In what ways can we "offer burnt offerings" in our daily lives today? Understanding the Old Testament burnt offering • Leviticus 1:9: “The entrails and legs are to be washed with water, and the priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.” • Entire animal consumed—nothing held back. • Aroma rising heavenward symbolized total devotion and God’s full acceptance of the worshiper. Christ, our once-for-all burnt offering • Ephesians 5:2: “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.” • Every Old Testament flame pointed forward to Calvary; His sacrifice finished the need for animal offerings (Hebrews 10:10). • Because He was wholly given, we who are redeemed are now free—and called—to present ourselves wholly to God. Living sacrifices: the New Testament pattern • Romans 12:1: “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” • 1 Peter 2:5: “You…are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Practical ways to “offer burnt offerings” daily Whole-life surrender mirrors the total consumption of the ancient altar. Each area below can rise like a fragrant aroma when offered in faith and obedience. • Heart loyalty – Begin the day by consciously yielding every decision, plan, and desire to the Lord. – Psalm 51:17: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.” • Loving obedience – Choose God’s commands over personal preference, even in small things; obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). • Worship and praise – Hebrews 13:15: “Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.” – Singing, speaking gratitude, and exalting His character are modern “altar fires.” • Acts of service – Hebrews 13:16: “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Volunteering, helping neighbors, showing hospitality—good works offered for His glory, not ours. • Generous giving – Philippians 4:18: financial gifts described as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” – Budgeting with eternity in view turns money into worship. • Self-denial and holy living – Choosing purity, fasting, or restful Sabbath rhythms declares that God owns our bodies and time. – 1 Corinthians 6:20: “For you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” • Sharing the gospel – Romans 15:16 pictures evangelism as “priestly service” so that the Gentiles become “an acceptable offering.” – Speaking of Christ lets others join the worldwide offering of praise. Keeping the fire burning • Daily communion in Scripture and prayer keeps our hearts on the altar. • Regular fellowship stokes mutual zeal (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Quick confession of sin removes the ashes that smother devotion (1 John 1:9). Each moment yielded, each act of love, each word of praise rises like incense. In Christ we lay ourselves wholly on the altar, and the Father still delights in the aroma. |
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