The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

6. PRIESTHOOD - BROKEN COVENANT - TABERNACLE SET-UP (Exodus 28:1 - 40:38)

6.1. DETAILED REGULATIONS FOR PRIESTHOOD

6.1.1. DETAILS OF CHOOSING THE PRIESTLY FAMILY (Exodus 28:1)

Exodus 28:1 "Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons ..."

The priesthood in Israel was established in Aaron and his sons of the tribe of Levi. Aaron as the high priest is typical of Christ. Our Lord is an eternal, deathless High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. The Aaronic pattern illustrates much about Christ and His work. The near relationship of Moses and Aaron reminds us of the greater closeness of the eternal Father and the Son, who was in the bosom of the Father from all eternity (John 1:18 ). Though Aaron was a God-given picture of Christ, in addition he is to be contrasted with Christ. (Hebrews 5:1-10, 7:11-28 ). The sons of Aaron represent the people of Christ, of whom He is the everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6 ).

Hebrews 2:13 "... Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."

We as believers are a kingdom of priests (Revelation 5:10 ). From among that he may minister to Me. (Exodus 28:1-3 ). Believers are taken from among men (1 Peter 2:9 ). Christ Jesus was called of God to be a Priest.

Hebrews 5:4-6 "And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You'. As He also says in another place: 'You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek';"

Those who make up a kingdom of priests are called out and set apart to Him. In the Old Testament, priests, kings, and prophets were called to serve God in their respective ways - all these functions are united in the Holy Spirit filled people today. All ministry is to the Lord who gifts, appoints, and places. Whatever your service gift (Romans 12:6-8 ) it is to the Lord.

Exodus 28:3 "So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest."

As a sacrificing Priest Christ Jesus offered Himself. (Ephesians 5:25 ). The sacrifices of believers are those of praise and thanksgiving, and doing good (Hebrews 13:15-16 ). The New Testament speaks of no other sacrifices, only of Christ's once for all perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27 ) and our continued sacrifice of lip and life.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

After what order was the priesthood of Christ (Hebrews 5:6 )?
- How is the superiority of your great High Priest seen in being contrasted with Aaron's (Hebrews 5:1- 10; 7:11-28 )?
- What is your privilege as a member of God's family of priests?
- Do you rejoice in your gifting, anointing and appointment and placement (Romans 12:6-8 )?
- As a priest, what are you to offer (Hebrews 13:15-16 )?
To whom did the gifted artisans (Exodus 28:3 ) owe their spirit of wisdom?
- Do you recognise that you were born with natural gifts from God?
- To fulfill your abilities, do you depend on the Holy Spirit to exceed your potential?
- What is meant by being filled with the spirit of wisdom (Exodus 28:3; Ephesians 1:17 )?