Sermon on 24 January 2021 by Ps Justin
Introduction
This is the fourth instalment of the assembly series.
But 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 marvellous light; - 1 Peter 2:9
Assembling for divine alignment is about positioning. Position yourself with the will of God, with His promises, with the authority He has given us. You will live a life as a victor. You will live a life in holiness. We have the power of the Holy Spirit. Align yourself with the power of God. You need to know who you are in Christ. Let us look at three areas of alignment.
Message
1. Relationship alignment
Live according to His calling. When you align yourself correctly, everything will be right for you. We are called to preach, to heal and to deliver.
having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, - Ephesians 1:5
We did not choose Jesus. He chose us intentionally. The Holy Spirit makes you able.
elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ; Grace to you and peace be multiplied. - 1 Peter 1:2
2. Anointing alignment
You are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people. You are set aside for serving the King. We are set aside as ambassadors of Christ. We are called to intercede for one another – to pray for one another.
A. We are a royal priesthood.
You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 2:5
Jesus Christ is the cornerstone. We are the living stones. Fix our eyes on the perfector of our faith. What spiritual sacrifices do we make?
(1) Present our bodies as living sacrifices.
This means that we do not conform to the world – conforming to the world means focusing on the world and its desires and not putting God at the centre.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:1-2
How do we renew our minds? Be hungry for the word.
As new-born babies, desire the pure milk of the world, that you may grow thereby, - 1 Peter 2:2
(2) Sacrifice of praise, to do good and to share.
Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. – Hebrews 13:15-16
We give thanks for everything, for this is the will of God.
(3) Share the good news as priests of God’s kingdom
Mark 16:15 tells us about the first commission, to go out and preach the gospel. Matthew 28:19-20 tells us to make disciples; this is the second commission. Teach them to do the things that Jesus taught.
B. We are called a holy nation, His own special people.
Holiness is about being set apart. You are spiritually cleansed. You are set apart for the special work God intended for you. Holiness is an attribute of God that is not inherent to us.
But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, - 1 Peter 1:15
Conduct refers to the way you behave from the inside out. Put on kindness and love.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy bad beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; - Colossians 3:12
Perfect our holiness in the fear of God.
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. – 2 Corinthians 7:1
3. Assignment alignment
Proclaim the praises of Him!
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. – 1 Corinthians 11:26
Be intentional in living a life that pleases Him. God is looking for willingness. Our assignment is our responsibility. It is not about our ability. God will give you the ability.
Closing
We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Walk in the purpose God designed for you and fulfil your calling.
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