O Priests, This Command is for You

“The Scriptures warn that the greatest danger to the church today is not outside the church, but within—when God’s priests fail to listen, fear, and walk in His ways.”

Sermon Summary

The Scriptures teach that God holds His priests to a serious calling, because they are entrusted to represent His name, His truth, and His ways. From Malachi to Timothy, a consistent warning sounds across the centuries: when those who speak for God are unfaithful, the damage is severe and far-reaching.

The Scriptures reveal that God speaks directly to His priests, calling them first to listen. Those who claim to be messengers of the Lord must spend time before Him, learning His voice, lest they speak without truly hearing. Alongside listening, the Scriptures call priests to honor the name of the Lord—not only in speech, but by upholding His character as loving, good, just, and worthy, even while wrestling honestly with hard questions.

The Scriptures further teach that the covenant with Levi was marked by fear of the Lord. This fear is not mere trembling, but recognizing God’s greatness, submitting to His commands, delighting in His presence, trusting Him when understanding fails, and placing hope in Him alone. Where this fear is absent, instruction becomes corrupted.

God’s priests are also charged to guard knowledge and teach truth faithfully. When they stop listening, honoring, and fearing the Lord, they begin teaching their own wisdom, shaping God into their own image, and causing many to stumble. Finally, the Scriptures insist that priests must walk in God’s ways, living lives of integrity that match their teaching, lest they become whitewashed tombs.

The Scriptures warn that failure in these callings leads to cursed blessings and public disgrace. Yet they also clarify that this call extends beyond ministers alone. As a royal priesthood, all God’s people are summoned to listen to Him, honor His name, fear the Lord, teach His truth, and walk faithfully in His ways.

Sermon Text: Malachi 2.1-9

Date: January 18, 2026

Preacher: Todd Pylant

Watch & Listen