WINNING BY SACRIFICE

TITLE: WINNING BY SACRIFICE
 
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 12:1 
Supporting Texts: Genesis 22:1-18, 2 Samuel 24:24, John 3:16

INTRODUCTION 
In God's kingdom, sacrifice is a powerful principle that leads to victory. Throughout the Bible, we see how individuals offered sacrifices to God and saw incredible breakthroughs, blessings, and victories. Winning by sacrifice is not about what we lose but about what we gain through obedience, faith, and commitment. Sacrifice demonstrates our trust in God's power, provision, and promises.

1. THE PRINCIPLE OF SACRIFICE 

a) Sacrifice as Worship
Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, which is our reasonable service to God. True worship goes beyond songs and words; it involves laying down our desires, time, and resources for God's purposes. God honours those who are willing to sacrifice for His kingdom.

b) The Power of a Costly Sacrifice 
In 2 Samuel 24:24, David said, "I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing." Sacrifices that come at a cost are pleasing to God because they demonstrate a heart that prioritises Him above all else. It is through sacrifice that we unlock new realms of blessings.

Biblical Example: Abraham's Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18) 
Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son Isaac was a test of his faith and obedience. When Abraham demonstrated his readiness to give up what was most precious to him, God provided a ram in place of Isaac and blessed Abraham abundantly. His willingness to sacrifice opened the door to generational blessings.

2. SACRIFICE AS A KEY TO VICTORY 

a) Sacrifice Brings Divine Intervention
When we offer sacrifices, we are inviting God into our situation. Just as Abraham’s obedience brought God's intervention, our sacrifices can turn the tide in our battles. God is moved by a sacrificial heart and responds with supernatural assistance.

b) Sacrifice Breaks Strongholds 
In spiritual warfare, sacrifice can be the key that breaks strongholds. When we sacrifice in prayer, fasting, or giving, we are demonstrating our faith in God's ability to bring victory. Isaiah 58:6 tells us that the kind of fasting that pleases God loosens the bonds of wickedness and sets the captives free.

Biblical Example: Gideon’s Sacrifice (Judges 6:19-24) 
Gideon was called to lead Israel in a battle against the Midianites. Before the victory, he built an altar and offered a sacrifice to the Lord. This act of worship and sacrifice gave him confidence that God was with him. The sacrifice brought the assurance of divine presence and victory in battle.

3. SACRIFICE DEMONSTRATES OUR FAITH 

a) Trusting God Beyond Comfort 
Sacrifice often requires stepping out of our comfort zone. Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God." When we sacrifice, we are saying that we trust God more than we trust in our own resources or abilities. God rewards such faith with victory.

b) Sacrifice Leads to Greater Glory 
2 Corinthians 4:17 reminds us that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." When we make sacrifices in this life, God promises to reward us with His glory, both now and in eternity.

Biblical Example: The Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) 
In the time of famine, the widow sacrificed her last meal to feed Elijah. This act of faith and obedience resulted in supernatural provision for her and her household throughout the famine. Her small sacrifice was met with God's abundant provision and glory.

4. GOD'S ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR VICTORY 

a) Jesus: The Ultimate Sacrifice
John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate example of how sacrifice leads to victory. Through His death, we have victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness.

b) Our Victory in Christ’s Sacrifice 
Because Jesus sacrificed His life, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). We don’t fight for victory; we fight from a place of victory because Jesus has already won the ultimate battle. His sacrifice ensures our eternal victory.

Biblical Example: Jesus’ Sacrifice (John 19:30) 
When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” on the cross, it signified the completion of the work of redemption. His sacrifice ensured our salvation, healing, and deliverance. Through His sacrifice, we are victorious in every aspect of life.

CONCLUSION 
Winning by sacrifice is a principle that works both in the spiritual and physical realms. God honours sacrifices made with a heart of faith, obedience, and love. As we lay down our lives, resources, and comfort for God's purposes, He opens doors of victory, blessing, and breakthrough. If God did not withhold His only Son but gave Him as a sacrifice for our victory, how much more will He reward those who live sacrificially for Him? Your victory is assured when you embrace the power of sacrifice.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Father, thank You for the example of Jesus’ sacrifice that brought us victory. 

2. Lord, give me the grace to live a life of sacrifice for Your kingdom. 

3. Father, teach me to offer sacrifices that honour and please You. 

4. Lord, as I offer my sacrifices to You, let them bring breakthroughs in every area of my life. 

5. Father, break every stronghold in my life through the power of sacrifice. 

6. Lord, turn my sacrificial acts into testimonies of Your goodness and power. 

7. Father, help me to trust You when my sacrifices are costly. 

8. Lord, let my faith in Your promises be strengthened as I offer my sacrifices. 

9. Father, intervene in my situation as I present my sacrifice to You. 

10. Lord, grant me the victory in every battle through the power of sacrifice.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. I declare that your sacrifices will open the door to your victory!
 
2. Every stronghold in your life will be broken as you offer your sacrifices in faith. 

3. I prophesy that divine intervention will come into your situation as you sacrifice for the Lord. 

4. You shall experience supernatural breakthroughs because of your willingness to sacrifice. 

5. I declare that your sacrifices will not go unnoticed by God; He will reward you openly. 

6. Your sacrificial acts will lead to greater glory in every area of your life. 

7. I decree that the sacrifices you make for the kingdom will be met with abundant provision. 

8. The Lord will honour your sacrifice and turn your test into a testimony. 

9. As you sacrifice in obedience, God will lift you up and bring you victory. 

10. You will see the hand of God move mightily in your life through the power of sacrifice!