Memory Verse: ” We also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual storehouse, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ”. – 1 Peter 2:5.
Bible Passage: Hebrews 13:15-16.
Introduction
The Christian faith, like every other religion, involves components like a Tempe, altar, and sacrifices (Gen. 4:3-4; 8:20; 1 Sam. 1:9). Spiritual Sacrifices, however, replaced the material sacrifices of the Old Covenant (Ex. 29:36). No longer do we offer bulls, goats and lambs on the altar (Heb 10:1-11). Our worship today involves the offering of spiritual Sacrifices. what are the spiritual Sacrifices and who qualifies to offer them acceptably?
OUTLINES
What are Spiritual Sacrifices?
How to offer Acceptable Spiritual Sacrifices.
What are Spiritual Sacrifices?
Spiritual Sacrifices are continuous offerings from believers to God in faith. They are words or deeds motivated by a desire to glorify God alone (Heb. 13:16). Just as the smoke of the incense ascended to the sanctuary in the Old Testament, so our spiritual Sacrifices ascend to God (Ps. 141:2; Revelation 5:8). These includes the believer’s prayers, praise, will, body, time, treasures, talents and spiritual gifts.
Therefore, the fact that the incense was always burning means we should always pray (Luke 8:1; 1 Thess. 5:17). Fasting is also a spiritual sacrifice that aids the believers’ prayer (Dan. 9:3). God created us to praise Him, and we must offer the “sacrifice of praise to Him continually (Heb. 13:15). Just as Jesus surrendered His will to the Father’s (Luke 22:42), so should we, though it’s an ongoing battle (Romans 7:18-20). Out talents and spiritual gifts are from God and should be offered for the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edification of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:7,12). Our treasures (Financial/material resources) contribute to the spiritual Sacrifices to be offered to God, the kingdom work on earth, the ministers of God, and the people in need (Phil. 4:18; Prov. 19:17; Gal. 6:10).
How To Offer Acceptable Spiritual Sacrifices
Believers constitute the new priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Therefore, to offer Acceptable spiritual Sacrifices, we must appear before God is sanctified (Ps. 24:3-4; Lev. 10:1-3). First, we must present our bodies as ” living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2; Gal. 2:20). Our bodies are the temple of the Lord (1 Cor. 6:18-20). The believer’s body is yielded to God as an instrument of righteousness (Romans 6:12-13; 8:11-13). This implies that we are to maintain good sexual boundaries (Eph. 5:3), and refuse to use our bodies for theft or to bring harm to another person (1 Peter 4:15; Col. 3: 12-13). Second, spiritual Sacrifices must be offered obediently (1 Sam..15:22) , willingly (2 Cor. 9:6); cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7): Timely (Eccl. 11:6) and in reverence to God (Mal. 1:8).
CONCLUSION
Sacrifice is part and parcel of worship. Jesus promised rewards for every kind of action done in His name (Mark 9:41).
QUESTIONS
1. What are Spiritual Sacrifices?
2. Mention ways believers can offer Acceptable spiritual Sacrifices to God.
ASSIGNMENT
In line with today’s lesson, mention with biblical references, five (5) people who offered acceptable sacrifices to God (2×5=10Marks).
Action Point
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