Darrel C said:One thought, for the purpose of your study, is that we are Priests in this world, acting on Christ's behalf to the lost world. That might be a good avenue of study to include in this.
1Pe 2:5
you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:9
But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD'S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:9
But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD'S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Two quick points, we are a "holy" priesthood, thus comprised only of those born anew, having undergo the "washing of regeneration." And, we are "royal" priesthood, indicating we are part of our King's (Jesus Christ) court.
Our lives and ministries are to be sacred sacrifices, as that is the work of "priests." This phase of our lives as ambassadors of Christ includes our progressive sanctification, where we strive to mirror Christ's holiness, and His sacrificial love for the lost.