I. Where did the Priesthood begin?
Today when the subject of a "priest" is discussed, most think of the Catholic or Episcopal (Church of
England) Churches. However, God's Word declares the believer (the saints) are a "royal priesthood" to offer
up "spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (1Peter.2:5-9, Rev.1:6; 5:10) These denominations
have taken God's Word and added(Deut.12:32, Prov.30:5-6) their traditions(Matt.15:6)to the doctrine of
the Priesthood and have "made the commandment of God of none effect."
A. The priesthood began[7] (in the Old Covenant)
The original purpose of God was "Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on
eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. (Exod.1-19, Acts.7:38, 1Cor.10:1-11, Rom.15:4)) Now therefore,
if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure (1Peter.2:9)
unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests,
(1Peter.2:9) and an holy nation. (1Peter.2:29) The New Testament writers (under the inspiration of God
2Tim.3:16-17) interpreted the Levitical priesthood to be a "shadow" (i.e. a blueprint Heb.9:1-26; 10:1-10)
for our everyday Christian walk before the Lord in the true Tabernacle that the Lord pitched (Heb.8:1-5)
in heavenly places. (Col.3:1-3, Eph.2:6)
B. Priesthood replaced by the Church of the decline (approx. 185 - 210 A.D?)
As the Church declined down into the Dark Ages, there developed an acute distinction between the
clergy [2] and laity / congregation.[3] 210 AD.(?) The "priesthood" of all believers was replaced with
designated priests (185 A.D.?) in direct opposition to God's Word and they (the spiritually declining Roman
Catholic Church) became the interpreters of the Word of God to the people. (The Bible pattern is the Holy
Spirit is the interpreter not a man. John.16:12, 1John.2:27, 1Cor.2:1-14) (Review: Phase. 2 "What happened to
the Church can be compared to the life of Samson)
C. The Priesthood of the believer was restored during Reformation.(1517 AD)
During "the 16th.Century Protestant Reformation, the Reformers rejected the Roman Catholic
doctrine (which was the only Church from the time of the spiritual decline of the Church until the
Reformation. (Review: Samson) of the sacrifice of the mass and the conception of the priesthood that
went with it." [1]
1. Priesthood of Believers was emphasized
The "priesthood of all Christians was emphasized. Consequently, ministers were substituted for priests
in Protestant churches. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
a. However there was still a mixed multitude
The Church of England Reformers retained the title priest in The Book of Common Prayer, in order
to distinguish priests, who can celebrate Holy Communion, from deacons, who are not entitled to do
so." (Encyclopedia Britannica)
b. Man still held on to many of his traditions
As God began to restore His Church, man still held on to many of his traditions and doctrines which
were added (Prov.30:6) to the Word of God during the decline and dark ages. This would eventually
cause some to not move on with the Spirit of God, (John.16:12-15, 1Cor.2:1-14) as He restored the
Church. The Church was now doing the same as the religious leaders that Jesus rebuked. He said
"that they had made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition." (Matt.15:6, Col.2:8)
(1) Note: The restoration / reformation of Ezra and Nehemiah
Their "mixture" hindered the purpose of God. (Ezra.9:1-2, Neh.13:1-24, James.4:1-4) God's
Word to us is to "come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch
not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (2Cor.6:17-18)
(2) They gave Satan the advantage
The apostle Paul warned the Corinthian to be be on alert "Lest Satan should get an advantage
of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2Cor.2:11-12)
Note: "Ministers were generally called clergymen until the 19th century, when the Roman
Catholic heritage of the Church of England was emphasized and priest again became the
common term." (Encyclopedia Britannica)
(Click here for explanation of Church History."What happened to the early Church?")
