Category Archives: Sacrifice

Bearded clerics studying manuscripts around a wooden table
Bible, Blessing, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Servant, Service

YOU NEVER KNOW THE FUTURE

ROMANS 16:9

“Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.”

I was talking to my friend, Dierf, this morning about our ministries and how the Lord reveals things to us little by little. If the Lord had shown me the future of my ministry back when I first started in 1979 (over 47 years ago), I would have probably said He was crazy. I don’t mean that irreverently. It’s just that we never know the future, and that’s a good thing. If I had known mine, I would have probably messed it up.

In verse 9 of Romans 16, Paul mentions two other individuals, Urbanus and Stachys, who were friends of his in ministry. One he calls “fellow worker” and the other he calls (once again) “beloved.” Neither Paul nor these men knew what the future held for them. Let’s take a look at each of these and see how their lives might inspire us in our walk with Christ.

APPLICATION

According to Christian tradition, Urbanus (also known as Urban) was one of the 70 disciples sent out by Christ. Your version may say 72 were sent. That all depends on the translation of the Greek. 70 or 72? It doesn’t really matter. The point is Jesus chose Urbanus to be one of those He sent to share the Gospel. Urbanus supposedly became a bishop in Macedonia and is considered by many to be the patron of discipleship. That really hits home with me since my ministry is all about making disciple makers. He was martyred in Rome in the 1st century. Application for us: Stay true to your calling and continue to go and make disciples wherever the Lord leads.

Then we have Stachys. He also was considered one of the 70 sent out by Jesus. He also became a bishop. He served in Byzantium as the second bishop of that church. Supposedly, he was a great preacher of the Gospel and gathered crowds to hear him. Unlike many of the early church leaders, Stachys is said to have died in peace rather than being martyred. He served the church he built for sixteen years. Application for us: Again, wherever the Lord leads, follow. Whether a sacrifice or a blessing, serve where planted.

Okay, your turn. Where has the Lord placed you right now? Wherever that is, serve Him. Your service may require great sacrifice, as Urbanus. Or you may serve at peace, like Stachys. The main thing is trusting the One who sent you and working to please Him. You don’t know what the future may hold, but as the song says, you know who holds tomorrow.

I trust You Lord to guide my future day by day. Reveal to me as I am ready.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Conviction, Family, Prison, Respect, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture

HOWDY CUZ

ROMANS 16:7

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsfolk and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding in the view of the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”

I grew up with a slew of cousins. We were always gathering at a grandma’s, aunt’s or uncle’s house for some kind of celebration. I was closer to some than the others, but we were all part of the family. I never felt belittled or put down by any of them. Most of them were older than me so I guess they took pity on their little pesty cousin, lol. We are all up in years now, but when we do see each other, that family love comes through.

Paul mentions two other people in today’s verse, and this time it is personal. Scholars disagree whether this was a husband and wife or two men. It doesn’t matter. They were Paul’s kinsfolk. Scholars disagree on this, as well. Some say Paul was referring to fellow Jews or some from his same tribe. Others say these were most probably close relations to him. I like that view, myself. But they were so much more than just “cousins.”

APPLICATION

Paul says they were “fellow prisoners.” We don’t know what imprisonment he was referring to. Perhaps they were already in a Roman prison. Maybe they had been arrested with Paul on one of his missionary journeys. We don’t really know, but we must believe Paul knew they had been persecuted, like he, for their faith.

Then he says they were “outstanding in the view of the apostles.” Obviously, their names were well known among the apostles back in Jerusalem. They had proven themselves in the early church and had won the admiration and respect of the early church leaders. Wow! What an honor to be identified in that manner.

And then finally, Paul says “they were in Christ before me.” Perhaps these two were in Jerusalem and had been converted directly by Christ. They may have even been two of the large group of early disciples who followed Christ before His crucifixion. I am purely speculating, but Paul says they were Christians before he was and we know when that occurred.

I bet Adronicus and Junia never dreamt their names would be recorded in history, much less in God’s Word. But their names are worthy of admiration by us all. Fellow prisoners, respected by the apostles and some of the earliest believers! I can’t wait to meet them. Could someone one day read about your life as a Christian and say such things? Let us all strive to bring honor to His name.

