PRIESTS SERVE AND NOT MERELY RECEIVE
RECAP: Episodes 1 & 2 prove that all believers are priests not a select few. No intermediary. All believers should take responsibility in Prayer and the Word.
In this episode we will look into what we title – Priests serve and not merely receive.
This is a spiritual law. If we are merely receivers – week after week listening to others who have spent
time in the presence of God – our knowledge may increase but our lives will not be changed.
● If we are truly to press on into spiritual maturity, it is essential that we become priests – priests
who are actively carrying out their duties in the house of God.
● SIN/HOLINESS: individuals still have hidden sins or serious flaws in their character. Frequently, it
is when we attempt to serve others, that these things are exposed. As we begin to minister we
realize how our own life needs changing and this stimulates us to seek the Lord for deliverance.
● Not only is spiritual ministry necessary for our own growth, it is also important for the progress
of others. Regardless of your spiritual abilities or function in the body, there are others who need
what you have. You rob the church when you don’t serve. In His wisdom, our Father has
constructed the church so that each member is dependent on the rest. Therefore, for “all to
arrive” at maturity. (Ephesians 4:13).
SPIRITUAL LEADERS & LEADERSHIP
At this point some may ask, “Where do spiritual leaders fit into all this?” but this great blessing does not mean that we should reject the authority, function, and office of the minister.
● Raise the Bar not down: However, we must be careful not to misapply Luther’s doctrine of the
priesthood of all believers; he didn’t want to bring pastors down, but rather wanted to raise the
bar for congregation members. While those authorities are a part of the way that God blesses
his church with instruction in sound doctrine, those with churchly authority need the rest of the
body just as much.
● Order not Precluded: The belief in the priesthood of all believers does not preclude order,
authority or discipline within congregations or denominational organizations.
● Leadership is both scriptural and necessary for a healthy church situation. However, it is also
commonly misunderstood. The role of a leader is to lead. This does not involve dominating or
controlling others but instead means to “get out in front” spiritually and go! Others will notice
and follow. A leader is the coordinator of the orchestra. Matthew 20:25-26)
● Gifted to lead: The shepherds and teachers of the church are priests just like the rest of the body
of Christ, but the Spirit uniquely gifts them so they can equip the church for their own growth ingrace and the proclamation of the gospel. These shepherds and teachers do not belong to a
higher order of being, as in the medieval understanding.
● Think Captain of the team, leader of the herd or Military leadership-not superiority. A pastor is
not necessarily the best or most gifted just as the conductor of an orchestra is not better or
superior to the members
● Taking Responsibility: If we take more responsibility we put less pressure on the Leaders.
The burden of a true leader is not to “run the church,” but to assist all the rest in fulfilling their ministry –growing into all that God is calling them to be. You can easily recognize such genuine leaders because
they will always be putting the best interest and spiritual progress of the rest ahead of their own. (See
Luke 22:25-26).