II. Who were the Priests?
The priesthood began in the Old Testament, when God separated the family of Levi out from
the congregation of the children of Israel to keep the charge of the Tabernacle at Mt. Sinai (Num.1:47-54)
Moses was from the tribe of Levi. (Note: The Tribe / family of Levi was Moses, Aaron (High Priest) and his
sons (the Priesthood) and the Kohathites, Gershonites and the Merarites (The Levites)
A. The family of Levi
After Moses numbered the Children of Israel, the Levites (the family / tribe of Levi) were not
numbered among them. (Num.1:47) Moses appointed "the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony,
(the Tabernacle of Moses) and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall
bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round
about the tabernacle. And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when
the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be
put to death." (Num.1:47-54, Note:v.53)
B. Why did God chose Levi?
The answer is simple. It was God's choice! (1Cor.12:27-29, 1Sam.16:7) God's Words says,"For my
thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are
higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
(Isa.55:8-10, Rom.9:20 / Isa.29:16, 1Chron.21:13)
1. Background check on Levi
a. Leah his mother
His mother was Leah. (Gen.29:1-34) Leah was the daughter of Laban which he used to deceived
Jacob. Rachel was supposed to be given to Jacob first. (In the natural, this is a weakness in his
foundation)
b. A stink in the land
Levi caused a stink in the land with his actions. (Gen.34:25-31) "Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye
have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites
and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me,
and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house." (Another mark against Levi)
c. An Instrument of cruelty.
It was prophesied the Simeon and Levi are instruments of cruelty. (Gen.49:5-7) "Simeon and Levi
are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.
d. Moses came from the lineage of Levi.
And "there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman
conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three
months." (Exod.2:1-4)
e. Stood with Moses
Levi joined themselves with Moses against the sin in Israel, even though part of it. (Exod.32:25)
f. Appointed by God
Levi was appointed by God over the Tabernacle. (Num.1:47-54) "But thou shalt appoint the Levites
over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to
it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and
shall encamp round about the tabernacle."
g. Levi was taken instead of the firstborn. (Num.3:11-13)
2. There is nothing in the background check of Levi that qualifies him
It was God that called and qualified Levi to maintain the House / sanctuary of God, (Num.1:47-54)
to teach, guard, protection, supervised the copying of the Word of God. (1Peter.2:5-9, Rev.1:6; 5:10,
2Tim.2:15; 4:2, Deut.17:8; 24:8; 31:9-13, 2Chron.15:3; 34:15, Neh.8:2) The same is true today! God
has "set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (1Cor.12:18-19)
God has called us out and made us "kingdom of priests" (Exod.19:1-6, 1Peter.2:5 -9) "as it hath pleased
Him." God is no respecter of persons. "For there is no respect of persons with God." (Rom 2:11-12)
"if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."
(James.2:1, 9-10, Jude.1:16, Col.3:25, Prov.24:23)
1. The example of Moses
Moses was God's choice because he was of the lineage of Levi, who was "set" by God to
minister unto Him in the Tabernacle. It was not because he was educated in the ways of Egypt,
even though Moses was. (Acts.7:21-22) In fact, Moses had to go through a "desert experience" to
remove his dependance on the wisdom of this world. Hebrews says,"By faith Moses, when he was
come to years...
a. Refused his Egyptian (worldly) status
(1) Refused his social standing
Refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; (Acts 7:21-22) who "took him up, and
nourished him for her own son. (Acts 7:21-22, Exod.2-4)
(2) Refused the wisdom of (natural) man
Moses "was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and
in deeds. (Acts 7:21-22) When Moses returned from the desert he was "slow of speech and
slow of tongue." He said, "I am not eloquent." (Exod.4:10)
(3) Chose the reproach of Christ
Choosing "rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures
of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ (1Cor.1:19-29; 2:1-14) greater riches
than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward."
(Heb.11:24-27)
2. The example of David
a. Samuel didn't pick David at first
Even the prophet Samuel was taken in by David's older brother's. "When they were come, that
he (Samuel) looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him. But the Lord said
unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused
him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the
Lord looketh on the heart." (1Sam.16:6-7) David was not a warrior, just a "youth" and
inexperienced. (1Sam.17:13)
b. Saul didn't think David could minister ("thou [you] art [are] not able")
Saul which was the "fruit" (Matt.7:15-20) of the "Church in the Wilderness" (Acts.7:38,
1Cor.10:1-11, Rom.15:4) wanting to be "like...all the nations" (1Sam.8:5) that they had should have
defeated and (Judges.2:3)
Note: The Priesthood was replaced by the philosophy of man (185 AD? - Saul) as the
Church declined towards the "dark ages." Some today try to be like David out of respect "put an
helmet of brass upon his head"..."armed" themselves with "a coat of mail." (the philosophies and
doctrines of men / Seminaries / Bible Colleges - Col.2:7-8) They "girded" the sword of Saul
(degree's, diploma's etc.) and "assayed to go" out and lead God's people in the "wrestle...against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places." (Philistines) (Eph 6:12-13)
When all is said and done, the result will be be the the same of David. He said to Saul (the
philosophies and doctrines of men / wisdom of men / Seminaries / Bible Colleges - Col.2:7-8)
"I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him."