Father, I am amazed at how You use every follower who gives themselves to You fully.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Servant, Service

BE A MARY

ROMANS 16:6

“Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you.”

There sure are a lot of Marys (not sure if that’s a word, lol) in the New Testament, aren’t there? Let’s list them:

  • Mary, the mother of Jesus.
  • Mary Magdalene: Jesus cast seven demons out of her.
  • Mary of Bethany: The sister of Martha and Lazarus.
  • Mary the Mother of James and Joseph (Joses): She witnessed the crucifixion, saw where Jesus was buried, and went to the empty tomb with spices.
  • Mary of Clopas (or Cleophas): Mentioned as standing near the cross with Jesus’ mother.
  • Mary the Mother of John Mark: Her home in Jerusalem served as a gathering place and prayer meeting spot for early believers, where Peter went after an angel freed him from prison.

And then we come to today’s Mary. In Romans 16:6 Paul sends greetings to Mary in Rome. That’s all we know of her. She must have been well known, like Phoebe whom we saw earlier, for all Paul says is about her is that she has worked hard for the church there in Rome. So many people never get recognized for the work they do in the church. I don’t think Paul was trying to embarrass Mary by pointing her out, but I do think he was reminding the church of what she had done for them.

APPLICATION

HELPS Word-studies gives us a great definition of what the Greek word for “has worked hard” means. “kopiáō (from kópos, ‘exhausting labor’) – to labor until worn-out, depleted (exhausted).” Mary had worked herself to the bone. She tirelessly served the church with no expectation of recognition or reward. After all, she wasn’t working for people. She was working for the Lord.

Do you know people like that? When I was at my previous church in Chattanooga, we had a team of men who showed up each week to volunteer in the maintenance department. They came each week to mop, vacuum, clean bathrooms and windows. They did whatever was asked of them. There was no way the church maintenance workers could have kept the facility clean without the selfless commitment of these men.

Perhaps God is calling you to be a Mary for your church. Every church needs more Marys serving in the nursery, children’s ministry or in the women’s ministry. In fact, there are places everywhere in the church for a Mary to serve (well, maybe not in men’s ministry, lol). But wait a minute, maybe you are a Manuel and not a Mary. Everyone can serve. Ask the Lord how He wants to use you.

Let us do all that we do for You, O Lord, and not for the applause of man.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Man helping woman onto a fire escape above a city street
Bible, Eternal Life, Life, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Testimony

RISKING YOUR NECK

ROMANS 16:4-5a

“who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house.”

There has not been an instance in my life when I have been required to risk my life for someone. Of course, if that moment arose, I wouldn’t hesitate to do that…for some people. Let’s be honest. If my wife or my family were in danger, I would not think twice about it. But for a stranger or even a friend? I am not sure. The Lord knows my heart and my desire to please Him. I only pray I would be obedient to what He calls me to do.

Paul mentions an incident that is not recorded in Scripture. We are not sure if he is referring to a specific time, like when Paul was threatened by others, or if he is talking in generalities. The term “risked their own necks” literally means that. The Greek has the idea of someone laying their head on the chopping block to be executed. Like I said, we don’t read where that happened, but Paul obviously felt they had placed themselves in imminent danger by helping him.

APPLICATION

Okay, let’s get real. Who are you willing to risk it all for? You may never be faced with such a situation, but are you prepared to lay it all on the line if necessary? Let’s think about that for a second. Does the risk of losing your life scare you? As followers of Christ, death is simply a passage to Him. Death has no sting for us. Amen?

I have mentioned my reading of the Voice of the Martyrs magazine. The stories told in that publication are full of Christians being forced to make such a decision. For many in those stories, death was the end result. But much like the Christians who marched into the Coliseum in Rome to face martyrdom, they stood bravely and gave it all for Jesus.

Think of the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, who was sinless and perfect, gave it all for you and me. He didn’t hesitate. Don’t let His prayer in Gethsemane confuse you. He wasn’t trying to back out of God’s plan for mankind. He was just expressing His humanity for a brief moment. He knew we were all worth His sacrifice.

