Unit 1 Study 8

                                            July 20, 2014

Study Scriptures for this week's Lesson: Exodus 28:1-through 29:46; 1 Peter 2:4-10 

Key Verse: 1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (KJV).

Central Truth: The Levitical priesthood foreshadowed the priesthood of all believers in Christ.

Our Focus: To consider God's establishment of the Levitical priesthood and realize that He has made believers in Christ Jesus a kingdom of priests.

                                            The Priesthood Established

Introducing the study

In the Old Testament, access to the presence of God was restricted. But Jesus' sacrifice removed this restriction and open the way for every believer to have clear access to God (Hebrews 10:19-20). Today we will examine the Old Testament priesthood, and rejoice in the privilege of having Christ as the only Mediator between ourselves and God. At the end of this study, you will be able to: (1). Appreciate the sacred honor of serving God. (2). Recognize the responsibilities involved in taking part in ministry. (3). Understand what it means to be a holy priesthood.

Set Apart for God's Service

Once the departure from Egypt was complete, God gave Moses specific instructions regarding the ministry that was to take place among His people. The Lord told Moses to set apart his brother, Aaron's sons, to serve God as priests (Exodus 28:1). With this special assignment came specific directions for the priestly garments, which would reflect the special call God had placed on them (verses 2-4). However, the Lord's actions in calling His people to special tasks wasn't limited to priests. He equipped men with skill and wisdom in making the garments. He then specified exactly what articles were to be included in and on these garments. He will supply us with the insight and ability needed to fulfill His call as we faithfully seek and follow after Him. The Lord then instructed that the tabernacle, the altar, and the priesthood would be set apart, or consecrated, unto himself. The concept of being consecrated to God is important to believers today s well. It holds twofold significance. There is the element of being set apart from God. But the term also includes being set apart from that which is ungodly. as we consecrate ourselves to the Lord, it is important to make separation from worldly values a part of that process. we must not yield to carnal desires. Instead, as followers of Christ, we are to reflect His goodness and holiness.

[For Personal Reflection] What are some ways your life shows evidence of consecration to God?  

A Heavy Responsibility

The articles of the priest's clothing were to be made in a specific manner. For example, the breastplate was to be a folded, nine-inch -square pouch of cloth that would hold the Urim and the Thummim. These were stones, and their names are believed to mean "lights" and  "perfections.' These were used in discerning God's will regarding important decisions. The high priest was to also have a gold plate inscribed with the words HOLINESS TO THE LORD and fastened to the headpiece (verses 36-38). Because the high priest often appeared the people, this plate offered a continual reminder of Israel's solemn responsibility. They were God's chosen people, called to represent Him before the world. He expected them to be holy, just as He is holy (Leviticus 11:45). It is no small responsibility to represent God before a fallen and spiritual needy world. We must be willing to stand apart from the impurity of the world, living as an accurate reflection of God's purity. This often a challenge, requiring us to take an active part in resisting the world's influence. yet as His people, we are called to make the  sober commitment of following Him in all things. 

[For Personal Reflection] How does your life reflect God's holiness today?

The Priesthood of Believers

God established the Old testament priest as the mediator between himself and His people. But that changed forever through the ministry, death, and resurrection of Christ. all who follow Him are part of a holy priesthood--the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:4-6). As part of the priesthood, we have access to perpetual, direct contact with God. We are offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. And we pursue holy separation from the world and separation to God, reflecting the consecration of old Testament priests to God the Father. The foundation of this royal priesthood is our faith in Christ. We are called a chosen people, referencing a group that includes all who call on Christ's name and belong to the Lord. This blessing is offered to all who will surrender themselves to Jesus Christ. As His people, we represent Him to the world. All who call on the name of the Lord become a part of this "chosen people." God has called us out of the bondage of sin and invited us into His eternal, royal family. We are not longer doomed to everlasting separation from god because of our sin. Christ died to deliver us from that punishment. There will be many challenges and battles associated with being a child of God. But He can give us the strength, wisdom, and grace to serve Him to the end. 

[For Personal reflection] "What is your calling as being God's chosen person?"

 Discipleship in Action

Being part of the royal priesthood of believers involves more than just our relationship with God. If we  read the remainder of 1 Peter, we learn of our responsibilities to others. God calls us to reflect our walk with Him in our relationships with those around us: national and community leaders, employers, friends, family, and neighbors. As priests, we are to hold them up in prayer before God. We also have the responsibility of representing God to humanity through our actions and lifestyles. This is not something we can do in our own strength. Thankfully, God does not leave us alone in this pursuit. He has promised to be there, providing strength and wisdom every step of the way. without God, we cannot succeed. But with God, we can do all things through Christ, who strengthen us (Philippians 4:13).
  

                                                          BE SET APART FOR GOD!                                                    

Tuesday               Hilkiah: Restores the Holy Book.  2 Kings 22:8-10

Wednesday         Joshua: Rebuilds the Altar.         Ezra 3:1-7                                     

Thursday             Access Made Possible.                  Romans 5:1-5                              

Friday                Jesus Our High Priest.                  Hebrews 4:14-16                       

Saturday           The New and Living Way.             Hebrews 10:19-23