(1Sam.17:38-40)
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a
shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom
thou hast defied. (1Sam.17:45-46) David was victorious!
c. The Philistines didn't think David could minister
The "Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the
Philistine cursed David by his gods." (1Sam.17:43-44) David would have been defeated wearing
Saul's Armour, (i.e. the philosophy and doctrines of men) which evident in the Church world
today!
3. The example of the apostles
(1) One was a Tax Collector
After "these things he (Jesus) went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, (Matthew -
Matt.9:9, Mark.2:14) sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And
he left all, rose up, and followed him. (Luke 5:27) Matthew was not selected as an apostle
because of his ability to collect taxes. In fact the giving of money in the Kingdom of God
economy is a "cheerfully" and "voluntary / freewill"
(2) Some were fishermen
Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his
brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers." Matt 4:18-19, Acts.4:13)
(3) One was a doctor
The apostle spoke of "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you." (Col.4:13-15)
Luke was a Gentile. (Easton Bible Dictionary)
(4) A Pharisee of Pharisee's
Paul says, "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh
that he hath whereof he I might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the
stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a
Pharisee." (Phil 3:4-5) However this was but "dung" as far as the Kingdom of God was
concerned.
Look at the parallel between Moses and Paul!
(a) Refused his social standing. Refused to be called a Pharisee. It's all "dung. (Phil.3:1-5)
"Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord
gave to every man?" (1Cor.3:5)
(b) Refused the wisdom of (natural) man. Moses and Paul were learned in all the wisdom
of this world, (Phil.3:1-15) mighty in words and in deeds. (Acts 7:21-22) When Moses and
Paul turned from the desert (Gal.1:17) they were "slow of speech and slow of tongue."
(1Cor.2:4) They both said they were "not eloquent." (Exod.4:10) Moses provided the
blueprint and Paul interpreted the blueprint.
(c) Chose the reproach of Christ. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish
foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will
destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the
prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath
not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the
world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save
them that believe." (1Cor.1:18-21)
II. It is the Spirit of that qualifies you as a priest
For "ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, (there
are some but) not many noble, (however, there are some) are called: But God hath chosen the foolish
things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound
the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God
chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh (anything that is
my abilities) should glory in his presence." (1Cor.1:26-29) This is the key!
A. The family of Levi was divided into three parts
These are the sons of Israel; (Jacob) Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,
Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. The sons of Levi were "Gershon, Kohath, and
Merari. And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. And the children of Amram;
Aaron,and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
1. Aaron was given the responsibility of the High Priest
Once a year, on the day of atonement, Aaron was to make atonement for the sins (Lev.16:1-34;
23:23-44, Heb.9:1-10, Note:Lev.16:17) Aaron had other responsibilities throughout the year
2. The sons of Aaron was given the responsibility of the Priesthood
God told Moses "thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or
of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice, and bringeth
it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the Lord; even that
man shall be cut off from among his people." (Lev.17:8-11) This was because...
a. The Priesthood was at the door (They were there all the time. "Continually")[5]
Moses was told to "appoint the Levites (Aaron the high priest, The sons of Aaron the
Priesthood and Levities / Gershon, Kohath, and Merari) over the tabernacle of testimony, and
over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle,
and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, (continually)[5] and shall encamp
round about the tabernacle." (Num.1:50)
b. There responsibility was to offer the correct offering at the right time.
