How can we apply the principle of sacrificial obedience in our daily lives? Setting the Scene in Leviticus 9:3 “Then to the Israelites you are to say: ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering, a calf and a lamb—both a year old and without blemish—for a burnt offering.’” • The Lord names the specific animals, their age, and their condition. • The offerings cover both sin (atonement) and burnt (total dedication). • Nothing is left to personal preference; worship begins with listening and doing exactly what God says. Key Principle — Obedience that Costs • Obedience comes first: 1 Samuel 15:22, “Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice.” • Yet the obedience God desires is sacrificial, involving something valuable and unblemished. • True worship still requires giving Him our best, not our leftovers—time, energy, possessions, reputation. Christ, the Perfect Sacrifice, Our Example • Hebrews 10:10 – “we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” • Philippians 2:8 – He “became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” • Because Christ fulfilled the sin offering, our sacrifices are responses of gratitude, not attempts to earn favor. Everyday Ways to Practice Sacrificial Obedience • Daily surrender (Romans 12:1): plan each morning to present body, mind, and schedule to Him. • Time: protect a set, unhurried slot for Scripture and prayer even when busy. • Finances: give firstfruits, not leftovers (Proverbs 3:9); budget generosity before discretionary spending. • Relationships: forgive quickly (Ephesians 4:32), even when pride protests; initiate reconciliation when wronged. • Choices of purity: refuse media, conversations, or habits that blemish the “offering” of your life (Philippians 4:8). • Service: volunteer where no spotlight shines—nursery duty, visiting shut-ins, cleaning after events (Hebrews 13:16). • Witness: speak of Christ when it may cost popularity or promotion (Matthew 5:16). Guarding the Heart Behind the Offering • Motive check: love for God (John 14:15) rather than fear of men or desire for applause. • Integrity: the animals were inspected; let private life match public faith (Psalm 139:23-24). • Joyful spirit: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7); sacrificial does not mean begrudging. Encouragement to Persevere • Hebrews 13:15-16—God is pleased with ongoing praise and shared good. • Galatians 6:9—“let us not grow weary in doing good.” • The same God who accepted Israel’s spotless lamb now empowers us through His Spirit to live lives that smell sweet to Him (Ephesians 5:2). |
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