In what ways can we offer "burnt offerings" of praise in our lives today? The Old Covenant Picture • Psalm 66:15 recalls literal “fat animals as burnt offerings,” echoing Leviticus 1, where the entire animal was consumed on the altar—nothing held back, rising as “a pleasing aroma to the LORD” (Leviticus 1:9). • The burnt offering illustrated complete surrender, continual fire (Leviticus 6:12-13), and wholehearted devotion. The Fulfillment in Christ • “We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). • Christ’s cross perfected what every burnt offering foreshadowed; no further animal blood is required. • Because His sacrifice is finished, believers now bring a different altar gift: “a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). Our New-Covenant Privilege • Hebrews 13:15-16 defines acceptable sacrifices today: – “the fruit of lips that confess His name” – good works and generous sharing • Romans 12:1 calls us to “present your bodies as living sacrifices.” • 1 Peter 2:5 describes us as “a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Practical Ways to Offer Burnt Offerings of Praise Today • Continual verbal praise – Speak and sing Scripture-saturated worship in private and corporate settings (Psalm 34:1). • Thankfulness in every circumstance – “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), lifting gratitude when life is easy and when it costs. • Obedient lifestyle choices – Yield habits, media, speech, and relationships to God’s standards (John 14:15). • Pure bodies and minds – Treat health, sexuality, and thought life as consecrated to His glory (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Generosity and hospitality – Share time, possessions, and finances with those in need; God calls such sharing a sacrifice He “is pleased” with (Hebrews 13:16). • Serving the church family – Pour energy into teaching children, encouraging saints, maintaining facilities—ordinary tasks become fragrant offerings (1 Colossians 15:58). • Witness and evangelism – Confess Christ openly; every testimony is “fruit of lips that confess His name” (Hebrews 13:15). • Worship in giving – Bring tithes and freewill offerings joyfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), reflecting the costly animals once laid on the altar. • Praise amid trials – When suffering, choose worship like Job (Job 1:21); this “sweet aroma” resembles the smoke of ancient rams. • Persistent intercession – “May my prayer be set before You like incense” (Psalm 141:2); praying for others ascends like continual altar fire. Guarding the Fire • Keep daily Scripture intake—fuel for constant praise (Joshua 1:8). • Cultivate quick repentance; hidden sin dampens the flame (Psalm 66:18). • Surround yourself with worshippers; corporate gatherings stoke personal devotion (Hebrews 10:24-25). Remember the Motivation • We do not sacrifice to earn favor; we respond to mercy already given (Romans 12:1). • Each act of praise says, “Christ offered Himself fully for me; now I gladly offer myself fully to Him.” |
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