OFFERING SACRIFICE THAT WORKS

Title: OFFERING SACRIFICE THAT WORKS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Samuel 24:20-25
Supporting Texts: Genesis 22:1-18, John 3:16, Philippians 2:5-9

INTRODUCTION:
Sacrifice is a central theme in Scripture, often revealing a person’s faith, devotion, and submission to God. Offering a meaningful sacrifice goes beyond giving up possessions; it’s an act of the heart that reflects our commitment to God’s will. In 2 Samuel 24:20-25, David chooses to offer a sacrifice that truly costs him, seeking God's mercy to stop a plague on Israel. This passage teaches us about the nature of sacrifices that bring results – offerings that are significant, sincere, and sacrificial.

1. UNDERSTANDING SACRIFICE IN BIBLICAL CONTEXT

a) Definition of Sacrifice
Sacrifice is giving up something valuable to gain or honour something even greater. In a biblical sense, it’s an act of worship and reverence to God.

b) The Role of Sacrifice in Worship
Sacrifices were often a part of worship to seek favour, atonement, or guidance from God (Leviticus 1:3-5).

c) Sacrifice as a Test of Faith
True sacrifice often tests our faith by requiring us to give up what we value (Hebrews 11:17-19).

d) Sacrifice Involving Personal Cost
A sacrifice that costs us little is often of little value in God’s eyes (2 Samuel 24:24).

e) Biblical Example: Isaac's Offering
God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, testing his faith and obedience. Abraham’s willingness brought divine favour and the promise of blessings (Genesis 22:1-18).

2. THE PURPOSE AND POWER OF SACRIFICIAL GIVING

a) Sacrifice as a Means of Reconciliation
David’s offering halted the plague, showing that sacrifice can bring reconciliation and peace with God (2 Samuel 24:25).

b) Sacrifice as a Demonstration of Love
Giving sacrificially displays our love for God, reflecting His sacrificial love for us (1 John 4:10).

c) Sacrifice with Right Intentions
God values the heart’s intent behind the sacrifice more than the offering itself (1 Samuel 15:22).

d) The Cost and Consequence of Sacrifice
The more precious the sacrifice, the more significant the outcome, as seen with David's costly offering (Psalm 51:17).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus as the Ultimate Sacrifice
God’s love manifested through Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s redemption (John 3:16; Philippians 2:5-9).

3. QUALITIES OF A SACRIFICE THAT WORKS

a) It Must Be Costly
David refused to offer what cost him nothing, emphasising the need for a sacrifice to be meaningful (2 Samuel 24:24).

b) It Must Be Given in Faith
A sacrifice must be offered with faith in God’s provision and promises (Hebrews 11:6).

c) It Must Reflect True Surrender
Sacrifices reveal our willingness to surrender completely to God’s will (Romans 12:1).

d) It Must Be Accompanied by Obedience
Obedience in offering a sacrifice amplifies its value in God’s eyes (1 Samuel 15:22).

e) Biblical Example: Abel’s Acceptable Sacrifice
Abel offered the best of his flock, showing faith and honour to God, leading to divine favour (Genesis 4:3-5).

CONCLUSION:
Offering a sacrifice that works is about giving God our best, with sincere hearts and a willingness to surrender. Just as David, Abraham, and Jesus displayed, these sacrifices attract God’s favour and unleash His blessings. True sacrifices are those that honour God, require faith, and often come with personal cost, proving our devotion to Him.

PRAYER POINTS:

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

2. Father, help me to give with a pure heart and right intentions.

3. Lord, increase my faith in sacrificial giving.

4. Father, let my sacrifices attract Your divine favour and blessings.

5. Lord, teach me to surrender fully to Your will.

6. Father, may my life be a living sacrifice unto You.

7. Lord, help me to obey You in every area of my life.

8. Father, let my sacrifices bring reconciliation and peace with You.

9. Lord, grant me the strength to let go of anything You require.

10. Father, let my sacrifices speak on my behalf in times of need.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. May your sacrifices attract divine favour and blessings in Jesus' name.

2. Your offerings will open doors of divine opportunities for you.

3. As you give sacrificially, may God’s peace and grace abound in your life.

4. May every sacrifice you make bring reconciliation and restoration.

5. Your sacrificial giving will be a testimony to God’s goodness.

6. As you surrender fully, may God grant you supernatural breakthroughs.

7. May your obedience lead to elevation and increase.

8. The Lord will remember your sacrifices in times of adversity.

9. Your offerings will become a seed for generational blessings.

10. May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and David remember and reward your sacrifices abundantly.