The Children of Israelhad to bring their offering to the priest. "If any man of you bring an
offering unto the Lord, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the
flock. If his offering be a burnt sacrifice (Sin, Trespass, Meal or Peace offering...he shall offer
it...at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord...And the sons of Aaron
(the Priesthood)the priestshall put fire upon the altar, And the priests, Aaron's sons, shall
lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that is on the fire which is upon the
altar. (Note: The stranger would die if he approached the Altar. (Lev.1:3-9, Num.3:38-39) This
was the only place of sacrifice! (Lev.17:8-11)
(1) The Sin Offering (Compulsory)
All have sinned (Gen.2:17; 3;1-24) Everyone must offering this offering. No exceptions!
(Compulsory) The "Sin Offering" provided atonement for the sin of the priest, for the
congregation, for the ruler and for the people. (Lev.9:1-2, Num.6:11; 8:5-8, Deut.12:1-16,
Josh.22:1-29, Ezra.8:35, Neh.10:33, Ezk.45:17) In the reality in the New Covenant (Eph.2:1,
Gen.2:17, Rom.5:12, Heb.10;6-18) Everyone must be born again. (compulsory)
(2) The Trespass Offering (Compulsory)
Under the Old Testament the Sin Offering covered their sin before God. The Trespass
Offering covered the trespasses or faults of "the Church in the wilderness." These were
trespasses against God and each other. (Acts.7:38, Lev.6:2-7, Gen.31:36-42; 50:17, Lev.14:1-28;
19;20-22; 22:10-16; 26:1-40, Josh.7:1; 22:11-20, 1Sam.6:3) In the reality in the New Covenant
(Matt.6:14-15; 18:35, Mark.11:25) Everyone must forgive men their trespasses (offenses,
Matt.5:23) or God will not forgive yours! (Compulsory)
(3) The Burnt Offering (Voluntary)
Under the Old Testament (Covenant) the "Burnt Offering" is offered "of his own voluntary
will" (Lev.1:9) This is one of the differences between the Sin Offering, and Trespass Offering
which were compulsory. Another difference is in how this "Burnt Offering" was offered. It was
offered in consecration and separation. (Num.6:13) re-dedication, being set apart,
(Josh.18:31) and humbly asking counsel from God. (Judges.20:26) David, who was "a man
after God's own heart" (Acts.13:22) offered the Burnt Offering when the Ark (i.e. God's presence
with them. Exod.25:8-22) was returned. (1Sam.6:15; 10:8; 13:12, 2Sam.6:17, 1Chron.6:1) Solomon
dedicated the Temple with the Burnt Offering. (2Sam.24:24) In the reality in the New Covenant is
in our consecration (Phil.3:1-15, 1Thes.5:23) dedication(Eph.5:21-33) that is beyondour sin or
trespass offering (Rom.12;1-2) "Beseech" - Voluntary[8]
(4) The Meal (Food) Offering (Voluntary because it does not redeem you)
Under the Old Covenant there was no blood sacrifice with this offering. (Lev.2:1-2)
It has nothing to do with atonement for sin, our trespasses or our consecration unto the
Lord. (Lev.2:1-2; 9:4,17; 14:10, 20, 31; 25:6, Num.6:13-21, 1Kings8:4, Neh.10:33, Joel.2:14,
Mal.3:10) It was the "fruit of the ground," it was a voluntary(Num.29:39) "Meat" (i.e.
food) offering made of fine flour. Even though it was not a blood sacrifice, it had to be
offered on the Brazen Altar (Lev.2:2)and totally consumed with fire for a sweetsmelling
savor, (Lev.2:2) It should also be noted that, there was no leaven allowed in this offering.
(Lev.2:11) In the reality in the New Covenant. "For by grace are ye saved (The Sin Offering)
through faith...unto good works, (The Meal / Food / Meat Offering) Eph.2:8-10
(5)The Peace Offering (Voluntary because it does not redeem you)
This offering was made through blood sacrifice upon the altar, (Lev.3:2-3) for a sweet savor,
(Lev.3:5) but not for atonement.[9] The Sin Offering atoned for our sin. The Trespass atoned
for our offenses and faults towards God and each other and Burnt Offerings. The Peace
Offeringwas a "freewill" offering of our thanks and worship for God redeeming us. There
is nothing about "freewill" the atoning blood of the Sin and Trespass offering.
Under the Old Covenant the "Peace Offering" was a "freewill" offering of thanksgiving.
