PEFA FINANCE CHURCH

WHY SACRIFICE?

Main Text: Exodus 25:1–7

INTRODUCTION

What Sacrifice Is Not

  1. A sacrifice is not a substitute.
  2. A sacrifice is not a bribe.

What Is the Place or Purpose of Sacrifice in the Realm of Blessings?

I. SACRIFICE SERVES AS A TEST

Genesis 22:1–5

God uses sacrifice to test:

  • Our love towards Him
  • Our obedience to Him
  • Our trust in Him

II. SACRIFICE SERVES AS A SUPPORTING AGENT TO OUR FAITH IN GOD

James 2:17

  • Faith must be accompanied by action.
  • Sacrifice gives practical expression to our faith.
  • What we believe should be demonstrated through our actions.

III. SACRIFICE SERVES AS A LINKING AGENT TOWARDS OUR BLESSINGS

Sacrifice can serve as a link between:

  • Our faith and our actions
  • Our obedience and God’s purpose
  • Our commitment and the fulfillment of God’s assignment

THE REQUIREMENTS OF A SACRIFICE

I. A SACRIFICE MUST BE GOD-ORDAINED

Exodus 25:1–2

  • Sacrifice must be according to God’s instruction.
  • We need to understand what God requires from us.
  • There is a need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
  • Not every sacrifice is necessarily a sacrifice God has asked for.

Exodus 10:24–26

  • We must seek God’s direction concerning what we are to offer.
  • We should not determine our sacrifice merely according to human reasoning.
  • God determines what is acceptable for His purpose.

Question:

What is this that God requires of me?

II. A SACRIFICE MUST COME FROM A WILLING HEART

A sacrifice can take different forms:

  • Serving in the body of Christ
  • Ministering to the needs of others
  • Contributing towards the work of God
  • Giving of our time
  • Giving of our resources
  • Using our gifts and abilities for God’s work

The Attitude Behind the Sacrifice

  • Sacrifice must come from a willing heart.
  • God values willingness in giving.
  • The sacrifice should not be given under compulsion.

2 Corinthians 8:10–12

Psalm 54:6

III. A SACRIFICE MUST BE DONE BY FAITH

  • Sacrifice requires faith in God.
  • We must trust God when we give.
  • Faith gives us confidence to obey God even when we do not see the full outcome.
  • True sacrifice requires dependence on God.

IV. A SACRIFICE MUST BE DONE WITH A CLEAR OR CLEAN MOTIVE

1 Chronicles 28:9

  • God searches the heart.
  • God understands the motives behind our actions.
  • God is concerned not only with what we give but also why we give it.
  • Our sacrifice should be offered with wholehearted devotion.
  • Our motives must be pure before God.

Ask Yourself:

Why am I making this sacrifice?

V. A SACRIFICE MUST ACCOMPLISH A CERTAIN PURPOSE

  • Sacrifices are made to accomplish something.
  • There is no sacrifice without a cause.
  • Every genuine sacrifice should have a God-centered purpose.
  • We should understand the purpose behind what we are sacrificing.
  • Sacrifice should contribute towards God’s work, purpose, and assignment.

CONCLUSION

Why Sacrifice?

  • Sacrifice tests our love for God.
  • Sacrifice tests our obedience.
  • Sacrifice tests our trust.
  • Sacrifice supports our faith with action.
  • Sacrifice can serve as a link towards God’s blessings.
  • Sacrifice must be God-ordained.
  • Sacrifice must come from a willing heart.
  • Sacrifice must be done by faith.
  • Sacrifice must have a clean motive.
  • Sacrifice must accomplish a purpose.

KEY THOUGHT

There is no sacrifice without a cause.

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