Building A Better Priesthood

I. Introduction (Nehemiah 4:1,2)

A. Back to Nehemiah

1. I sure enjoyed last month’s long emphasis on the Gospel and Mission’s work
2. But I also enjoy the rich truths I find in every chapter of the Book of Nehemiah!

B. A HUGE Building Project was going on

1. Rebuilding broken down walls and gates of Jerusalem
2. The rebuilding was VERY needed - and is STILL needed today - not in Jerusalem, but in people’s lives!
3. You will see that in a few minutes!

C. It is amazing that EACH STONE that the people gathered from the rubble, was a picture of US!

1. Where did the stones come from that the people used?

   • They were not NEW stones…
   • They were the broken stones, burnt stones, cast down, trampled on, dusty, long unused stones just littering the ground
   • From the heaps and piles of rubbish everywhere throughout the city streets of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 4:2)
   • It was from all the rubble, that Nehemiah rebuilt a wall that would endure nearly 500 more years!

2. What was the purpose of those stones?

   • Not for decoration
   • But for defence - To become WALLS, supports, towers
   • Even though the stones were sometimes small, when placed together with so many other stones, they became part of something very big and very important!
   • Fitting together as one massive 21 foot thick wall encircling 3km around the city of Jerusalem

3. How were they fit together?

   • The builders did not have one size of stones - there were an infinite number of shapes and sizes to work with
   • All were different shapes and sizes
   • Some smooth, some jagged
   • Yet the builders carefully chose each stone and fit it together with other stones to forge this great city wall!
   • Sometimes, they matched each other perfectly
   • Others had to be cut, broken further, shaped to fit together
   • Because they were not admiring the rocks - they were building a WALL!

D. All that stone work was an example of how God wants to work with US

1. Where do people come from that God uses in HIS kingdom?
   • Not NEW people…
   • But the broken ones, burnt ones, cast down, trampled on, dusty, sometimes long unused people just stumbling through life

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” - Mark 2:17

• It is from all OUR rubble, that Jesus rebuilds broken lives that will last FOREVER!

2. What is OUR Purpose?
   • Not for decoration - or for admiration - not for great wealth
   • But to become part of something very big and very important that will LAST!

---

II. You Are a Living Stone (1 Peter 2:5)

A. Ye also, as lively stones

1. Not dead stones - but living ones
2. Animated by the Holy Spirit
3. Part of a spiritual house

B. Are built up a spiritual house

1. God is building something with you
2. You fit together with other believers
3. Together you form God’s temple

C. A holy priesthood

1. Every believer is a priest
2. We have direct access to God
3. We offer spiritual sacrifices

D. To offer up spiritual sacrifices

1. Praise and thanksgiving
2. Good works and sharing
3. Our very bodies as living sacrifices

---

III. Application

1. Do you see yourself as a living stone in God’s building?
2. Are you letting God shape you to fit with others?
3. Are you functioning as a priest - worshipping and serving?
4. What sacrifices are you offering to God?

God is building something beautiful from the rubble of broken lives. Are you letting Him use you in His great building project?