𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐁𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐀 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐖𝐔𝐍𝐌𝐈

𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐰𝐮𝐧𝐦𝐢

Introduction  

Sacrifice is often viewed as something painful, a loss, or even a burden. In the secular world, it is seen as giving up something valuable, sometimes reluctantly. 

However, in Christ, sacrifice is not just an obligation—it is a way of life! A living sacrifice is one that is willing, active, and ongoing. It is not a one-time act but a continuous process of surrendering ourselves to God for a greater purpose.  

The concept of sacrifice in Christianity is deeply rooted in love, obedience, and transformation. John 3:16 exemplifies this truth—God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate sacrifice, so that humanity could be redeemed. 

Similarly, Genesis 22:1-2 recounts how God tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, a demonstration of total trust and obedience. In Hebrews 12:2-3, we see that Jesus Himself became a sacrifice for the joy set before Him, enduring the cross because of the glory that awaited Him.  

So, as believers, why should we offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God?  

Why Should We Offer Sacrifices? 

 

1. For the Sake of a Greater Purpose: Sacrifice is often a pathway to something greater. John 12:27 reveals that Jesus understood His suffering was necessary for the salvation of mankind. God gave up His Son to gain a world of redeemed souls. In our lives, the sacrifices we make today—whether in faith, service, or obedience—are investments into a glorious future both on earth and in eternity.  

2. For Personal Growth: Sacrifice is the price of growth. Philippians 2:9-10 tells us that because Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to death, God exalted Him and gave Him a name above every other name. Likewise, in our daily lives, we cannot attain career growth, spiritual maturity, or divine promotion without sacrifice. To excel in any field, one must sacrifice time, energy, and personal comfort. The same principle applies to our walk with God—spiritual growth requires the sacrifice of worldly desires.  

3. For Survival: Sacrifice is not just a Christian principle; it is an ancient practice recognized even in traditional societies. Hebrews 9:14 reminds us that Christ’s blood was shed as a superior sacrifice, cleansing us from sin and giving us eternal life. Just as blood sacrifices were made in the Old Testament for atonement, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice so that we might live. Without Him, there is no hope, no redemption, and no true survival.  

4. For Relationship’s Sake: True relationships demand sacrifice. Whether in friendships, marriages, or even our walk with God, love is demonstrated through giving. John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Jesus showed us the highest form of sacrifice by dying for us. Similarly, Ephesians 5:2 instructs us to "walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." A relationship with God requires us to sacrifice pride, selfish desires, and worldly distractions to grow deeper in Him.

  

What Does It Mean to Be a Living Sacrifice?  

A living sacrifice is one that is alive, active, and fully devoted to God. Romans 12:1-2 urges us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, and not to conform to the patterns of this world. Similarly, Romans 6:13 instructs us not to offer ourselves as instruments of sin, but as instruments of righteousness.  

To be a living sacrifice means:  

- Total consecration to God—living in a way that pleases Him (Colossians 3:5-12).  

- Commitment to God's service—understanding that our lives are not our own but belong to Christ (Matthew 16:24-25).  

- A renewal of the mind—being transformed daily by God's Word and not swayed by the world (Romans 12:3, 1 Corinthians 10:31). 

 

Being a living sacrifice is not a loss but a privilege! When something is offered to God, He preserves, protects, and elevates it. Even in traditional sacrifices, what is given to a deity is never harmed, but honored—how much more when we are offered to the Almighty God?

  

A life of sacrifice is a life of purpose, power, and divine fulfillment. Jesus did not lose when He sacrificed His life—He gained glory, dominion, and a redeemed people. Abraham did not lose when he was willing to sacrifice Isaac—he gained divine promises that outlived generations.  

So today, what are you holding back from God? Is it your time, your talents, your obedience, or your full devotion? True sacrifice is not just about giving things up; it is about giving your all. And when you do, God’s rewards are beyond measure. May the Lord give us the grace to be true living sacrifices—holy, acceptable, and pleasing unto Him. Amen.

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