ means being bold in our faith, standing firm in the face of opposition, and being unashamed of the gospel. It means putting Christ first in all things, even above our love for family, friends, or our own lives. It means being willing to suffer for the sake of Christ, knowing that our reward is in heaven.
The world may reject us, just as it rejected Christ, but we must not be discouraged. Instead, we should be filled with compassion for those who do not know Christ and be diligent in sharing the gospel with them. We must be vigilant, watching and praying, and always ready to give an answer for the hope that we have in Christ.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Royal Identity
As the service concluded, the message was clear: we must embrace our identity as a royal priesthood and live out that identity with confidence and purpose. We have been chosen by God, set apart for His glory, and entrusted with the responsibility of representing Him in the world.
Let us be faithful to this calling, knowing that God has equipped us with everything we need. He is with us, He strengthens us, and He empowers us to be victorious in every battle. As we go out into the world, let us remember who we are in Christ and live in a way that reflects His glory.