Now, listen carefully. God doesn’t want your death in order to please Him. No, He wants your life! And if the Giver of life requires your life at some point, He will give you a much better life with Him for eternity. So, you can’t lose, can you?

Father, I pray I am willing to lay down my life for You if called on to do so.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Death, Life, Lord, Resurrection, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture

DEAD OR ALIVE

ROMANS 14:9

“For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.”

It is always important to know the reason something is done if you are going to do it. When workers can see the finished product, they are more likely to take interest in their work. If all they see are the piece they assemble time and time again, they will never see the overall purpose of their work. The big picture helps, doesn’t it?

Christ saw the big picture. Nothing escaped His view. He knew exactly why He came to earth. He knew His mission and faithfully carried it out. Paul tells us in today’s verse what that mission was – to become our Lord here and in eternity. What a glorious promise. When we choose to follow the Lord and accept His free gift of salvation, He becomes our Lord and Savior for now and forever. Nothing can change that.

APPLICATION

I immediately thought of Paul’s words back in chapter 8, verses 38-39. “38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” To borrow a phrase from an old friend, “That’s shouting ground, folks!”

Jesus lived to be our Lord. Every day He walked this earth, He was Lord. When He laid down His life as a sacrifice for mankind, He was Lord. And when He rose from the grave, He was Lord. He was, is and always will be Lord. Hallelujah! C.S. Lewis’ famous apologetic “Lord, Liar or Lunatic” says it all. He knew who He was, therefore, He could claim it.

The question is do you know Him as Lord? We know that one day every knee will bow and profess Him as Lord. To those of us who have already made that decision, it will be a moment of celebration and praise. But for those who die without Christ, their profession will be too late. They will suffer the pain of eternity separated from a holy God. If you don’t know Jesus as Lord, don’t waste another second. Get on your knees right now and confess your sins and choose to follow Him as your Lord. He is waiting.

Thank You for being my Lord and Savior. I rest in the knowledge of Your Lordship which is over everything and everyone.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Family, Humility, Living, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Service

NOT FOR OURSELVES

ROMANS 14:7

“For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;”

I never knew what it meant to live for someone else until I got married and had children. Now, as a man who pursues the Lord’s will, I know my life comes second to my wife, children and grandchildren. My role as provider and protector is paramount. It is no longer about what I want. It’s about what is best for them. Even that has changed as my children have grown and have children of their own. My wife and I are empty nesters, but my priority is still my family.

Paul brings out a major teaching for these Roman believers and for us. As followers of Christ, our life is not our own. Albert Barnes says, “The meaning of the expression is, that no Christian lives to gratify his own inclinations or appetites. He makes it his great aim to do the will of God; to subordinate all his desires to his Law and gospel;” That is exactly right. Because Jesus gave His all for us, we are expected to do the same for others.

APPLICATION

I am currently taking a man in Belize through our Every Man A Warrior curriculum. We are in book 2 which is about Marriage and Children. I made the remark this week that I believe applies to our verse today. I said, “Isn’t it interesting that almost every husband would give his physical life to protect his wife but won’t die to himself for her?” Isn’t that right? We say that we would die for Christ, but we won’t lay down our own rights for Him.

Perhaps no other passage in Scripture says it better than 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. “4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. 5 It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, 6 it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away with; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away with.”

Are you loving that way? Are you living that way? Read those verses again. After each “love is” ask yourself if that describes your life and your love for others. We are to live for others, not ourselves. We should not hold our lives so tightly that we are not free to let it go. Jesus can give you the strength you need to die to yourself. Not I, but Christ!

I praise You, O Lord, for giving me the strength and humility to die to myself daily. 

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Devotion, Family, Honor, Love, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture

DEVOTED AND ESTEEMING

ROMANS 12:10

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor,”

Family is important. We should always show honor and love to our parents and children, grandparents and siblings. It’s just the right thing to do. I can look back at my life and see times when I wasn’t so devoted or didn’t show proper honor. I am sorry now because in some of those cases, I can’t make it right. Those family members have passed away. For instance, I wish I had spent more time with my paternal grandmother and great grandmother. They both loved Jesus. I know that now.

