Step #4 "The Fulfillment Of Sacrifice!" Series

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?