Preacher: Pastor (Dr) Otive Igbuzor
Text: Rev 1:6; Rev 5:10 and Ex 28:1 Date: 10/3/24
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Introduction
The month of March is our month of Making Progress as Kings and Priests (Rev 1:6; 5:10 and Ex 28:1). As Kings, we are called to rule and reign on the earth (Rev 1:6; 5:10). As Priests, we are called to intercede and minister unto the Lord (Ex 28:1).
Understanding Our Identity
The beginning point for making progress as Kings and Priests is to understand our identity as Kings and Priests. If we know who are, then we will be able to operate in those offices.
Rev 1: 6-And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV)
Rev 5:10-And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (KJV)
Kings and Priests exercise authority and represent God’s will on earth.
Progress as Kings
Kings rule. We will make progress as Kings this month by ruling in our spheres of influence: family, neighbourhood, career, business, finances, health, ministry.
Prov 29:2-When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. (KJV)
Wherever we find ourselves, we will rule with integrity, compassion and justice.
Our progress as Kings is not measured in wordly standards of wealth and power but by our obedience to God’s word and impact on the lives of others.
Progress as Priests
Priest do the work of ministry. As Priests, we will make progress in ministry work. In other to do this, we should draw closer to God and lead others to his presence.
1 Peter 2:5-Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (KJV)
The Functions of a Priest: Lev 21 and Heb 5:1-5; 8: 3-6
· Conduct of worship
· Making sacrifices on behalf of others
· Represent believers in matters relating to God ie mediate between God and his people
· Provide guidance for those who lack knowledge
The main work of a Minister are:
- Prayer- Mark 1:35
- Visitation Mark 1: 29-31
- Teaching (Counselling and Preaching)- Mark 1: 38-39
- Interaction’ Mark 1: 16-17 . The minister makes personal contact with the people. Engages in informal discussions. Interaction makes people stay; makes people feel important. You can promote interaction by organising camps, social events, celebrating or mourning with each other.
Key to Progress
In order to make progress, we need to focus on prayer, obedience, faithfulness and sacrifice.
a. Prayer- Luke 18: 1-And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; (KJV)
b. Obedience- Deut 28:1-And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: (KJV)
c. Faithfulness Matt 25: 21-His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (KJV)
d. Sacrifice: Sacrifice is giving up something valuable for the sake of something else. Time, position, money and love are valuable. It takes sacrifice to give them up.
· Sacrificing self for others: Phil 2: 3-4- Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (NIV)
· Sacrifice in giving: 2 Cor 9: 6-7 – Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV)
· Sacrificing comfort for growth Rom 12: 1- I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (KJV)
Challenge
Why were you created? What is God’s purpose for your life? Are you reigning as a King? Are you doing the work of ministry?
Conclusion
In this month of March, we will rediscover who we are. As we know God’s purpose for our lives, it will reduce stress, simplify our decisions, increase our satisfaction and prepare us for eternity. We we will make progress as Kings and Priests. As we make progress, we will bring glory to God. As we bring glory to God, He will meet us at the point of our needs in Jesus name.
Prayer Points
· Father, help me to know who I am as a King and Priest
· Father, empower me to rule in every area of my influence
· Almighty God, help me to do ministry work
· Jesus, meet me at the point of my need.