Category Archives: Sacrifice

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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Wooden cross on a hill with sunset behind and a valley with hills and river
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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Man in orange jacket clearing rubble as a woman holds her child in ruins
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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Three generations of family hugging on a couch by a fireplace
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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Bible, Good, Goodness, Jesus, Righteousness, Sacrifice, Scripture

NOTHING GOOD IN ME!

ROMANS 7:18

“For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.”

My dad was a good man all his life. His reputation in my hometown was unscathed. People respected him. The people he supervised at the textile mill may have not always appreciated his manner of supervision, but they still would tell you what a good man my dad was. However, that goodness in him would play not part of his spiritual journey. Good just doesn’t cut it when it comes to God.

Paul says as much in today’s verse. That first phrase, “For I know that good does not dwell in me,” could be translated as “there ain’t nothing good in me.” Paul would be the first to tell you how wicked his flesh was. I will never forget my brother-in-law’s testimony about his salvation. He had been in ministry about eight years before he actually came to Christ. He said when he finally realized the depravity of his flesh, he cried until his nose bled. After that encounter with the exposure of his sin, he was a changed man.

APPLICATION

I have often said that there is nothing good in me except Jesus. If I ever receive any praise for something I’ve done in the ministry, I am quick to point to Jesus. It’s only because of Him that I am able to do the things I do. I am just like Paul when he says he wishes to do good but just doesn’t. That’s the crux of this verse. Good intentions do not equate to righteousness. That is only possible through the blood of Jesus.

Barnes says this verse “could not be possibly a stronger expression of belief of the doctrine of total depravity.” We are born sinners. We didn’t do anything to inherit that depravity except being born after Adam. The perfection of creation ended in that garden and the results permeate all through the centuries. Any goodness we possess will not get us through the gates of heaven. Only the “goodness” of our Savior (His blood, His sacrifice, His death, His resurrection).

The word used by Paul for “good” is “agathós. This word “describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith.” (HELPS Word-studies) Paul knew this. He knew the good He desired to do was only possible because of God’s agathós. And we are the same, beloved. Don’t try to “outdo” God. It can’t be done. You can’t pray enough, serve enough, give enough or study enough. He imparts His agathós in you when you receive His Son. So, let me ask you. Do you possess this agathós?

Father, I agree with Paul today that there is no good in me except what You have put in me.

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, Christ, Demonstration, Love, Sacrifice, Scripture

A DEMONSTRATION

ROMANS 5:8

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I can remember going to county fairs or other festivals and watching artisans demonstrate their craft. Some were making candles. Others were doing woodworking. My favorite is watching people cook. It could be fudge or taffy, kettle corn or funnel cakes. Every one of those people were demonstrating their skills which had been honed over many hours.

God also demonstrated something to us, but it wasn’t at a county fair or festival. Long ago on Mt. Calvary, He demonstrated His love for us by delivering up His only Son to die for us so that we might be justified and live with Him forever. All we have to do is accept the gift. The Greek word translated “demonstrates” is sunistémi or sunistanó. I love what the Topical Lexicon says about this word. “God’s attributes are not abstractions; they are verified in history and in the gospel. Because the verb is perfect tense in both verses (Romans 3:5, 5:8), the proof stands completed and enduring—unchangeable evidence for every generation.” God’s demonstration of His love is enduring!

APPLICATION

This Greek word takes another meaning in Colossians 1:17. “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” But even in this usage, we see God’s enduring character. He has always held everything together. God isn’t juggling the universe hoping everything will fall into place. NO! He has placed everything in its proper place and holds it together. No matter what science may try to say to you, we know the true Creator.

There is another way sunistanó is used in Scripture. It is used to prove ourselves in our ministry. In 2 Corinthians 4:2 we read, “but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in trickery nor distorting the word of God, but by the open proclamation of the truth commending ourselves to every person’s conscience in the sight of God.” “Commending” is our word there. We have to demonstrate to the world by our actions and behaviors that we are one with Christ.

What are you demonstrating today? Does your lifestyle demonstrate one who is following Jesus? Do your words reflect the Lord? Just as God demonstrated His faithfulness to us, we too need to demonstrate our faithfulness to Him. We should look different, sound different and act different than the world. Put on your own demonstration today.

Lord God, help me demonstrate Your love to a lost and dying world around me.

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, Christ, Death, Life, Sacrifice, Scripture

WHO WOULD DIE FOR?

ROMANS 5:7

“For one will hardly die for a righteous person; though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die.”

I would not hesitate to give my life to protect my family – any of them. I love them that much. I even have some friends who I would die for. I pray I never have to make that choice, but if I do, I pray that I would not blink an eye. After all, death for a believer is just a portal into an eternal life with Christ. I am not in a hurry to die, but I am also ready to go whenever.

Paul isn’t trying to paint a morbid picture of death. He is setting up a thought which we will see in tomorrow’s verse. He does give us something to think about, though, in today’s verse. Would you die for “righteous person” or a “good person”? Albert Barnes says it well. “It is an unusual occurrence, an event which is all that we can hope for from the highest human benevolence and the purest friendship, that one would be willing to die for a good man. There are none who would be willing to die for a man who was seeking to do us injury, to calumniate our character, to destroy our happiness or our property. But Christ was willing to die for bitter foes.”

APPLICATION

It is important to explain what Paul meant by “righteous person.” He was not referring to someone made righteous through Christ, but rather one who is righteous in his own eyes. They may be moral outwardly and do what is “expected.”. Perhaps Paul was thinking about the Pharisees he used to be a part of. They seemed righteous on the outside, but inwardly they were just rule keepers.

“A good man” referred to someone who as Gill describes as “a liberal and beneficent man, who was very bountiful in his charitable distributions to the poor, and very liberal in contributing towards the charge of sacrifices, repairs of the temple, &c. and did more this way than what the law obliged to.” Paul says by chance someone might die for that man.

The whole point of this verse will be revealed in the next verse (which we will see tomorrow). Laying down our life for someone is a big decision. Some people are easier than others to die for. Let me ask you – who would you die for? If giving your life for a perfect stranger meant that person coming to Christ, would you do it? Christ did!

Lord, I lay down my life for You. Take it and use it however You think best.

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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