Priesthood - > is a calling of God, not out of personal ambition (He.5:4)
PURPOSES OF STUDY
a) Understanding the priestly calling of all believers
b) Understanding the qualifications needed to serve as a priest
c) To put into practice our priestly calling as mature believers
KEY SCRIPTURES..... IS. 2:35 , 1PE 2:9
References: Re. 5:9-10, Ex. 19:3-6, Re. 1:6
DEFINITION And BASIC CONCEPTS
- Priests are intermediaries between man and a deity.
** Priesthood is an ancient institution that exists in every religion or society (Ex. 2:16). Priests are like spiritual administrators because they can see in the spiritual and administer the same on earth.
** In Biblical context,priest are intermediaries between God and man . A priest is a minister who performs procedures and ceremonies relating to the worship of God on behalf of a people.
** He is chosen by God from among the people (Ex. 28:1).
HISTORY of PRIESTHOOD
God's ultimate desire for the nation of Israel was for her to be a kingdom of priests. Ex.19:5-11.
-> it changed when Israel was involved in idolatry at Sinai and a hereditary priesthood from the family of Aaron of the tribe of Levi was established. Ex. 28:1.32:25-29
-> Aaron and his descendants became priests and the rest of the tribe of Levi were set apart to be servants in theTabernacle . Nu.1:5.18:22-24, K.8:4
ATTRIBUTES of A PRIEST
He.5:2
> Compassionate (Have feelings for the people)
> Have Humility
> Have Knowledge of God , Mal.2:7
> Spiritually mature
> Able to teach