More than Ordinary Living as a Royal Priesthood

From the Series: Ordinary Saints: Lessons from the Ante-Nicene Church

_{Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version®.}
^{Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.}

When the apostle Peter wrote his first letter, he addressed believers who had been scattered throughout Asia Minor because of growing hardship and persecution (1 Peter 1:1). Many were ordinary men and women living far from positions of influence or prestige. Some faced rejection by their communities, uncertainty about the future, and pressure to abandon their faith. To these believers, Peter did not begin by reminding them of what they had lost. Instead, he reminded them of who they had become through Jesus Christ.

“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV).

These words were far more than encouragement during difficult times; they declared a new identity rooted in Christ. Before, these believers thought of themselves in terms of their occupations, social standing, or circumstances; now they were to understand that they belonged to God. Through Christ, they had become part of His royal priesthood; a people set apart to worship Him, represent Him, and proclaim His excellencies to the world.

That same truth remains just as powerful today. Before we think of ourselves as parents, employees, students, neighbors, or even members of a local church, Scripture reminds us that our first identity is found in Christ. Everything we do flows from who we have become through Him.

To appreciate the richness of Peter’s words, it helps to remember the role of the priest under the Old Covenant. Priests did not choose this ministry for themselves. God called them, cleansed them, and consecrated them for His service. They taught His Law, offered sacrifices, led the people in worship, and interceded on their behalf. Their lives continually pointed beyond themselves to the holiness of God and humanity’s need for reconciliation with Him.

Through the finished work of Christ, our Great High Priest, that ministry has been transformed under the New Covenant. Priestly service is no longer confined to one tribe within Israel. John celebrates this truth in Revelation, declaring that Christ “has made us kings and priests to our God” (Revelation 5:10). Every believer now shares in the privilege of drawing near to God through Christ and serving Him according to the gifts He has graciously given.

This does not mean believers replace Christ’s priesthood. Rather, our ministry flows from His perfect and eternal priesthood. Because He offered Himself once for all as the perfect sacrifice for sin, we no longer bring animal sacrifices before God. Instead, we present ourselves as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). We intercede for others in prayer, proclaim the gospel as Christ’s ambassadors, encourage fellow believers, and participate in His ministry of reconciliation. These are not separate callings reserved for a select few; they are natural expressions of the new identity every believer has received in Christ.

The Christians of the Ante-Nicene Church understood this well. Although they recognized pastors, elders, and deacons within the local assembly, they also understood that every believer had a part to play in the life and mission of the Church. Ministry was never viewed as the responsibility of church leaders alone. Ordinary men and women prayed for one another, cared for widows and orphans, welcomed strangers into their homes, shared the gospel with their neighbors, and strengthened fellow believers during seasons of persecution. Clement of Rome reflected this shared responsibility when he wrote, “Let each one serve as he has been gifted, for we are all part of one priesthood under the Lord.” His words remind us that while our gifts differ, our calling to serve Christ belongs to every member of His Body.

That same calling continues today. Living as a royal priesthood is often expressed in the ordinary moments of life rather than the extraordinary ones. A parent patiently teaching a child to forgive, an employee choosing integrity when no one else is watching, a neighbor quietly serving someone in need, or a believer faithfully praying for a struggling friend may never receive public recognition. Yet these ordinary acts become sacred offerings when they are done in love and obedience to Christ. The world may see simple acts of kindness, but God sees hearts faithfully reflecting His Son.

At times, believers may feel inadequate or wonder whether they are truly equipped for such a calling. The good news is that our priesthood is not earned through spiritual achievement. It is received through our union with Christ. As we abide in Him, the Holy Spirit continues to shape our character, strengthen our faith, and prepare us for every good work. Growth is often gradual. Like the early believers, we learn faithfulness one step of obedience at a time, discovering that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.

The beauty of this priesthood is also found in the community it creates. God never intended His people to serve Him in isolation. As members of one Body, we strengthen one another through prayer, encouragement, hospitality, discipleship, and bearing one another’s burdens. Whether gathered in homes, meeting as a local congregation, or simply walking alongside one another through the ordinary rhythms of life, believers reflect Christ most clearly when they serve together in love. As each person faithfully exercises the gifts God has entrusted to them, the whole Church is strengthened, and His character becomes more visible to the world.

The early Church reminds us that a royal priesthood is not defined by titles, positions, or public recognition. It is revealed in lives faithfully surrendered to Christ. Every act of worship, every prayer offered in faith, every word of encouragement, and every quiet act of service bears witness to the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

As we reflect on Peter’s words, we are invited to see ourselves as God sees us, not merely as individuals striving to live moral lives, but as people set apart for His purposes. Our calling is not rooted in what we have accomplished but in what Christ has accomplished on our behalf. As we walk with Him each day, our ordinary lives become opportunities to reflect His extraordinary grace. May we embrace this calling with humility and gratitude, serving faithfully wherever He has placed us, so that in both our worship and our witness, Christ is made known.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for calling me into Your royal priesthood through Christ. Teach me to depend upon You each day, serving faithfully wherever You have placed me. May my life reflect Your holiness, Your compassion, and Your truth, so that others may see Your grace through me. Amen.