Priests

Quick Review

Priests, Priests Everywhere

God shapes a system so that people:

1. KNOW him
2. Be his SERVANTS
3. Find their joy as WORSHIPPERS

GOD ≠ HUMANS

Covenant Mediation: The Priesthood (Hebrews 8:1-13)

Washed in Water

Anointed with Oil

Sprinkled with Blood

I Don’t Need THAT!!!

YES, we do!!! (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Community Meditation

Growing in Knowledge

• If Jesus is our great high priest, why does the church still have leaders? Read 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1 and Ephesians 4:11-16. Compare the role of “elder/pastor/overseer” with that of a priest.
• What would you say to someone who says “I don’t need a church, I can go directly to God?” What is true about this statement? What is ridiculously false about it?

Feeling Life Deeply

• What aspects of our culture have we absorbed that leads us to think: “I don’t need anyone to connect me to God?”
• If people have been hurt by priests and religious leaders, how can you serve them well? What is our approach?

Living with Courage

• Read 1 Peter 2:1-11 together. What is Peter teaching us about our role in the world using the language of the OT system of covenant mediation (Law, Tabernacle/Temple, Sacrifice, Priesthood)?
• Compare Revelation 5:10 and Exodus 19:6. Who are we? What are some ways you live out this calling? How does this identify shape how you see your role at work? Among your friends? In the neighborhood?