Spiritual Sacrifices – Part Two
“[Jesus] has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and
Father.”–Revelation 1:6 (NIV)
Since we “have beenmade to be…priests to serve our God” (Rev
5:10) in Jesus’ “permanent priesthood” (Heb 7:24), we’re
privileged to offermany priestly sacrifices. Picking up yesterday’s
discussion, let’s reflect on more spiritual sacrifices that God
delights in today.
A Sacrifice of Self – No longer do God’s people offer dead plants
and animals to Him. Instead, we’re urged “to offer your bodies
as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your
spiritual act of worship” (Rom 12:1). The word “offer” had a
technicalmeaning for presenting a sacrifice.Here, it’s presenting
our very bodies to and for God.
A Sacrifice of Separation – Our ongoing self-sacrifice involves
separation from the world’s standards and transformation “by
the renewing of [our] mind” (Rom 12:2). Moreover, in the
context of being a holy priesthood who offer spiritual sacrifices
(1 Pet 2:5, 9), we learn to separate ourselves fromsin (v. 1) unto
God (v. 4) and as “aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly
lusts which wage war against the soul” (v. 11). Sacrifices of
submission (vv. 13-18) and suffering (vv. 19-25) follow suit.
A Sacrifice of Support – The striking sacrificial language in Phil
4:18 describe generous financial support of ministry: “I have
received…the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an
acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” At this time only the
Philippians alone sacrificed for Paul’sministry (v. 15).And they
did it repeatedly—even when he was serving in cities far
wealthier than their own (v. 16). They not only gained a
heavenly reward (v. 17), but since they apparently gave to the
point of being in need themselves, they obtained the assurance
for all who give generously: “And my God will meet all your
needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (v. 19).
A Sacrifice of Salvation – Like Paul,we should view ourselves as
“a minister of Christ Jesus…with the priestly duty of
proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the [converts] might
become an offering acceptable to God” (Rom 15:16). Here we
learn that both the proclamation and product of that
proclamation—new believers—are pleasing sacrifices to God!
Have you made such an offering lately?
To Discuss and Do: Brainstormhow Christians canmake sacrifices in each
area introduced the last two days. Decide together to offer a specific
spiritual sacrifice that aligns with one or more categories. Then, do it!
