Connect Exodus 29:18 with Romans 12:1 about living sacrifices. Setting the Scene: The Burnt Offering in Exodus 29:18 • In the priest-ordination ritual, a ram is “burned…on the altar…a pleasing aroma to the LORD” (Exodus 29:18). • Nothing is held back; the entire animal is consumed. • The offering’s fragrance rises upward, symbolizing total devotion and divine acceptance. Romans 12:1—From Altar to Everyday Life • “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God…” (Romans 12:1). • Paul moves sacrifice from the tabernacle to the believer’s daily walk. • Mercy is the motive: God’s grace compels whole-life surrender. Shared Themes • Totality—whole ram / whole self. • Pleasing aroma—burnt offering fragrance / believer’s obedient life (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:15). • Holiness—set apart by fire / set apart by the Spirit (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Ongoing—altar fire never went out (Leviticus 6:12-13) / continual daily yielding. Living Sacrifice in Practice • Mind: filter thoughts through Philippians 4:8. • Body: honor God with purity (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Time: prioritize worship, fellowship, service (Ephesians 5:15-17). • Resources: give generously (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Relationships: walk in forgiveness and love (Ephesians 4:32; 5:2). • Trials: trust God, letting hardship refine rather than consume (James 1:2-4). Why This Matters • Worship becomes a lifestyle, not an event. • The believer’s life testifies to Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10). • Continuous surrender keeps the “aroma” fresh before God and attractive to others (Matthew 5:16). Key Supporting Texts • Leviticus 6:9—burnt offering “shall remain on the hearth all night” (fire of constancy). • Hebrews 13:15-16—“Through Jesus, let us continually offer up praise…do good and share.” • 1 Peter 2:5—believers are “a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.” |