Genesis 22:2 "Take your son," He said, "your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." (HCSB)
This trip was Abraham's greatest test, resulting in his greatest sacrifice.
1. The Meaning of Sacrifice!
Sacrifice--comes from a verb meaning "to make sacred."
Philippians 4:18b "They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." (NIV)
2. The Reason for Sacrifice!
Question: Why should Christ-followers make sacrifices?
3 Reasons for Sacrifice:
It demonstrates we will give God everything!
Philippians 1:21 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (NIV)
It shows we love the Giver!
Question: What if Abraham did not offer Isaac as a sacrifice?
It shows that we will obey regardless!
Abraham obeyed because he loved God and God had all of him!
3. The Characteristics of Sacrifice!
Sacrifice releases something of value!
Sacrifice--"the forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of someone or something considered having a greater value."
Sacrifice offers the best!
Hebrews 11:4a "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did." (NIV)
Sacrifice costs us something!
2 Samuel 24:24 "I will not offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing!" (HCSB)
Question: What does sacrifice mean to you?
