We have a much bigger reason for developing godly character than merely make it into the Kingdom. We are rehearsing our roles as a royal priesthood.

The jeweled arrangement on the breastplate in Exodus 28, arranged in marching order, symbolizes differences in gifts and responsibilities of the tribes.

As future priests, we are going to be given rigorous, hands-on jobs to teach people righteousness and holiness, distinguishing between the sacred and profane.

Old Testament activities picture New Testament realities, elevated to their spiritual intent. The church has been chosen as a royal and holy priesthood.

I Peter 2:5 says that we are to offer up spiritual sacrifices. Here is what that means and how we can do it acceptably before God.

In I Peter 2:5-9, God's people are called a chosen generation and a royal priesthood, God's own distinctive people, commissioned to offer sacrifices.

The primary function of a priest is to assist people in accessing God so that there can be unity with God. A priest is a bridge-builder between man and God.

God puts everyone in the Body as He sees fit. We should be thankful for the role God is preparing us for rather than try to leapfrog to a higher position like Helel.

We are being fitted as lively stones into an already formed Kingdom, being conformed to the image of Christ, who has been designated as the Cornerstone.

God is training us as a holy priesthood, called to offer unblemished sacrifices, honoring His name, putting down pride, presumptuousness, and arrogance.

God has called us as a royal priesthood, one whose spiritual purity cannot be compromised. God's truth works to purify us for His Kingdom.

In Numbers 16-18, God performed several miracles to demonstrate conclusively that not everyone is called to the same function and that He remains the Boss.

We share in Christ's suffering, realizing that glory follows suffering. It may involve enduring hardship, deprivation, duress, and outright boredom.

The Kingdom of God includes a King, territory, citizenry, and laws. The term kingdom (Greek basileia), has a past, present and future application.

Jesus demonstrated the importance of intercessory prayer, a practice urged by Paul for spiritual siblings, family members, rulers, and even enemies.

We must teach God's ways to our offspring, orienting them to the way of give rather than get, admonishing them to purify themselves from the ways of the world.

Jesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.

Mark 1:14 describes Jesus' gospel as "the gospel of the kingdom of God." This statement has far-reaching implications for our beliefs and conduct.

God's people must let go of the world's solutions, involving party spirit, revolutions, and power struggles, placing their trust in the sovereignty of God.

We must learn the lessons of godly leadership now because our positions in the Kingdom will require their use. Society demonstrates a lack of personal leadership.

As God's priesthood, we must draw near to God, keep His commandments, and witness to the world that God is God. God is shaping and fashioning His new creation.

Jesus experienced the same temptations and suffering we do, qualifying Him for the role of High Priest, the bridge-builder between man and God.

The true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.

The Old Testament examples were given to show us what God had to do to pave the way for our calling, sanctification, and ultimate glorification.