BENEFITS OF A COSTLY END OF YEAR SACRIFICE

Title: BENEFITS OF A COSTLY END-OF-YEAR SACRIFICE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Samuel 24:24-25
Supporting Texts: Genesis 22:15-18, Malachi 3:10, Proverbs 3:9-10, Psalm 126:5-6

INTRODUCTION:

As the year draws to a close, offering a costly sacrifice to God can have significant spiritual benefits. David understood the value of costly sacrifices, declaring he would not offer to God what cost him nothing. Such sacrifices demonstrate our faith, gratitude, and trust in God’s providence, positioning us for greater blessings in the coming year.

1. DEMONSTRATES GRATITUDE TO GOD

a) Acknowledges His Faithfulness:
A costly sacrifice shows deep appreciation for God’s goodness throughout the year (Psalm 103:1-5).

b) Recognises God as the Source:
By giving sacrificially, we acknowledge that every blessing comes from God (James 1:17).

c) Expresses Thanksgiving for Past Victories:
Sacrifices reflect our gratitude for battles won and breakthroughs experienced (Psalm 107:21-22).

d) Shows Dependence on God for the Future:
Offering to God at the year’s end symbolises our trust in His continued provision.

Biblical Example: Noah’s sacrifice after the flood was an expression of gratitude, and God blessed him (Genesis 8:20-22).

2. RELEASES SUPERNATURAL BLESSINGS

a) Opens the Windows of Heaven:
Sacrifices invite an outpouring of divine blessings (Malachi 3:10).

b) Unlocks Divine Favour:
God honours those who give sacrificially, granting them favour (Proverbs 11:25).

c) Attracts Multiplication:
What is sown sacrificially is often multiplied by God (Luke 6:38).

d) Ensures Abundance in the Coming Year:
Sacrifices prepare the ground for prosperity in the new year (Proverbs 3:9-10).

Biblical Example: Solomon’s extravagant sacrifice brought divine wisdom and unmatched wealth (1 Kings 3:3-13).

3. ACTS AS A SPIRITUAL WEAPON

a) Breaks Strongholds:
Sacrifices can break spiritual limitations and hindrances (Psalm 50:14-15).

b) Secures Divine Intervention:
God moves on behalf of those who offer sacrificially (2 Chronicles 7:12-14).

c) Confuses the Enemy:
The act of sacrificial giving can turn the enemy’s plans into confusion (2 Chronicles 20:21-23).

d) Activates Covenant Promises:
Sacrifices remind God of His covenant with us, ensuring His promises are fulfilled.

Biblical Example: Elijah’s sacrifice at Mount Carmel brought down God’s fire, proving His power and silencing Baal’s prophets (1 Kings 18:36-39).

4. RELEASES DIVINE DIRECTION AND WISDOM

a) Opens Our Ears to God:
Sacrifices draw us closer to God, enabling us to hear His guidance (Isaiah 30:21).

b) Provides Clarity for Future Decisions:
As we sacrifice, God provides wisdom for critical choices in the new year (James 1:5).

c) Aligns Us with God’s Will:
Sacrifices tune our hearts to God’s purpose and plan for our lives (Romans 12:1-2).

d) Brings Peace Amidst Uncertainty:
When we sacrifice, we trust God for peace in the face of unknowns (Philippians 4:6-7).

Biblical Example: Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac brought clarity to God’s plan for his life and secured generational blessings (Genesis 22:15-18).

5. GUARANTEES DIVINE PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION

a) Establishes a Hedge of Protection:
Sacrifices invite God’s protection over us and our families (Job 1:5, Psalm 91:1-4).

b) Shields Us from Evil in the Coming Year:
Sacrificial giving covers us from attacks and misfortunes (Exodus 12:13).

c) Marks Us for Divine Exemption:
Just as Israel was spared during the plagues, sacrificial offerings mark us for exemption (Psalm 91:7-8).

d) Secures Long Life and Health:
Sacrifices can activate divine preservation and longevity (Psalm 41:1-3).

Biblical Example: David’s sacrifice stopped the plague, preserving the lives of his people (2 Samuel 24:24-25).

CONCLUSION:
A costly end-of-year sacrifice is a powerful act of faith and worship. It demonstrates gratitude, secures divine blessings, and positions us for a prosperous and protected new year. As we give, let us do so with joy and expectation, knowing that God honours and rewards those who sacrifice in faith.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness throughout the year.

2. Lord, help me to offer sacrifices that honour You.

3. Father, open the windows of heaven over my life through my giving.

4. Lord, release supernatural blessings and favour upon my family.

5. Father, use my sacrifice to break every limitation in my life.

6. Lord, guide me with divine wisdom for the new year.

7. Father, shield my household with Your protection.

8. Lord, let my sacrifice activate covenant blessings.

9. Father, grant me peace and clarity in the coming year.

10. Lord, let my sacrificial giving bring a bountiful harvest.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. As you offer your sacrifice, may the heavens open over your life.

2. Divine favour will locate you in the new year.

3. Your sacrifice will unlock generational blessings.

4. Every stronghold in your life is broken in Jesus' name.

5. You will experience supernatural abundance in the coming year.

6. Divine protection will cover you and your family.

7. God will grant you clarity and direction for every decision.

8. Your sacrifice will bring peace and joy into your home.

9. You will be exempted from every form of evil.

10. The new year will usher in testimonies of God’s faithfulness.