August 24, 2025
What were the standards of ministerial integrity the Old Testament priests were required to observe to conduct their ministry?
The standards of ministerial integrity for Old Testament priests required…
I. Prioritizing personal obedience over personal affection in the priest’s character and conduct: The priest’s character and conduct (Leviticus 21).
a. Regular priests and high priests: death, family (21:1-16).
b. Physical integrity (21:17-33).
c. How does this look like? (1 Samuel 2:12-25).
II. Prioritizing motivations of the heart over motions of the hands in the exercise of the priestly office: The priest’s competence (Leviticus 22).
a. The trap of entitlement: I am entitled to it (22:1-16).
b. The trap of hypocrisy: Just get it done (22:17-33).
c. How does it look like? (Malachi 1:6-2:9).
Sacred hands must serve a sacred God with sacred hearts.
1. God values integrity in the character and conduct of his servant leaders. Ministry is not just about doing the right thing, but about doing the right thing the right way. God not only looks at the fruit of our hands but at the motivation of our hearts. Are your motivations pleasing to him?
2. The competency of God’s leaders, unlike the world, is not fixated on the results of their profession only, but on the means and attitudes that produce them. God wants his leaders to be holy as he is holy. As Jesus said, “You know the tree by its fruit.” What kind of fruit are you producing?
