Royal Priesthood

Counselling Moments

Key Points:

1. The Priesthood of Believers:

• Rooted in 1 Peter 2:9-10, believers are described as a royal priesthood, called to:
  • Proclaim God’s excellencies.
  • Testify to His transformative grace, drawing others from darkness into His marvelous light.
• The role of a priest includes both being a disciple and making disciples, akin to the Great Commission in Matthew 28.

2. Grace as a Chain Reaction:

• Grace flows through believers, transforming them and enabling them to influence others.
• This "chain reaction" involves:
  • Receiving mercy and grace.
  • Proclaiming God's truth through words and actions.
  • Walking alongside others to guide them toward spiritual growth.

3. Tools for the Priesthood:

Believers are equipped with:

• The Spirit of God: Indwelling presence to guide and empower.
• The Word of God: Scripture to reveal God's truth and instruct discipleship.
• The Ear of God: Prayer as a direct line of communication with God.

4. The Practice of Discipleship:

• Internal Transformation: Believers are called to imitate Christ, not just outwardly but in thoughts, desires, and actions.
• Relational Impact: Relationships (within the church and the world) are seen as opportunities to share God’s grace and truth.
• Ordinary Means of Grace: Meditation on Scripture, prayer, fasting, and spiritual disciplines are highlighted as essential for spiritual growth and effective discipleship.

5. Connecting Scripture to Life:

• Scripture must go beyond insight to effect real transformation.
• Daily engagement with Scripture allows believers to reflect Christ in their actions and decisions, even amid distractions and challenges.
• Believers are encouraged to rely on the Spirit and meditate deeply on God’s Word to stay aligned with His purposes.

Practical Application:

• Self-Reflection: Regularly examine how Scripture informs your life and decisions.
• Helping Others: When counseling or mentoring, connect others' struggles and stories to biblical truths and promises.
• Intentional Living: Cultivate disciplines that keep you focused on God, even amidst life’s distractions.