Introductory Thoughts
The scriptures plainly and repeatedly state that Christ gave Himself as man’s complete and only sacrifice. Yet, the New Testament proclaims that because of salvation, the believer can offer spiritual sacrifices to God (1 Peter 2:5). Before a believer can determine the complete nature of these sacrifices, he must first recognize that any such sacrifices must be made to God only. The Lord declared His jealous nature in the Old Testament when He said, “He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed” (Exodus 22:20). Though much has changed, God still demands that man’s sacrifices be presented to Him and Him alone.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): God alone deserves our sacrifice (Isaiah 42:8). Consider what these men did when they realized who the true God was: fishermen (Jonah 1:15-16); Naaman (2 Kings 5:15-17).
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(For everyone): What gods competed with the one true God as the recipients of mens sacrifices? What are some things (gods) to which modern societies might offer sacrifices, spiritual or otherwise?
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Why is it so crucial that we learn to whom we should offer our sacrifices? How does this dictate the nature and purity of our sacrifices?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to show you the rivals for receiving your sacrifices.
- Ask God to help all your sacrifices to be made unto Him alone.
Song
TO GOD BE THE GLORY
