70 likes | 79 Views
Explore the sacrifices required to serve God faithfully and the importance of giving our whole heart, time, and resources to Him. This reflection on Old and New Testament examples encourages believers to consider the true cost of serving God as a living sacrifice.
E N D
Do we ask these? How much time do I have to give to the Lord? How many times do I have to read my Bible? How often do I have to visit the sick? Are Sunday & Wednesday nights required? How much do I have to give? Must I wear clothes down to my knees? (Boys) Do I have to cut my hair? (Preceptor, May 1972) HOW MUCH CAN I GET BY WITH?
A LIVING SACRIFICE (Romans 12:1-2) I. GOD HAS ALWAYS REQUIRED SACRIFICE A. Cain & Abel (Heb. 11:4; Gen. 4:3-5). B. Old Law (Leviticus). Burnt offering Meal offering Peace offering Sin offering C. New Law (Rom. 10:17; 12:1-2).
A LIVING SACRIFICE (Romans 12:1-2) II. SACRIFICE INVOLVES DEATH A. Animals (Heb. 9:18-22). B. Christ (Heb. 9:23, 11-14; 1 Pet. 1:17-19). C. Self (Rom. 6:1-7, 11-13; Matt. 6: 24, 33; 10:37-39; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Col. 3:3, 5). WE MUST DIE TO SELF & LIVE TO GOD
A LIVING SACRIFICE (Romans 12:1-2) III. SACRIFICE COSTS SOMETHING (O.T.) A. Abel gave his BEST (Gen. 4:3-5). B. David understood this (2 Sam. 24:24). C. God rejects the inferior (Mal. 1:6-10). D. Tithes; FIRST-fruits; yearly, monthly, free-will offerings = ~ 30 Percent! DOES IT COST US TO SERVE GOD?
A LIVING SACRIFICE (Romans 12:1-2) IV. SACRIFICE COSTS SOMETHING (N.T.) A. Give as prospered & purposed! (1 Cor. 16:2; Phil. 4:18; Heb. 13:16) (Comparison to Old Law) B. Give time (Heb. 10:24; 13:15). C. Give effort (Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9f, 11f, 19f; 3:1f, 7f, 8f). IT IS BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE
COMPARE YOURSELF TO THE OLD LAW If you made $1000 / month or $3000 / month: HOW DOES OUR OFFERING COMPARE?
A LIVING SACRIFICE (Romans 12:1-2) V. TRUE SACRIFICE INVOLVES OUR WHOLE HEART A. Joy, Singleness, Own Accord (2 Cor. 8:2) B. Love, Willingly, Earnest Care (8:8, 10, 16). C. Zeal, Purpose, Cheerfully (9:2, 7). HOW? They FIRST gave their OWN SELVES (8:5). “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matt. 22:37) HAVE WE GIVEN OURSELVES TO GOD? ______________