Consider: what
does it mean to be church while you're shopping for groceries, hanging out at
the beach, or in a meeting at work?
The priesthood of
believers, described in 1 Peter 2, helps us answer that question. Take a moment
to read verses 1 to 10.
The nature of our work. The church is called, equipped, and
expected to function as a priesthood, carrying out this work by offering
sacrifices of praise and service whether we are gathered or dispersed. Wherever
we are and whatever we do, we have the responsibility to do the work of
praising God and serving others.
The context of our work. We work, rest, and play in the midst of
Jesus' Kingdom, for he is Creator and Lord of all, and he rules all. As the
priesthood of believers, we are called to serve Jesus in the context of his
redemptive reign, and to do so in ways that honor him and expand his Kingdom.
Even now, Jesus is redeeming and delivering people from evil and invading the
toppled realm of Satan, and we are called and equipped to partner with him.
The work of TFB. Our work as the priesthood of believers
is our highest priority, and this priority has implications for our life
together as TFB.
1. Let
us take our communal life seriously. Whether gathered as the church or dispersed into the dailies of life,
we are his priesthood, offering the spiritual sacrifices of praise and service
in the company of our siblings.
2. Let
us take our unity seriously. We are one in Jesus by the Spirit, and our work as the priesthood of
believers is not a matter of each alone but all as one. There is no place in
the church for isolation or division Our love for one another is the most
important piece of evidence that we belong to Jesus.
3. Let
us decide and keep deciding to put Jesus and his Word first. We must be willing to follow Jesus into
new paths, remaining ever willing to carry out TFB's priesthood in ways that
may be very different than anything we've done before.
TFB has work to
do in this world, and our corporate identity as the priesthood of believers
summarizes that work. Let us decide together to put our shoulders to the work.
