FIGHTING YOUR BATTLES WITH SACRIFICE

Title: FIGHTING YOUR BATTLES WITH SACRIFICE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Samuel 24:24-25
Supporting Texts: Psalm 50:5, 1 Samuel 7:7-12, Judges 6:25-32

INTRODUCTION:
In life, battles and challenges are inevitable, but God has provided spiritual principles that enable us to overcome. Sacrifice is one of these powerful principles. When we offer meaningful sacrifices to God, it demonstrates our faith, trust, and dependence on Him, inviting divine intervention into our battles. This message explores the role of sacrifice in fighting battles and how God honours heartfelt offerings to bring victory.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF SACRIFICE

a) Sacrifice as an Act of Worship
Sacrifice goes beyond giving something up; it is an act of deep reverence and devotion to God, acknowledging His sovereignty.

b) Sacrifice Invites Divine Presence
Throughout the Bible, sacrifices are often met with God’s presence. When we sacrifice in faith, God draws near (Psalm 50:5).

c) Sacrifice as a Weapon of Spiritual Warfare
Sacrifice is not merely an offering; it is a spiritual weapon that can shift circumstances and bring supernatural intervention.

d) Sacrifice Demonstrates Commitment
Offering something valuable shows commitment to God and reliance on Him rather than earthly resources.

e) Biblical Example: David’s Altar on the Threshing Floor
David offered a costly sacrifice to stop the plague on Israel, demonstrating the power of sacrificial giving in spiritual warfare (2 Samuel 24:24-25).

2. DIFFERENT TYPES OF SACRIFICES

a) Sacrifices of Praise and Thanksgiving
Worship and thanksgiving can be powerful sacrifices, shifting the atmosphere and bringing victory (Psalm 100:4).

b) Financial or Material Sacrifices
Giving materially to God can unlock divine provision and blessings in battles (Proverbs 3:9-10).

c) Time and Service as Sacrifices
Sacrificing time and talents in service to God honours Him and can bring breakthrough.

d) Personal Sacrifice of Desires and Ambitions
Surrendering personal ambitions and aligning with God’s will can invite His help in overcoming life’s challenges.

e) Biblical Example: Solomon’s Sacrifice at the Temple
Solomon’s massive sacrifice led to God’s presence filling the temple, illustrating the power of a wholehearted offering (2 Chronicles 7:1-3).

3. THE IMPACT OF SACRIFICE IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE

a) Sacrifice as a Symbol of Dependence on God
When we sacrifice, we declare our trust in God to fight for us and bring victory.

b) Sacrifice Opens the Heavens
A heartfelt sacrifice can open the spiritual realm, bringing divine favour and blessings.

c) Sacrifice Confounds the Enemy
The enemy is confused when we respond to trials with sacrifice, drawing God’s intervention.

d) Sacrifice Breaks Strongholds
Sacrificial acts can break strongholds and patterns of defeat, bringing breakthroughs.

e) Biblical Example: Samuel’s Sacrifice for Israel’s Victory
When Israel was under attack, Samuel offered a sacrifice, and God intervened by confusing their enemies (1 Samuel 7:9-10).

4. HOW TO MAKE A SACRIFICE THAT BRINGS VICTORY

a) Ensure It Is Sincere and Costly
A true sacrifice should be costly and offered willingly from the heart (2 Samuel 24:24).

b) Offer It in Faith
Faith is essential when making a sacrifice, as it activates God’s power on our behalf.

c) Seek God’s Direction
Pray and seek God’s guidance to know what kind of sacrifice He requires.

d) Offer It with a Heart of Worship
Approach sacrifice as a form of worship, bringing honour to God and inviting His presence.

e) Biblical Example: Gideon’s Altar of Sacrifice
Gideon tore down his family’s altar and offered a sacrifice to God, which led to his victory over the Midianites (Judges 6:25-32).

CONCLUSION:
Sacrifice is a powerful tool in spiritual battles, demonstrating our commitment, worship, and dependence on God. When we offer something valuable to God, He honours our faith and brings victory. Let us embrace the power of sacrifice in our spiritual warfare, trusting that God will intervene and fight for us. A true sacrifice invites God’s presence, confuses the enemy, and opens doors for supernatural breakthroughs.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, teach me to offer sacrifices that honour You.

2. Father, let my sacrifice bring Your presence into my battles.

3. Lord, strengthen my faith to give sacrificially in tough times.

4. Father, guide me to the right sacrifice for every challenge I face.

5. Lord, break every stronghold through my sacrifices.

6. Father, may my sacrifice confuse the enemy and bring victory.

7. Lord, let my sacrifice open the heavens over my life.

8. Father, grant me courage to give when it is difficult.

9. Lord, let my life be a living sacrifice for You.

10. Father, through my sacrifices, bring peace and victory in all areas of my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. May every sacrifice you offer bring divine intervention.

2. As you sacrifice, may God break every stronghold in your life.

3. Your sacrifices will open doors that were once closed.

4. May the presence of God fill every battle you face.

5. Every sacrifice you make will confuse your enemies.

6. The Lord will honour your faith and bring supernatural victory.

7. May your life be a testimony of victory through sacrifice.

8. As you give, may God meet you at your point of need.

9. Your sacrifices will usher in breakthroughs and new beginnings.

10. May every sacrifice lead to open heavens and answered prayers.