We are all priests unto God and, as such, we need to fully realize the tremendous ministry we have as a praising priest. In these great days of Holy Spirit renewal the Lord is making real to us the meaning, function, purpose and responsibility of being a New Testament priest that offers up "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5)

I. God Gave the Plan of the Priesthood to Moses

A. The place where the plan of the priesthood was given was upon Mt. Sinai "...came they into the wilderness of Sinai . . . and there Israel camped before the mount . . . and Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called to him out of the mountain . . ." (Exodus 19:1-3)

B. The conditions of the priesthood were given:

1. ". . if ye will obey my voice." (Exodus 19:5) .

2. ". . . and keep my covenant." (Exodus 19:5)

C. The promise of the priesthood was also given:

". . . then ye shall be a peculiar (rare) treasure unto me . . . and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation . . ." (Exodus 19:5, 6)

II. The Priesthood Was Meant for All the Children of Israel

A. "Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel . . ." (Exodus 19:3)

B. ". . .these are the words which thou shalt speak to the children of Israel . . . " (Exodus 19:6)

C. "And all the people answered together and said, All that the Lord has spoken we will do . . ." (Exodus 19:8)

III. The Children of Israel Broke the Covenant of the Priesthood

They worshipped the golden calf; the condition was broken by idolatry

A. The children of Israel disobeyed God's voice by making a graven image. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me . . . thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image . . . ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold." (Exodus 20:3, 4, 23)

B. . The children of Israel broke God's covenant by worshipping the golden calf. ". . . and I will take you to me for a people and I will be unto you a God, and ye shall know I am the Lord your God . . ." (Exodus 6:5-8)

IV. The Priesthood Became Limited to the Tribe of Levi, Because of the Golden Calf Idolatry

Moses asked, "Who is on the Lord's side?" and the sons of Levi responded. (Exodus 32:26)

NOTE: Just prior to Moses coming back from the mount and dealing with the idolatry of the people, the Aaronic High priesthood had just been intituted by God as He gave Moses the tabernacle pattern on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 28:1). However, the original intent of God was for all the children of Israel to function as ministering priests. This plan was thwarted by the people's rebellion in making and worshipping the golden calf. At this point the priesthood became selective and limited to the Levitical tribe (the Levites).

V. The Promises of the Priesthood is Now Fulfilled in the Church, the New Covenant Priesthood of Believers

A. 1 Peter 2:5: "Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an Holy Priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices . . ."

B. 1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood . . ."

C. Revelation 1:5, 6: ". . . unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God . . ."

D. Revelation 5:9, 10: "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests . . ."

NOTE: When Jesus gave up the ghost at Calvary, the vail in the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom, thus assuring every blood-washed child of God entrance into the holy of holies (His presence) for themselves. It was at Calvary that the New Testament priesthood of all believers was instituted . . . through His precious blood!

VI. The Function of the Priesthood Was to Offer Sacrifices; its Purpose Was to Minister Unto the Lord by Means of Those Sacrifices

A. Under the Old Covenant, physical sacrifices were offered (animals, birds, meal, etc. ) Exodus 28:3: ". . . that he (Aaron) may minister unto me in the priest's office." Four times in Chapter 28 of Exodus God uses the phrase "Minister unto me" to describe the ultimate purpose of the priesthood.

B. Under the New Covenant spiritual sacrifices were offered (praise and worship).

1. 1 Peter 2:5: "Ye . . . are an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by (through) Jesus Christ."

2 1 Peter 2:9: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar (rare) people that should SHOW FORTH (demonstrate) the PRAISES of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.."

3. Hebrews 13:15; "By (through) him therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."

NOTE: From the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, the function and purpose of the priesthood never changed! We are still commanded to minister unto the Lord with sacrifice, or an offering. The Old Covenant sacrifices were animals. Jesus' substitutionary death at Calvary's cross forever abolished the animal sacrifice system. He became our Lamb . . . the Lamb of God! The sacrifice that God desires today is the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to Him. Thus, when we stand in the house of the Lord and offer up our voice and hands in praise and thanksgiving, we are moving into divine fulfillment of our office and ministry as priests unto God. Hallelujah!

VII. The Bible Pattern of Praise for the New Testament Priestly Ministry of the Church is Found in the Psalms

The Psalms are the chief depository of Biblical patterns of praise and worship in the church. The early church used the Psalms as a guide book for worship, as did the first European settlers in America. In the Psalms, David, Asaph, the Sons of Korah, and others, have given us nine primary ways in which to express our heart of worship to the Lord in eternal acts of praise.

A. Three ways to praise with the voice: singing, shouting and speaking praise.

B. Three ways to praise with the hands: lifting, clapping, playing musical instruments.

C. Three ways to praise with our bodies: standing, dancing, bowing/kneeling. Romans 12:1 (NASB): "I urge you theref"re, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your BODIES a living and holy sacrifice acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

VIII. Conclusion

As a praising New Testament priesthood we draw nigh unto God through our ministry of worship unto Him. He has promised to inhabit (dwell) in our praises (Psalms 22:3). Let us continually remember that praise and worship is not something we do only when our flesh feels like it. Our priestly ministry of praise does not depend on our feelings or emotions. Because we are redeemed by his blood, we are priests. And our God is worthy of praise always. Psalm 50:23: "Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth me . . ."

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