THE POWER OF SACRIFICE

THE POWER OF SACRIFICE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
"Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." – Psalm 50:5

Supporting Texts:
Genesis 22:1-14, 1 Kings 3:3-5, Hebrews 13:15-16, 2 Samuel 24:24, Romans 12:1

INTRODUCTION:
Sacrifice is a powerful spiritual principle that moves the heart of God. Throughout the Bible, we see that great breakthroughs, divine encounters, and miraculous provisions were often preceded by acts of sacrifice. Whether it was Abraham offering Isaac, Solomon offering a thousand burnt offerings, or Jesus offering Himself for the salvation of mankind, sacrifice has always been a key to divine favour and supernatural intervention.

Sacrifice is not just about giving material things; it is about offering what costs us something—our time, resources, commitment, and even our comfort for the sake of God's kingdom. True sacrifice requires faith, trust, and obedience, knowing that God always honours those who give to Him with a sincere heart.

In this study, we will explore the power of sacrifice, its benefits, and how it unlocks divine blessings in our lives.

1. SACRIFICE AS A COVENANT WITH GOD

Sacrifice is a divine principle that establishes a covenant with God.

a) Sacrifice connects us to divine blessings (Psalm 50:5).
Those who enter into a covenant with God through sacrifice experience His supernatural provision.

b) God honours those who sacrifice for Him (Malachi 3:10).
When we give sacrificially, God opens the windows of heaven for us.

c) Sacrifice demonstrates our faith and trust in God (Hebrews 11:6).
It shows that we believe in God's ability to reward us.

d) A true sacrifice costs us something (2 Samuel 24:24).
David refused to give to God what cost him nothing.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham’s Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-14).
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son led to God's covenant blessings upon his descendants.

2. SACRIFICE OPENS THE DOOR TO DIVINE ENCOUNTERS

God responds to those who sacrifice for His glory.

a) Sacrifice attracts divine attention (1 Kings 3:3-5).
Solomon’s extravagant sacrifice moved God to appear to him in a dream.

b) God speaks and gives direction after a sacrifice (Genesis 22:15-18).
After Abraham’s sacrifice, God confirmed His covenant with him.

c) True worship involves sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
Presenting our lives as a living sacrifice is an act of worship.

d) Sacrificial obedience brings supernatural intervention (Judges 6:20-24).
Gideon’s offering led to his divine commissioning.

e) Biblical Example: Cornelius’ Sacrificial Giving (Acts 10:1-4).
His prayers and giving came before God as a memorial, leading to a divine visitation.

3. SACRIFICE BRINGS SUPERNATURAL PROVISION

God never leaves those who sacrifice for Him empty-handed.

a) God provides for those who sacrifice (Philippians 4:18-19).
When we give to God, He meets all our needs.

b) Sacrifice multiplies what we have (Luke 6:38).
When we give, it shall be given back to us in greater measure.

c) Sacrifice unlocks financial breakthroughs (Proverbs 3:9-10).
Honouring God with our substance leads to abundance.

d) God tests our faith through sacrifice before releasing blessings (1 Kings 17:8-16).
The widow of Zarephath gave to Elijah and received a miracle of provision.

e) Biblical Example: The Boy with Five Loaves and Two Fish (John 6:9-13).
His small sacrifice in Jesus' hands fed thousands.

4. SACRIFICE BREAKS LIMITATIONS AND OPENS NEW LEVELS

Every great breakthrough in the Bible was preceded by a sacrifice.

a) Sacrifice breaks stagnation and opens new doors (Genesis 8:20-22).
Noah’s sacrifice after the flood led to a new beginning and a divine promise.

b) Sacrifice provokes generational blessings (Genesis 22:17).
Abraham’s obedience brought blessings to his descendants.

c) Sacrificial service leads to divine promotion (1 Samuel 2:30).
Those who honour God with their lives are honoured by Him.

d) God remembers sacrifices and rewards accordingly (Hebrews 6:10).
He does not forget the labour and sacrifices of His people.

e) Biblical Example: The Sacrifice of Jesus (Philippians 2:8-11).
Because Jesus humbled Himself and sacrificed His life, God exalted Him above all.

5. SACRIFICE BRINGS DIVINE PROTECTION AND DELIVERANCE

When we sacrifice to God, we invoke His protection over our lives.

a) Sacrificial giving preserves lives in times of trouble (Exodus 12:13).
The blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites.

b) Sacrifice silences the enemy and breaks demonic strongholds (Psalm 20:1-3).
God remembers our sacrifices in the day of trouble.

c) Sacrifices made with a right heart bring divine intervention (Jonah 2:9-10).
Jonah offered thanksgiving, and God delivered him from the fish.

d) The power of sacrifice destroys the works of the enemy (Numbers 23:1-12).
Balaam could not curse Israel because of their sacrifices to God.

e) Biblical Example: King Hezekiah’s Sacrificial Prayer (2 Kings 19:14-20, 35-37).
His sacrifice of prayer and faith led to angelic intervention and victory over the Assyrians.

CONCLUSION:
Sacrifice is a powerful spiritual principle that moves the heart of God. When we give our time, resources, and even our lives to God, He responds with divine encounters, supernatural provision, and generational blessings. Many of the great miracles in the Bible happened because someone made a sacrifice. If we want to see God move in extraordinary ways in our lives, we must be willing to go beyond convenience and offer something that costs us.

What is God calling you to sacrifice today? Whether it is your time, your resources, your talents, or your comfort, remember that every great move of God comes through sacrifice. As you lay down what is precious to you for the sake of the kingdom, may God release divine blessings, breakthroughs, and protection over your life.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Lord, give me the grace to offer sacrifices that please You.

2.  Father, let my sacrifices provoke divine breakthroughs in my life.

3.  Lord, may my life be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You.

4.  Father, remember my sacrifices and let Your favour rest upon me.

5.  Every stronghold blocking my blessings, let it be broken by the power of sacrifice.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  Your sacrifices shall speak for you in the day of trouble!

2.  The Lord will honour you because you have honoured Him with your sacrifice!

3.  Every seed you have sown shall bring forth an abundant harvest!

4.  God will take you to new levels because of your sacrificial obedience!

5.  Your sacrifices shall provoke divine remembrance, and your blessings shall be unstoppable!

May your sacrifices open doors of uncommon favour and breakthroughs in Jesus' name! Amen.