The central theme of Pastor Tyler's message was the identity and calling of believers as a royal priesthood. He taught us that we are chosen by God to be intermediaries between heaven and earth, just like Jesus, our High Priest. This calling involves offering our lives as living sacrifices, serving others, and living honorably among unbelievers. Pastor Tyler urged us to embrace a life of holy surrender and loving submission, reflecting the upside-down values of God's kingdom where generosity, humility, and grace are the true measures of power.
1 Peter 2:1-3, Matthew 5:6, 1 Peter 2:4-8, John 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Hebrews 4:14-16, Romans 8:34, 1 Peter 2:11-12, James 3:9-11, 1 Peter 2:13-17, 1 Peter 2:18-25
3. How does understanding our role as intermediaries between heaven and earth change our perspective on our actions and words?
4. In what areas of our lives do we need to practice holy surrender and loving submission?
5. How can we better reflect the upside-down values of God's kingdom in a world that values money, status, and performance?
In 'Holy: Wait..I'm a Royal Priest?' Pastor Tyler shared with us the profound truth that as followers of Christ, we are part of a royal priesthood, called to live holy lives that reflect God's love and mercy. He emphasized that holiness isn't about willpower but about radical surrender to God's will. We learned that we are living stones in God's spiritual temple with Jesus as our cornerstone, and our lives are meant to be a living sacrifice, demonstrating God's goodness to others. Pastor Tyler also highlighted the importance of our words and actions in representing God's kingdom, which operates on principles contrary to the world's values.
Let's ask God daily to help us desire what He calls good and to live out our royal priesthood with honor.
Commit to praying for our leaders more than we criticize, embodying the grace and mercy we've received from God.