(Ezekiel.46:12, Lev.19:5; 22:21-29, Num.4:13-21, Judges.20:26, 1Sam.11:15, 1Kings.8:63, 1Chron.16:1-
2, 2 Chron.30:22; 33:16, Amos.5:22) The Hebrew word for "peace" is requital, i.e. a voluntary
sacrifice in thanks. Note: (Lev.17:15) It was to be the best with no blemishes. (Lev.22:21-25)
Failure to give the best, is robbing God. (Mal.1:8; 3:8) In the reality in the New Covenant
NOTE: the connection between the Golden Altar of Incense and the Peace offering.
c. There was an order for these offerings
The priest's were responsible for offering these offerings in the correct order. (1Cor.14:40)
If these offerings were out of order, they will be rejected as Cain's was. (Gen.4:1-4, 1John.3:12-16,
Jude.1:11, Matt.5:23 / leave your gift - order)
(1) What did Cain offer (Woe to them...[that] have gone in the way of Cain)
Cain offered the "fruit of the ground," (the voluntary meal /meat / food / grain offering a
correct offering but...) and ignoredthe compulsory the Sin Offering. (The "firstlings" (lamb)
of the flock)[9]Watch out! for the Cain doctrine in these last days. (Jude.1:5-11) The first fight
was over religion, (Gen.4:1-4) so will the last fight. (2Thes.2:3-11, Rev.13:4; 16:12-16)
(2) The world's counterfeit five offerings
This world has a counterfeit Sin Offering. (Goodness towards humanity and the
environment) Trespass Offering. (Appeasing no offenses, comprise) Burnt Offering.
(Consecrating themselves to causes). A counterfeit Meal Offering, (announcing their giving
and good works) and a counterfeit Peace Offering. (Praising the gods of silver and gold)
III. The priests were responsible to sacrifice on the only Altar
Today, most think of "the altar" as being a bench in the front of the Church. However, the "Most High
dwelleth not in Temples made with hands."(Acts.7:47-48) There is no sacred property in the New
Testament. We are the sacred property, the "holy Temple."(Eph.2:20-22, 1Peter.2:5) We are the ground.
(2Cor.4:7) The "altar" that God recognizes under the New Covenant (Testament) is the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Heb.13:10) The altar was the only place of sacrifice. (Lev.17:1-11, 1Peter.1:18-20) The altar was the only
place where blood was shed to provide atonement. (Lev.17:1-11, Exod.30:9, John.14:6, 1Tim.2:5) Man-made
"altar's" in the front of the Church could never do this! Even in the Tabernacle model, God said that He had
"no pleasure" in the Brazen Altar because it could never take away sin.(Heb.10:1-10)
(Click here for explanation of Tabernacle structure below)
A. Every offering (sacrifice) must be placed on the only true Altar
Peter wrote that the Church (the Body of Christ) "as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an
holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (The Altar)
(1Peter.2:5-6)
1. All five offerings must be placed on the true Altar
The Sin Offering, (Atonement for your Sin) the Trespass Offering, (Your faults towards God and
each other after salvation) the Burnt Offering, (Your Consecration and separation after salvation)
the Meal (Meat, Grain) Offering, (Your good works / giving of materials things) and the Peace
Offering. (Your worship and thanksgiving) These offerings are ONLY "acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ." (The Altar Heb.13:10, John.14:6, 1Peter.2:5-6)
2. This is our responsibility as steward / priests of God's Word.
How is our stewardship? The Spirit has placed us as "a house-distributor (i.e. manager), or
overseer" over the Word of God. Will our reward be "Well done, thou good and faithful servant,"
(Matt.25:14-30,or are we being a "slothful" with your responsibilities as a priest?
3. Are our sacrifices lame, blemished?
"And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings (or any of the offerings) unto the Lord to
accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there
shall be no blemish therein. (Lev.22:17-23, Mal.18; 3:8)
a. No defective (blemished) offerings!
Blind,[10] or broken, [11] or maimed, [12] or having a wen, [13] or scurvy, [14] or scabbed,[15]
ye (you) shall not offer these unto the Lord, nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar
unto the Lord." (Lev.22:21-23) Note: The Prophet Malachi During the time of the Prophet Malachi,
the priesthood had this problem. (Mal.3:8; 1:6-14) They were offering the "left-overs." They were
offering sacrifice, but they were not being "good and faithful servants."
