In what ways can we offer our "sacrifices" to God today? Opening Scripture “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) From Altar to Everyday Life • Old-covenant sacrifices pointed to the once-for-all offering of Christ (Hebrews 10:10). • Because His work is complete, our sacrifices are now “spiritual” and offered through Him, yet they are every bit as real and pleasing to God. Living Sacrifices—Our Whole Selves Romans 12:1 calls us to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” • Every decision, habit, and relationship is placed on God’s altar. • Daily surrender of mind, motives, and body is “your spiritual service of worship.” • Holiness is not optional; it is the character of the sacrifice God receives. Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.” (Hebrews 13:15) • Verbal praise—spoken, sung, or written—rises like incense. • Gratitude in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) keeps the altar burning day and night. • Confessing His name publicly honors the Lamb who was slain. Sacrifice of Good Works and Generosity “And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) • Acts of kindness to the needy mirror God’s own heart. • Financial gifts for gospel advance become “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) • Time, skills, and possessions are placed at His disposal. Sacrifice of a Contrite Heart “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17) • Genuine repentance is never rejected by the Father. • Humility dismantles pride and keeps worship pure (Isaiah 57:15). Sacrifice of Service in the Body “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another…” (1 Peter 4:10) • Teaching, encouraging, administering, or showing mercy—all are priestly acts. • Pouring ourselves out for fellow believers is compared to an offering (Philippians 2:17). Sacrifice of Gospel Proclamation Apostolic ministry aimed “so that the Gentiles might become an acceptable offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:16) • Sharing the good news is presenting souls to God. • Our testimony, backed by holy living, extends the aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15). Pleasing Aroma to God • Every sacrifice today is offered “through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). • The Father delights when His children mirror the self-giving love of His Son. • These offerings do not earn salvation; they express gratitude for it and manifest the kingdom to the world. |
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