What personal sacrifices can we offer to God that are "without blemish"? Setting the Scene: The Unblemished Requirement Leviticus 1:3 reminds us, “If one’s offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male… so that he may be accepted by the LORD”. God’s standard has never lowered; every gift brought into His presence must be free from flaw. In Christ—the ultimate Lamb “without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19)—we now offer spiritual, not animal, sacrifices. These must likewise be wholesome, sincere, and untainted. Connecting the Old and New: Spiritual Sacrifices Today 1 Peter 2:5 says we are “a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”. The cross did not end sacrifice; it transformed it. What, then, can we presently lay on God’s altar that meets His “without blemish” standard? Personal Sacrifices That Can Be Without Blemish • A consecrated life — Romans 12:1: “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God”. A life set apart, where thoughts, words, habits, and ambitions are yielded to Christ, is the foundational offering. • Wholehearted praise — Hebrews 13:15: “let us continually offer… a sacrifice of praise.” Heartfelt worship, free of hypocrisy or performance, delights the Father. • Generous service and sharing — Hebrews 13:16: “with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Time, talent, and possessions, given cheerfully and discreetly, carry the aroma of Christ. • A repentant heart — Psalm 51:17: “a broken and contrite heart… You will not despise.” Genuine sorrow over sin, followed by obedience, is never rejected. • Christ-like love — Ephesians 5:2: “walk in love… as a fragrant sacrificial offering.” Acts of self-denying love mirror the blemish-free love of Jesus. • Intercessory prayer — Psalm 141:2: “May my prayer be set before You like incense.” Earnest, faith-filled prayer ascends as pure incense when offered in righteousness. • Obedient surrender — 1 Samuel 15:22: “obedience is better than sacrifice.” Compliance with God’s revealed will keeps every gift spotless. • Financial generosity — Philippians 4:18: gifts given to advance the gospel are “a fragrant offering.” When free of coercion or self-promotion, they remain unblemished. Guarding the Purity of Our Offerings • Motive check: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Holiness pursuit: “he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). • Constant cleansing: Confess sin promptly (1 John 1:9) to keep conscience clear. • Dependence on Christ: Only through Him are our sacrifices acceptable (Hebrews 13:20-21). Encouragement to Live Sacrificially Because Jesus offered Himself flawlessly, we are empowered to bring Him offerings of life, praise, service, repentance, love, prayer, obedience, and generosity. Place each on the altar daily—sincere, undivided, and unmarred—and they rise to the Father as fragrant, unblemished worship. |
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