Today’s verse is a great memory verse. Why don’t we all commit to memorizing this one? I have already done that with some other brothers. Paul continues in this verse to give us some very practical and down to earth guidance for our walk with Christ and others. Don’t forget that every word Paul writes he has received from God through the Holy Spirit. We are not just reading Paul’s words. They are God’s words spoken to us through the hand of a man.

APPLICATION

I wanted to concentrate on the two verbs in todays’ verse – “be devoted” and “give preference.” Both of these verbs are only used right here in today’s verse. Isn’t that interesting? The first one, “be devoted,” is the Greek word philóstorgos “(from phílos, ‘lover, friend’ and storgē, ‘natural or family love’) – properly, a lover of family. Philóstorgos (‘devoted love, shown by family-members’) is that special affection shared between members of God’s family – people born-again (divinely adopted) and serving the same (heavenly) Father!” (HELPS Word-studies) That’s pretty clear, huh? Instead of trying to find fault in our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to be affectionately bonded to them.

The second verb, “give preference,” is the Greek word proēgéomai. Again, it is only used here in Romans 12:10. I love what the Topical Lexicon said about this verb. “The term … carries the idea of stepping forward first so that others may be elevated. It describes an intentional initiative that puts another believer’s worth ahead of one’s own, not by passive acceptance but by active, deliberate action.” Wouldn’t the church be so much better off if we all did that?

Now, put those two verbs together. Paul is telling us to love each other so well that we are always looking to put others first. Isn’t that exactly what Jesus did? Jesus tells us in John 15:13 that we can show no greater love than to lay down our lives for our friends. That doesn’t just mean physically die for someone. Jesus means to sacrifice for others. Can we do that for each other today?

Lord, I need Your help to do what You have asked me to do. I am willing, but my flesh is weak.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Open Bible, wooden chalice, and cross on stone altar outdoors at sunrise
Bible, Holy, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Service, Worship

SPIRITUAL SERVICE OF WORSHIP

ROMANS 12:1

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

We will be celebrating Memorial Day on May 25th here in the U.S. It’s a day set aside as a federal holiday to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country. There will be wreaths laid at gravesites, memorial services held, and there will be barbecues and parties. Why did those individuals we are honoring lay down their lives for our country? Because they loved the U.S.A. and the freedom it stands for. They gave the ultimate sacrifice.

As Paul begins this section of his letter to the Romans, he leaves the doctrinal teachings and dives into the practical application. These two sections are joined by the infamous “therefore.” Because Paul had said all those things in chapters 1 through 11, he can now tell us how to use that knowledge in our walk with Christ. He begins by telling us to present our “bodies as a living and holy sacrifice.” The old dead sacrificial system was gone for a Christian. They are now a living sacrifice for Christ, holy and set apart.

APPLICATION

I want to focus on the last phrase of this verse, though. Paul writes “which is your spiritual service of worship. Let’s break that down a bit. The Greek word translated as “spiritual” is logikós – “(‘divinely reasonable’) is constantly necessary in making acceptable offerings to the Lord. These produce a ‘seamless’ life in which every decision (action) can have profound, eternal meaning, even in earthly ‘setbacks’ or suffering.”(HELPS Word-studies) That’s a mouthful, I know. The point is this word describes a divine action on our part. All our actions should be framed that way.

The phrase “service of worship” is actually just one Greek word. The Topical Lexicon defines that word, latreia, and says it, “draws a direct connection between the outward acts of worship prescribed by God and the inward posture of the heart.” Oh, that’s good. Paul is saying any action we take, even a sacrificial one should be motivated by our heart.

Back to my opening example. Some of those who lost their lives in defense of our country died from accidents or friendly fire. Others willingly chose to throw themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Their action was motivated by their heart. They loved their brothers or sisters enough to sacrifice themselves to save them. Isn’t that what Jesus did for us? We should be willing to do the same, if called upon to do so. Are you? What have you got to lose? When you leave this life, you enter heaven. Who doesn’t want that?

