THE HOUSE THAT SACRIFICE BUILT
I Love Anchor Offering Sunday
A LIFE OF SACRIFICE IS EVIDENT THROUGH LIVES THAT ARE SURRENDERED TO CHRIST
Hebrews 13:15-16, “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”
When we are living surrendered to Jesus, our lives will display the evidence of this surrender. Our actions will display the sacrifice of praise to God that is spoken of in this passage from Hebrews. Allegiance to His name will be on display for all to see as we give of our time and resources to others, sharing all we have to bring glory and honor to God.
Hosea 6:6, “I want you to show love,
not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me
more than I want burnt offerings..”
God cares about our hearts more than what we can give Him. He does not need our sacrifices, and as He said to Israel through Hosea, God would prefer we not give a sacrifice if it is given without showing love and a desire to know God more. God does not need any gift that we can give to Him, but He does desire to have a relationship with each of us. It is through this relationship that we live in a position of surrender and where the blessings He has given us flow freely from our hands to bless others, they do not hold our hearts hostage.
Proverbs 3:9-10“Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.”
When we live a life that honors God, we will experience His hand of blessing. Just as parents like to give their children good gifts, so does our Heavenly Father love to give good gifts to His children who seek to follow His commands. But remember, this is not a give to get situation. We give out of the overflow of love for Jesus and what He has done.
Genesis 22:1-2, “Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called.
“Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”
God was testing Abraham to see if his love for the gift was greater than his love for the Gift Giver. This is how our hearts are tested in giving. Everything we have comes from God. We can think that we attained or achieved it in our own strength, but often quickly learn how wrong we are. Living with open hands and hearts shows God that we know He is our ultimate provider. Let us all seek to follow Abraham’s example of faith.
PERHAPS THIS IDEA OF SACRIFICE RELEASING JOY IS NEW TO YOU. KNOW THAT GOD IS PATIENT AND WILL HELP YOU GROW IF YOU ASK HIM FOR HELP. TAKE SOME TIME TO REALLY THINK ABOUT HOW FREEING IT IS TO NOT LIVE IN A PLACE OF WORRY BECAUSE YOU CHOOSE TO ABIDE IN A PLACE OF TRUST, BELIEVING GOD WILL MEET EVERY NEED. THE JOY THAT COMES FROM LIVING IN TRUST LIKE THAT IS INDESCRIBABLE.
Psalm 40:6-8, “You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
Now that you have made me listen,
I finally understand—you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
Then I said, “Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures:
I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”
When we finally understand what God is speaking to us through Scripture, and how much He wants our hearts turned to seeking Him, we find fullness of joy in doing His will. Let Him write His instructions on your heart today and watch how that joy fills you to overflowing so you cannot help but live a life of sacrifice and surrender.
PUTTING THIS INTO PRACTICE
Is there a battle within you when it comes to sacrifice and surrender? If so, you are not alone. Paul shared with the church in Corinth the importance of giving as sacrifice. Nehemiah reminds us that “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” This is a joy that exists regardless of circumstances, wants, or anything life can throw at us. Let us work towards walking in that true strength that comes from the joy of the Lord.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.
What questions come to mind as you read how the churches in Macedonia are enduring troubles and from outward appearance are in a place of lack, but yet are abounding in joy which lead to abundant generosity? How challenging would it be for you to find joy in similar circumstances? Discuss with your small group.
Look up the Christian definition of joy. Is this something you have experienced? If it is not, but you would like to, ask God to direct you to someone who can help you on this journey toward finding true joy. Share with your small group or a trusted Christian friend or mentor.
When our sacrifices release joy, people will take notice. Our testimony will carry more weight, and that will help our words have greater impact when we are sharing the love of Jesus with others. As Paul writes to the church in Philippi, let us shine brightly in this dark world, allowing the sacrifice of our lives to service for Jesus to be our chosen offering.
Read Philippians 12-18.
What part or parts of this passage speak to you most loudly right now? Why? Where in this passage do you see a call to action?
Is the light of Jesus shining from within you today? Take some time to journal and ask God if there is something else He is calling you to do, something you may need to change or to lay down, so that His light can shine out of you and onto others.
If we look for an example of a human who lived like Jesus, Paul is one who quickly comes to mind. He left earthly cares behind and sought to follow God’s lead in all he did. We read in his letters and in the words of Luke, just how Paul lived his life with the goal of being like Jesus. Let us pay attention to his testimony and seek to practically apply his teachings in our own lives.
Read Acts 20:28-35, then read again in another version.
What are your thoughts on the legacy that Paul left for believers everywhere? Can you see how surrender and sacrifice produce not only joy, but lead to legacy, something that will remain after we have gone home to Jesus? Discuss with your small group.
Perhaps you know what kind of legacy you want to leave and are already walking in that, but if not, take time this week to really ask God where He wants you to begin working on your legacy. Sit with your pen and paper and let Him speak to your spirit, guiding and directing you in giving of your resources and your time. Ask Him to help mold your heart and make it sensitive to His promptings, and then walk out what He is asking of you. Share with a trusted Christian friend to help you be accountable to this new step of faith.
