September 27 | Week 4: Life Together
What “Every Disciple A Priest” Means
In the church there is no bench. Every disciple has a job to do
1 Peter 2:4-5, 9
4 As you come to him, the living Stone–rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him– 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. … 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1. What are you being built into? What kind of priesthood?
I am being built into a “spiritual house” and into “a holy priesthood“. Therefore, every disciple is a priest!
2. A priest brings people to God and brings God to people. How can you do that this week?
I must evangelize more to bring people to God and go after serving my family spiritually to bring God to them.
Every Disciple Belongs To Every Disciple
Romans 12:4-8
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
1. Just like a body has many parts, the church has many members. What does that say about your part?
I am a part of the body. Therefore, I belong to the body and all its other parts! I must not have an independant spirit but an interdependant one!
2. Verses 6-8 list gifts. Which ones do you think God has given you?
I believe God has graciously given me the ability to teach (minister), encourage (singing), and leadership (evangelist). Additionally, God has given us all the gifts of giving and showing mercy!
APPLICATION: You are not just a member of the audience. Ask a leader this week where you can start serving, and take it seriously.
Sounds good! I’ll be sure to reach out to those in my life who are leaders like Sean, Michael, and Raul!