Father, I believe I am willing to lay down my life if called upon. Give me the courage to follow through.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Man in dirty work clothes and gloves carrying a bag entering a home through the front door
Bible, Forgiveness, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Sin

THE REMOVAL OF SIN

ROMANS 11:27

“‘THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.’”

When I was young, I worked in my uncle’s and my cousin’s tobacco fields. That was hot, hard work. But it was also dirty work. I would come home at the end of a long day completely filthy. The tar from those tobacco leaves stains your hands and ruins your clothes. I found that green tomatoes could cut the grim from my hands. Getting clean from a day’s work was work in itself. I am so glad I am not responsible for getting myself clean spiritually. That’s God’s job.

Paul reflects on God’s covenant with His chosen nation today and seems to allude to Jeremiah31:33-34. What he writes in verse 27 of Romans 11 is more of a paraphrase than a direct quote. Those verses say, “33 ‘For this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,’ declares the LORD: ‘I will put My law within them and write it on their heart; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 35 They will not teach again, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, “Know the LORD,” for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,’ declares the LORD, ‘for I will forgive their wrongdoing, and their sin I will no longer remember.’”

APPLICATION

What great words from the Lord to His people. Paul reminds us that God is a covenant-keeping God. He will never leave His children wanting. He still pursues the Jewish nation today. One day every knee will bow to Jesus, even those who are a part of the Jewish nation. He cleansed them once through the blood sacrifices and cleanses them today through the blood of His Lamb, Jesus Christ.

The same Greek word for “take away” is used in Hebrews 10:4 and is a reminder of the futility of those old blood sacrifices. “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” The word means to cut off take away. Isaiah 43:25 goes even further in this description of the removal of our sins. “‘I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.’” He removes them and remembers them no more. Wow!

Give the Lord praise today for this wonderful gift. You can probably remember your sins, can’t you? But God chooses to remember them no more. Once you come to Jesus, all He sees is His blood covering you. Can I encourage you to look at other’s sins the same way? Pray for them. Forgive them if they have harmed you. Place them in God’s hands. Only He can remove the stain of those sins, but we can move past them through His power.

O Lord, there are no words to express my gratitude for the forgiveness of my sins.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Gospel, Romans, Sacrifice, Salvation, Scripture, Suffering

WILLING TO SUFFER FOR OTHERS

ROMANS 9:3

“For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my countrymen, my kinsmen according to the flesh,”

What would you be willing to endure to ensure the safety and well-being of your family? Interesting thought, huh? As I sit here and write these thoughts, I can say I would do anything to protect mine. My wife, children, their spouses and grandchildren mean the world to me. If they were threatened by anything, I would jump in to protect them. Even if they did not want my protection, I would lay down my life for them.

Today’s passage has been hotly contested by the best of scholars. Paul is not saying he wishes he could be damned in order to save his countrymen. That would negate everything he has been teaching thus far in this letter. The whole point he is making hinges on the word translated “accursed.” That is the Greek word anathema which means something that has been pledged or devoted for destruction. It is used six times in the New Testament (Acts 23:14; Romans 9:3; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 16:22; Galatians 1:9 and 1:9).

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes explains this verse this way. “And the apostle evidently means to say that he would be willing to suffer the bitterest evils, to forego all pleasure, to endure any privation and toil, nay, to offer his life, so that he might be wholly devoted to sufferings, as an offering, if he might be the means of benefiting and saving the nation.” And that he did. Just read 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 for a full list of his sufferings for Christ.

Although Paul’s calling from God was to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, he was still Jewish and had a heart for his people. It is kind of like how I feel about my small hometown of Pelham, GA. I have not lived there since 1979, but when I do get home (which is not often enough) I still have that kindred spirit with all my fellow Pelhamites. I will always be “from” there. Paul’s intense desire to see his countrymen come to Christ never faded.

So, let me ask you again. What would you do to save your family? What would you give up for them? You may have things in your life right now that are destroying your witness to them. Give those up. There may be a conflict still brewing between you and someone in your family. Do all you can to settle it. We should all have this intense desire. I am reminded of 1 Timothy 5:8. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Are you providing for the spiritual nourishment of your family?

O Lord, give me that kind of intense burden for my family. Give me avenues to share the Gospel with them.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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