Note: There is no place for any "blemish" in our Sin Offering, (Atonement for our Sin) our
Trespass Offering, (Our faults towards God and each other after salvation) our Burnt Offering,
(Our Consecration and separation after salvation) our Meal (Meat, Grain) Offering (Our good
works / giving of materials things) and our Peace Offering. (Our worship and thanksgiving) If there
is a "blemish" we are robbing God! (Mal.3:8)
4. Do your sacrifices have that "sweet smelling savor?"
The Lord smelled a sweet savour; (of Noah's sacrifice) and the Lord said in his heart, I will not
again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his
youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done." (Gen 8:21-22)
a. The Sweet Savour (Savor)
The "sweet savour" made the offering acceptable. (Lev.1:9; 2:2, 9, 12) That "sweet savour"
points to (foreshadows Heb.10:1, Matt.5:17-19) Christ. God's Word says, "Christ...hath given
himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (Eph 5:2-3,
Matt.5:17-19, Heb.10:1)
b. The Philippians offering was a "odor of a sweet smell"
The offering (i.e. The meal / Grain Offering) from the Philippians was a "odour of a sweet smell,
a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God." (Phil 4:18-19) As a priesthood the preeminence of
Christ (Col.1:18) must be in our offering / sacrifice. This makes us acceptable to God! Not as the
"hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that the may have glory of men." (Blemish!)
Matt.6:1-4
V. The Priests had the responsibility for blowing trumpets
Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them
for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps. And when they shall blow with
them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the
congregation. And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the
thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee. When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie
on the east parts shall go forward. When ye blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that lie on the
south side shall take their journey: they shall blow an alarm for their journeys. But when the congregation
is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an
ordinance for ever throughout your generations. (To be continued....)
IV. The Priests the sons of Levi / teach the Word of God
Moses "wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant
of the Lord, and unto all the elders of Israel. And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven
years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, When all Israel is come to appear
before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their
hearing. Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy
gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the
words of this law." (Deut 31:9-13)
A. As Priests we are to "go teach all nations."
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am
with you alway,even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matt 28:19-20) Peter writes, "Be ready to give
ananswer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope (Col.1:26-27) that is in you with
meekness an fear." (1Peter.3:15)
1. Teaching requires preparation!
As a priest we need to study / "rightly divide' the Word of God. Study (do (give) diligence, be
diligent), endeavor, labour, study. Show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Tim.2:15)
2. As priests we need to be separated unto God
We need to "sanctify (to set apart. Note: Num.1:47-54)[4] "the Lord God in your hearts: and be
ready (as a Priest) always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that
is in you with meekness and fear" (1Peter.3:15)
B. The Hebrews Christians should have been "teaching Priests"
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, (Deut.31:9-11, 2Chron.15:3, 1Peter.2:5,9) ye have need
that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as
have need of milk (Context: first principles of the doctrine of Christ Heb.5:10-13; 6:1-3) and not of strong
meat." (Jesus a High Priest after the order of Melchishedek / Perfection Heb 5:12-13) This was written to
the Hebrew Christians, not just to the "teachers" (Eph.4:11) that God had set (1Cor.12:18, 28) amongst
them.
1. There is the gift of a "teacher" that God has set in the Church.
However this (Eph.4:11-16) does not release every member of the Body of Christ from fulfilling
their responsibility of teaching all nations. (Matt.28:19)
a. When Jesus ascended
He "gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors
and teachers." (Eph 4:11-12)
b. Are all apostles?
Are all prophets? are all (Eph.4:11) teachers? are all workers of miracles? (1 Cor 12:29-30) "Now
there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and
Simeon" (Acts 13:1)
c. The Eph.4:11 "teacher" is given
"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect
man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Eph.4:12-14, 1Cor.13:9-12) This
ministry to the Church is universal (world wide) as foreshadowed by the Church in the wilderness.
(Num.10:1-10)
To be continued......
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There is the "blemishes" that prevented the Priests from ministering
There were the garments that they wore while ministering
There are the qualifications of a Levites
your paragraph here.
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