Cover to Cover - How We Should Show Up to the World | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

How We Should Show Up to the World | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

ICEBREAKER:

How did you see God move this last week?

Summary:

In this study, we explore the biblical roles of priests, prophets, and kings, as discussed by Pastor Greg Ford. These roles illustrate how believers are called to represent God in the world, embodying His character and purpose. Understanding these roles helps us navigate our responsibilities as followers of Christ and encourages us to engage with the world in a way that reflects God's love and truth.

Key Points

  1. Priests: Represent God to the people and the people to God. They are called to intercede, serve, and lead in worship.

  2. Prophets: Speak God's truth to the people, calling them to repentance and faithfulness. They challenge the status quo and encourage believers to live righteously.

  3. Kings: Exercise authority and leadership in a way that reflects God's justice and mercy. They are called to serve and protect their communities.

  4. Royal Priesthood: All believers are part of a royal priesthood, called to live out these roles in their daily lives, influencing the world for Christ.

    Scripture References

    • 1 Peter 2:9-10: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

    • Exodus 19:6: "And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."

    • Jeremiah 1:5: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Conclusion:

As believers, we are called to embody the roles of priests, prophets, and kings in our interactions with the world. By understanding our identity as a royal priesthood, we can better represent God's love, truth, and justice in our communities. This study encourages us to reflect on how we can actively live out these roles in our daily lives.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can we practically live out our roles as priests, prophets, and kings in our everyday interactions?

  2. In what ways can our church community support each other in fulfilling these roles?

  3. Saul's failure is contrasted with David's actions. How does Saul's response to his mistake (lighting the sacrifice) differ from the way David repented after his sin with Bathsheba, and what does this reveal about their hearts?

  4. The passage mentions Jeremiah 29:11 and its context of the Israelites in exile. How does Jeremiah's message to the exiles challenge the common understanding of separation and rebellion, and what does it teach us about contextualizing faith in different environments?

Guided Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to be part of Your royal priesthood. Help us to understand our roles as priests, prophets, and kings in this world. Give us the courage to speak Your truth, the humility to serve others, and the wisdom to lead with justice and mercy. May our lives reflect Your love and grace, drawing others to You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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