A Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1-2
What Is Sacrifice?
• We are familiar with Patriarchal sacrifice (Gen. 4:3-4;
8:20; 13:18)
• We are familiar with Mosaic sacrifice (Exodus through
Numbers)
• We are familiar with Jesus Christ’s sacrifice (Eph. 5:2;
Heb. 9:26)
• What about our sacrifices? What constitutes
acceptable sacrifices today?
Biblical Principles of Sacrifice
• First, a sacrifice, by definition, must cost something
(2 Sam. 24:24; Lk. 21:1-4)
• We must offer up a sacrifice that costs (Rom. 12:1;
15:16; 2 Cor. 8:5; Phil. 2:17; 2 Tim. 4:6; Heb. 11:17)
• What did we give up and go without in order to make
this sacrifice? Did you really feel it? Did it hurt? Did
you really miss it? No “cheap” or “bargainbasement” sacrifices from us!
Biblical Principles of Sacrifice
• Second, a sacrifice must be acceptable to God –
according to his will (Heb. 11:4; Lev. 22:17-20;
Mal. 1:8)
• We must offer up a sacrifice “acceptable to God” …
the “acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2;
1 Pet. 2:5)
• Sacrifice cannot be an afterthought … it requires us to
think, to plan, to do the right thing as God would have
it
Biblical Principles of Sacrifice
• Third, a sacrifice must offer the best (Lev. 22:21-25;
Mal. 1:13-14)
• We must offer up a sacrifice that is holy and spiritual
(Mt. 6:33; Rom. 12:1; 1 Cor. 5:7; 1 Pet. 2:5)
• Sacrifice will not hold back the best for ourselves … it
will not give the leftovers to God
Biblical Principles of Sacrifice
• Fourth, a sacrifice must be given freely
(Ex. 35:20-24; 36:5-8; Lev. 22:19,29)
• We must offer up a sacrifice that is free-will
(2 Cor. 8:12; 9:6-7)
• Sacrifice is to be given freely, willingly, cheerfully,
lovingly
Biblical Principles of Sacrifice
• Fifth, a true sacrifice will be given without desire for
personal recognition or reward (Heb. 5:1)
• We must offer up a sacrifice that is directed toward
God and others, not self (Mt. 6:1ff; Phil. 4:18;
Heb. 13:15-16)
• Sacrifice is not sacrifice if it is for the praise of man …
an “advertised” sacrifice is not sacrifice
A Living Sacrifice
• Sacrifice is not just an OT subject
• OT sacrifices were meant to foreshadow the sacrifice
of Christ and our very own daily sacrifices
• Your sacrifice: is it costly, acceptable to God, the very
best, given freely, and with no desire for recognition?