Reading: The Cross of Christ, pg. 253-260
You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2.5
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12.1-3
What spiritual sacrifices, then, do the people of God as a “holy priesthood” offer to him? Eight are mentioned in Scripture. First, we are to present our bodies to him for his service, as “living sacrifices.” This sounds like a material offering, but it is termed our “spiritual worship”, presumably because it pleases God only if it expresses the worship of the heart. Second, we offer God our praise, worship and thanksgiving, “the fruit of the lips that confess his name” Our third sacrifice is prayer, which is said to ascent to God like fragrant incense, and our fourth “a broken and contrite heart,” which God accepts and never despises. Fifth, faith is called a “sacrifice and service.” So too, sixth, are our gifts and good deeds, for “with such sacrifices God is pleased.” The seventh sacrifice is our life poured out like a drink offering in God’s service, even unto death, while the eighth is the special offering of the evangelist, whose preaching of the gospel is called a “priestly duty” because he is able to present his converts as “an offering acceptable to God”. | Stott pg. 257
As you read through this list, which of these “sacrifices of thanksgiving” have you been neglecting? What might God be calling you to change?
Lord, help us to live every aspect of our lives as sacrifices, acceptable and honoring to You. May our songs be joyful, our praise be true, and our every thought belong to You. Amen