Blake Jennings

Grace Bible Church

“The Price of Privilege”

Malachi 2:1-9

Revelation 5:9-10 provides a vivid explanation is given for the significance of Jesus Christ's death. "And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.'" Priesthood is our calling and destiny. We were created and redeemed to represent God upon the earth. It is our greatest privilege. Malachi warned the priests of his day, and he warns us today, that we should not take God or this privilege lightly.

Noblesse Oblige

– “Nobility obliges”

– Churchill, “The price of greatness is responsibility”

…From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.

—Luke 12:48

Three Reminders:

– A priest’s privileges

– A priest’s responsibilities

– A priest’s consequences

I. A Priest’s Privileges

Ÿ OT Priest – v5a

– Numb 18:7 – access & status

– Numb 18:8,19-21 – excellent “salary”

Ÿ How about us?

1. Realize that we are priests, too

... and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood-- and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father-- ...

—Revelation 1:5-6

2. Realize that we are greatly privileged

▪ True for all believers…

– Intimate access to God’s presence (Heb 10:19-20)

– Supernatural understanding of His Word (1 Cor 2:12-14)

– Supernatural empowerment to walk in holiness (Gal 5:16)

▪ Additional for GBC believers…

– Access to wealth of biblical materials

– Access to unprecedented training opportunities

– Complete freedom to worship and minister

– Vast financial resources

II. A Priest’s Responsibilities

1. Foundation: Revere God (v5)

2. Know the Word (v6a,7a)

3. Live the Word (v6b)

4. Teach the Word (v7b)

III. A Priest’s Consequences

1. Cause greater good or harm to the world

– Great Good – v6b

– Or Devastating Harm – v8

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

—1 Tim 5:8

2. Earn greater reward or greater loss

Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

—1 Cor 9:26-27

Our Application

1. Do I believe I am one of the most privileged people on earth?

2. Do I live out my responsibilities as one of the most privileged people on earth?