This is part 4 of a 7 part series in which we are studying ways to reach a new “personal best” in our relationship with God. Last week we looked at “prayers that get heard”, and how we can grow in our reverent submission.
This week we focus on faithful sacrifice. Faithful personal sacrifice may be the most important aspect of maintaining and growing our relationship with God. Lack of sacrifice leads to a lukewarm heart. Consider these scriptures:
Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” Jesus – John 12:23-26
“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals,
because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Paul – Romans 12:1
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29
Jesus was a “living sacrifice”. The cross was the ultimate sacrifice at the end of a life full of sacrifices. Jesus knew that He had to remain pure and faithful to God throughout His whole life for His crucifixion to have the power to redeem us. (Romans 5:20-21, Acts 2:22-24)
Jesus sacrificed Himself out of love and faith: love for God, faith in God, love for us, faith in us. Jesus made His sacrifice before we could accept it. He went through all that suffering believing that many would choose to accept His gift. We are Jesus’ joy. (Hebrews 12:1-4). Are you encouraged by how much Jesus believes in you?
“In view of God’s mercy”: Once we understand how much mercy God has shown us and the difference God can make through our sacrificial choices, we can live every day sacrificially, transforming each day into an act of worship. Those “seek first God’s Kingdom” sacrifices are powerful, faithful actions that are the building blocks for a life of godly impact. Time, money, talents, hospitality, encouragement, friendship, sharing in sufferings, self denial: there are opportunities every day to make sacrifices for others, to go beyond what we have already done. Making the most of those opportunities will grow our relationship with God in ways that bring Him glory.
When we sacrifice, we imitate Jesus: Every day we have a choice: live for God or live for self. Jesus had that same choice, every day. Jesus chose God. God was the fire that consumed Jesus’ life, one impacting day at a time. What will you choose? If you consume your life in selfish pursuits, at the end you will have nothing of value to show for it. If you live a life of faithful daily sacrifice, if you let God be that consuming fire, you will be a blessing to many people, and “you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:11).
Focus on growing in your sacrifice, and write down what you see God doing.
Actions for week 4:
A. Think about the last three weeks. What is different? What areas have you grown in? What was the prayer time that impacted you the most? It’s so helpful to ask yourself questions like these and write down the answers. The answers will change as you grow and change.
B. Study out Psalm 49: 7-9. What does it say about how valuable you are? Why was Jesus’ sacrifice able to do what unlimited amounts of money can’t do? Why would Jesus’ sacrifice matter to God so much?
C. Look up passages about sacrifice. What are new ways you can sacrifice for God? Pick one to focus on this week.
D. As I write this, the disciples in Abidjan need us to make sacrifices for them. As you read this, whenever it is, there are people who need a special sacrifice for some of the most basic necessities. You may not be able to do something extra every week, but please do something extra this week. That’s sacrifice. That’s growth!
Links to previous Quiet Times
Next Week: Beyond Good Intentions.