1^st Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9-10

INTRODUCTION:

We Affirm: That every born-again believer in the LORD Jesus Christ is a priest and is both qualified and obligated to carry out the duties of a priest including representing themselves before GOD, interceding for themselves and others to GOD, and serving GOD and others on behalf of GOD.

We Deny: That any born-again believer is a priest over any other person and therefore can neither grant forgiveness nor convey the Person or gifts of the Holy Spirit to another person.

We Affirm: That every person has the right and the obligation to read and study the Holy Scriptures for themselves.

We Deny: That any person has the right to misinterpret, twist, or wrongly apply the Holy Scriptures.

We Affirm: That every born-again believer in the LORD Jesus Christ has both the right and the obligation to offer up to GOD those things identified in the Holy Scriptures as, “Spiritual Sacrifices.”

We Deny: That any person has the right to participate in any “priestly” actions that are not specifically required of and given to born-again believers in the Holy Scriptures.

EXPOSITION: Seven Spiritual Sacrifices to be Offered by Believer-Priest (in biblical order).

Psalm 51:17 A Humble Heart!

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

Psalm 141:2 Prayer!

“Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!”

Romans 12:1 Our Body!

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Romans 15:16 Souls Won to Christ!

“to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

Philippians 4:18 Sacrificial Financial Gifts! (Ministry)

“I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”

Hebrews 13:15 Praise!

“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”

Hebrews 13:16 Sharing What We Have with Others! (Benevolence)

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to GOD.”