Living as Royal Priests: Offering Spiritual Sacrifices Today
As followers of Christ, we are called to be a royal priesthood, a term rich in meaning and responsibility. It’s a role that 1 Peter 2:9 describes as being "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession." But what does that mean for us today, in a world so different from the temple rituals of the Old Testament?
What It Means to Be a Royal Priest
In the Old Testament, priests offered sacrifices, maintained the temple, and guided the people spiritually. While the form of their duties may seem distant to us, the essence of their role remains deeply relevant. Today, as part of the royal priesthood, we are called to:
Offer Spiritual Sacrifices:
Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Our spiritual sacrifices are no longer burnt offerings but acts of worship, prayer, service, and obedience.Some examples include:
Worship: Singing songs of praise or meditating on God’s Word.
Prayer: Offering your time and heart to commune with God.
Service: Helping a neighbor in need or volunteering in your community.
Sacrificial Giving: Sharing your resources generously.
Maintain Our Spiritual Temple:
Just as priests maintained the tabernacle, we are tasked with tending to our spiritual lives. This includes setting aside time for prayer, reading Scripture, and staying connected to a faith community.Be Spiritual Guides:
As priests, we are called to encourage, counsel, and intercede for those around us. Whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or leading someone to Christ, we fulfill this role when we help others grow in their faith.
The Challenge of Living as Royal Priests
Living out this calling isn’t always easy. Many of us feel unworthy, distracted by sin, or too overwhelmed by life’s demands. We might even rely too much on our strength rather than the Holy Spirit. But the beauty of our role is that it’s not about perfection—it’s about faithfulness.
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that "we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." God equips us to live out our calling when we rely on Him.
Practical Steps to Embrace Your Role
Here are a few ways to live as a royal priest:
Surrender to the Holy Spirit: Ask Him to guide your worship, service, and daily decisions.
Confess and Repent: Regularly seek God’s forgiveness and grace to overcome sin.
Prioritize Worship and Service: Set aside time each day to connect with God and find ways to serve others.
Encourage Others: Be intentional about offering support, prayer, and counsel to those around you.
A Call to Action
God has chosen you to be part of His royal priesthood. This week, reflect on how you can offer spiritual sacrifices and shine His light in your community. Start small—whether it’s helping someone in need, setting aside time for prayer, or simply thanking God for His blessings.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for calling me into Your royal priesthood. Help me to live a life that honors You, offering spiritual sacrifices of worship, prayer, and service. Equip me to be a light in the darkness and a source of hope to those around me. In Jesus Name, Amen.