20/04/2026
SUNDAY, 19TH APRIL 2026
Teaching by Elder Stanford Denba
Topic: Stages of Priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) — Continued
The priesthood is a spiritual journey through which the Spirit of God progressively prepares believers to represent Him and faithfully execute their duties as priests. This role requires Spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity does not occur instantly, rather, it develops through distinct stages designed to shape character, deepen intimacy with God, and equip believers for spiritual responsibility of priesthood. There are no shortcuts to priesthood, each one of us has to go through certain stages that prepares and qualifies us to priesthood.
The first stage is Calling, which represents God’s divine invitation into His service (Hebrews 5:4). It is not self-appointed but initiated by God Himself. At this stage, God captures our attention, increases our hunger for prayer, and awakens a desire to know Him personally. Just as God revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM,” He begins to reveal His nature and purpose to the one He calls. A believer cannot serve effectively without revelation, because confidence and faith grow from understanding who God truly is. Knowing God, therefore, becomes a personal responsibility marked by pursuit, obedience, and spiritual sensitivity.
The second stage is Cleansing, a process of spiritual purification and preparation of character (Exodus 29:4). After responding to the call, the Holy Spirit begins a refining process that removes ungodly habits, attitudes, and motives. This stage demands discipline, repentance, and separation from sinful patterns. Cleansing prepares the vessel for holy service because anointing does not transform character; it amplifies what already exists. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the believer is shaped, corrected, and made spiritually ready for ministry.
This leads to the third stage, Consecration, where the believer willingly surrenders their life to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1. Personal ambitions are submitted to God’s will, marking a transition from preparation to committed service. Consecration involves daily choices of holiness, obedience, and faithfulness, allowing God’s will to take priority over personal ambitions. It marks a transition from preparation to committed service.
The fourth stage, Identity (Isaiah 61:10), brings spiritual self-awareness in Christ. At this stage, the believer fully understands who they are in God and embraces their calling without fear or comparison. Doubt fades, confidence grows, and spiritual gifts are exercised with clarity. The believer no longer seeks validation from people but walks securely in divine purpose.
The firth stage is fellowship with God (Psalm 27:4). At this stage a believer develops a deep and consistent communion with God. Prayer moves beyond obligation and becomes a lifestyle of intimacy. The believer delights in God’s presence, developing sensitivity to His voice and guidance. Through this intimacy, spiritual authority increases, and the anointing becomes evident through transformed character, wisdom, and manifestations that affirm the calling.
The final stage is Intercession. At this mature stage, God entrusts the believer with spiritual burdens beyond personal needs. Compassion grows, and prayer becomes focused on restoration, justice, and God’s order. Instead of praying out of anger or revenge, the intercessor reflects God’s heart—seeking healing, reconciliation, and transformation for individuals, communities, and the work of God.
Only after passing through these stages is a believer fully entrusted with priesthood—qualified to represent God to people and to stand before God on behalf of humanity
