In what ways can we embrace sacrificial living as described in 2 Corinthians 4:12? Setting the Scene: “Death in Us, Life in You” “ So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” (2 Corinthians 4:12) Paul faces hardship so others can receive spiritual life. Sacrificial living, then, means allowing personal cost to produce blessing in others. Motivations That Fuel Sacrifice • Love for Christ – “Christ’s love compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). • Gratitude for salvation – “I urge you… present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). • Hope of resurrection – “He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us” (2 Corinthians 4:14). What Sacrificial Living Looks Like Today • Laying down comfort to advance the gospel. • Choosing integrity when deceit would be easier. • Giving time, resources, and energy so others flourish spiritually. • Accepting obscurity so Christ is seen. Practical Pathways to Live It Out 1. Serve where needs outweigh applause. – Philippians 2:17: “even if I am being poured out like a drink offering… I rejoice.” 2. Carry another’s burden. – Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” 3. Speak truth despite risk. – 2 Timothy 2:10: “I endure all things for the sake of the elect.” 4. Practice daily self-denial. – Luke 9:23: “deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” 5. Invest generously in gospel work. – 2 Corinthians 8:3–4: Macedonians “gave beyond their ability… begging us earnestly for the privilege.” Encouragement From Those Who Walked This Road • Stephen’s death (Acts 7) sparked widespread witness. • Epaphroditus “risked his life” to serve Paul (Philippians 2:30). • Modern missionaries who sow in tears yet reap eternal fruit. The Eternal Perspective That Makes It Worth It “ Our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) Sacrifice is temporary; the life it births—both in others and in eternity—lasts forever. |
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