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"key Benefits For Sacrificial Living."
Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Jan 31, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: When we witness God's mercy, we become liberated from the chains of sin and living a holy life inspires us to relinquish our rights and serve the one who sacrificed his life for us.
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SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Romans 12:1) "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
(Psalms 19:14) "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
(Romans 6:13) "Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."
(Psalms 24:3-4) (3) "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?" (4) "He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully."
PREFACE SUMMARY
“The phrase "a living sacrifice" can be found in the book of (Romans 12:1). It refers to dedicating oneself entirely to a higher authority and the purposes of God. This involves giving up personal desires and will to serve a greater good, which may include acts of selflessness, devotion, and surrender.
The term “living sacrifice” originates from Romans 12:1, where the Apostle Paul urges believers to present their bodies as sacrifices holy and pleasing to God. This call to action signifies a total commitment to God that transcends ritualistic worship and extends into daily life. Many inspired individuals to live a life of service and devotion to stretch toward the mark of God's high calling in Christ Jesus our Lord.
To grasp what it means to be a living sacrifice, one must first consider the historical context of sacrifices in biblical times. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were often animal offerings made to atone for sins or express gratitude toward God. These offerings were typically dead sacrifices, symbolizing the cost of sin and the need for redemption. However, Paul’s exhortation introduces a transformative shift; instead of offering dead animals, believers are called to offer their lives—alive and active—as an expression of worship.
In conclusion, becoming a living sacrifice is both an act of worship and a lifestyle choice that embodies a total commitment to God’s will. It invites believers into a transformative relationship marked by gratitude, service, and continuous growth, exercising their faith in everyday actions and decisions. Living a consecrated, sanctified life as a living sacrifice requires believers to embody Christ-like behavior in all areas of life—workplaces, homes, and communities.
“KEY BENEFITS OF BECOMING A LIVING SACRIFICE.”
1. Spiritual Growth and Transformation: Becoming a living sacrifice is transformative. It occurs when believers consecrate themselves to live a life that aligns with God’s will. This act of surrender allows for the renewal of the mind, as emphasized in Romans 12:2. It states that transformation occurs through renewing one’s mind, leading to a deeper understanding of God’s purpose and an increased ability to discern His will. This results in personal and spiritual development.
2. Helps Discover Your Call and Purpose: Becoming a living sacrifice enables believers to discover and fulfill God's call on their lives, helping them achieve their God-given purpose and contribute positively to the world. This sense of purpose brings fulfillment and satisfaction beyond material achievements or societal recognition, as it is rooted in divine intention.
3. Strengthen Your Relationship with God: Offering oneself as a living sacrifice helps believers develop a closer relationship with God. This commitment requires trust, love, and obedience, which are foundational in their relationship with God. As Believers draw nearer to God through this act of worship, they experience His presence more profoundly, leading to greater peace, joy, and assurance in their faith journey.
4. Freedom from the Bondage of Sin: Living sacrifices are called to die to sin and worldly desires (Romans 6:11). This means that we should let go of selfish desires and free ourselves from the grip of sin. Doing so allows us to live a righteous life and strive for holiness. Breaking free from sinful habits improves our well-being and will enable us to demonstrate the transformative power of faith to others.
5. Called to Serve: When individuals with faith embrace the principle of living sacrificially, they often feel a strong inner calling to actively dedicate themselves to serving others. This can manifest in various ways, such as offering their time, resources, or skills to contribute to the betterment of the community or to assist those who are in need.
6. The Eternal Rewards are Out of This World: The Bible teaches that when individuals prioritize spiritual development and build loving and faithful relationships over material pursuits, they will receive rewards in their present life and the afterlife (Matthew 6:19-21). By investing in spiritual growth, believers are laying up treasures that will last for eternity. These treasures include personal spiritual development, the cultivation of meaningful and loving relationships, and the promise of eternal life with God.