Connect Leviticus 6:9 with Romans 12:1 on living as a "living sacrifice." Keeping the Fire Burning: Leviticus 6:9 “Command Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the burnt offering: The burnt offering shall remain on the hearth on the altar all night until morning, and the fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it.’ ” • The burnt offering stayed on the altar continually; every part was consumed. • Priests tended the flame through the night so that not a moment passed without worship ascending. • The perpetual fire symbolized uninterrupted devotion to the Lord (cf. Deuteronomy 4:24). Living Sacrifices: Romans 12:1 “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” • Because Christ fulfilled every sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12), believers now step onto the altar themselves. • “Living” means continual, conscious surrender—never climbing off the altar. • This offering is “holy” (set apart) and “pleasing,” echoing the sweet aroma of the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:9). Drawing the Line Between the Texts 1. Continual fire → continual surrender • As priests watched the flame, believers watch their hearts (Proverbs 4:23). 2. Whole sacrifice → whole life • Burnt offering left nothing unconsumed; Romans 12:1 leaves nothing untouched—time, talents, desires. 3. Priestly ministry → royal priesthood • Old-covenant priests tended literal fire; new-covenant believers are “a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices” (1 Peter 2:5). What Daily Life on the Altar Looks Like • Choosing obedience when no one sees—“the hearth…all night.” • Presenting the body—eyes, tongue, hands—as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13). • Enduring hardship sweetly—sacrifice consumed by fire produced fragrance, not complaint (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). Practical Steps for Tending the Flame • Morning consecration: verbally yield the day to Christ (Psalm 143:8). • Scripture intake: place fresh wood on the fire (Jeremiah 23:29). • Confession: remove ashes that smother the flame (1 John 1:9). • Worship and thanksgiving: stoke heat with praise (Hebrews 13:15). • Acts of love and service: let the fire’s warmth reach others (Hebrews 10:24). Guarding Against Extinguishers • Unrepented sin—quenches the Spirit’s fire (1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Neglected fellowship—embers grow cold when isolated (Hebrews 10:25). • Worldly distractions—dampen zeal (2 Timothy 2:4). Fuel That Never Runs Out • The mercies of God (Romans 12:1) are the inexhaustible supply. • Union with Christ—“I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). • Indwelling Spirit fans every spark into flame (2 Timothy 1:6-7). The Joy Set Before the Sacrifice • His pleasure—“holy and pleasing to God.” • Our transformation—conformed to Christ’s image (Romans 12:2). • Eternal impact—“your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). |
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