Summary
Highlights
The fourth dimension is participation, which means actively engaging in God's realm to develop spiritual skill and bring forth divine realities on earth. This involves being more than a spectator and allowing oneself to be trained and entrusted with spiritual authority. The prophet Zechariah's experience and John the Baptist's unconventional ministry are examples of participating in heavenly realities. The speaker warns against merely duplicating what others do without genuine participation, which leads to a lack of power and a disconnect between what is preached and what is demonstrated. He emphasizes the need for purity and labor on the altar to truly participate with immortal spirits and bring about tangible change.
The speaker laments the decline of genuine priesthood in the modern church, often replaced by superficial excitement and programs rather than deep spiritual engagement. He argues that this lack of participation leads to a powerless church, unable to impact society effectively. He challenges believers to move beyond inherited stories of faith to personal encounters with God, urging them to drill their spirits and quiet their souls to hear from Him directly. This personal experience is crucial for believers to become true priests, engaging in God's program as intercessors, gatekeepers, or watchers, rather than merely church members.
The speaker begins by stating that the weight of our relationship with God is tied to the depth of our priesthood. He explains that priesthood is the technology that awakens God's power in a believer's life, enabling them to live as kings. Many believers, he argues, live without understanding or engaging in their priestly calling, leading to a diminished experience of God's kingdom. He emphasizes that the ability to live as a king is contingent on a functional priesthood, and without it, one becomes vulnerable to spiritual attacks and a lack of divine intervention.
The first dimension of priesthood is ministering to the Lord, which involves acknowledging who God is and honoring Him for His nature, not just asking for needs. This is a form of prayer that goes beyond mere requests to eulogizing and exalting God. Hannah's prayer, where she praised God's holiness and uniqueness, is cited as an example of effectively ministering to the Lord. The speaker highlights that this deep form of praise comes from an intimate spiritual intercourse with God, revealing aspects of Him that are uniquely discerned by the individual.
The second dimension involves beholding God, an act of appreciating His beauty, glory, and excellence. This is likened to admiring a prized possession, where one finds joy and satisfaction simply by looking. Beholding God transforms the believer, as they are changed into His image. This dimension signifies a deep affection and priority placed on God, demonstrating a profound love and longing for His presence, regardless of immediate needs. It distinguishes mature believers from babes, as their pursuit of God is not driven by needs but by an addiction to His presence.
The third dimension of priesthood is waiting on the Lord. This act acknowledges God's kingship and one's subservience, demonstrating patience and endurance in His presence. Waiting is crucial for receiving strength and ascending to new spiritual heights, as described in Isaiah 40:31. The speaker contrasts this with a hasty generation that often seeks quick results over genuine encounter. He stresses that true waiting proves one's passion for God Himself, not just His blessings, allowing God to entrust more of Himself to those who have the tenacity to wait.