Category Archives: Sacrifice

Bible, Gospel, Offering, Sacrifice, Scripture

BEING POURED OUT

PHILIPPIANS 2:17

“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”

There have been many stories told of soldiers, airmen, sailors, or Marines who have given their lives for the sake of others. A soldier sees a live grenade thrown near his fellow soldiers and dives on it to protect them. A Marine charges a machine gun to defend his buddies. These are examples of someone sacrificing themselves for others. They literally poured out their lives for them. (Look up the story of PFC Kenneth J. David for a great example.)

In today’s verse, Paul uses a Greek word that is only used one other time in the New Testament (also by Paul). The word is spendó, and it means to be poured out in total surrender. You are holding nothing back. You are giving it all. Here in Philippians, we know Paul was incarcerated under house arrest in Rome. He was ready to die for the sake of the Gospel. He was doing this as an example to the Philippian church and others. He was not afraid to give up his life for Christ. He was eventually released but was arrested again.

APPLICATION

We see the second use of spendó in 2 Timothy 4:6. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” Paul was in a Roman prison again, but this time he would not leave. Paul was martyred not long after writing this letter to his beloved disciple. He was ready. As they say, “He left it all on the field.” Paul poured himself out for others.

Many scholars believe Paul was thinking about the Old Testament practice of pouring wine out for the sacrifices to Jehovah. In Numbers 15:5, we read, “and you shall prepare wine for the drink offering, a fourth of a hin, with the burnt offering or for the sacrifice, for each lamb.” See also Numbers 28:7, 14. This would have been common knowledge for a Pharisee, which Paul had been before his conversion. Of course, he could see the parallel of his “sacrifice” and the Old Testament sacrifices.

Paul was not implying his “pouring out” held any spiritual significance for others. His death would not save them. Only Christ could do that. But his “pouring out” was meant to show others his willingness to die for Jesus, to give everything for the sake of the Gospel. How about you? Are you willing to be poured out for Jesus?

O Lord, I give my life as a libation for You. Use me as You see best.

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Bible, Death, Obedience, Sacrifice, Scripture

TO THE POINT OF DEATH

PHILIPPIANS 2:8

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.”

Every day, Christians around the world face the danger of death by radicals just for believing in Jesus Christ. Nigeria is ground zero, it seems, for this fierce blood thirsty gang. I have heard that these radicals believe if they can take Nigeria, all of northern Africa will fall to Islam. We should pray daily for saints around the world who are literally fleeing for their lives.

On the other hand, Jesus came with one purpose – to die for us. Today’s verse points that out clearly. Paul writes that Jesus was “obedient to the point of death.” Albert Barnes explains this phrase with an analogy of a soldier. “…the soldier, when he is morally certain that to obey will be followed by death. Thus, many a company or platoon has been ordered into the ‘deadly breach, or directed to storm a redoubt, or to scale a wall, or to face a cannon, when it was morally certain that death would be the consequence. No profounder spirit of obedience can be evinced than this. It should be said, however, that the obedience of the soldier is in many cases scarcely voluntary, since, if he did not obey, death would be the penalty. But, in the case of the Redeemer, it was wholly voluntary. He placed himself in the condition of a servant to do the will of God, and then never shrank from what that condition involved.”

APPLICATION

I know what you’re thinking. Carl, I will never be called on to give my life for Jesus. That just happens somewhere else. Don’t be so certain. What if you faced that decision? What would you do? It is better to be prepared now. I heard a story of a store clerk who was held up at gun point when the thief asked for all the money. The clerk held up his hands and shouted, “Sudden death, Sudden glory!” The thief was so rattled, he ran from the store. Years later, these two met again and the thief had given his life to Christ.

For believers, death is simply a portal to our eternal reward. It is not something to be feared. Now, how you die may be of some concern. For instance, I don’t want to get eaten by a bear, lol. But I am ready. I am at peace with death whenever it comes.

I think Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57. “54 But when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written: ‘DEATH HAS BEEN SWALLOWED UP in victory. 55 WHERE, O DEATH, IS YOUR VICTORY? WHERE, O DEATH, IS YOUR STING?’ 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen!

Father, prepare me to face any evil that comes my way by spurning the fear of death.

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Bible, Empty, Humility, Pride, Sacrifice, Scripture, Self-righteousness

EMPTY YOURSELF

PHILIPPIANS 2:7

“but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men.”

Emptying ourselves of our pride and arrogance can be a challenge. When you think you are something, you are really nothing. Selfish conceit is just as bad as seeing yourself as unworthy. We are supposed to love ourselves, just not enough to place ourselves above others. Paul continues his theme of humility and the example of Christ in today’s verse.

The Greek word used by Paul here which is translated “emptied” is kenoo which “primarily means ‘to empty’ or ‘to make void.’ In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically to describe the act of making something of no effect or rendering it powerless. It can also imply the act of divesting oneself of status or privilege.” (Strong’s Lexicon) Christ divested Himself of His status and privilege to serve mankind.

APPLICATION

Let me ask you this – what do you need to empty yourself of? Hmmm? Nothing? Come on! Really? We all have things of which we need to empty ourselves. Kenoo is one of those Greek words ending in -oo which means the emphasis is not on the action of the verb but rather the result of the action of the verb. The result of Christ’s emptying Himself was to die for our sins. Wow!

So, what would be the result of us emptying ourselves? Better relationships? Better marriages? Better workplaces? The list could go on and on. Maybe your relationship kryptonite (for all you Superman fans out there) is pride or selfishness. Maybe it’s vanity or greed. Ask yourself if there is anything about you that is raised above Christ. Then die to it.

Paul says Christ emptied Himself and became a bondservant. That is a willing servant, someone who attaches themselves to a master knowingly. Christ served mankind willingly by making the ultimate sacrifice. How about you?

Lord, help me identify and stomp out anything in me that I have put in a position above You.

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Bible, Jesus, Others, Sacrifice, Scripture

FOR YOUR SAKES

PHILIPPIANS 1:24

“yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes.”

Part of being a parent or grandparent is choosing to do things for others. Take for example, my wife and I felt led by the Lord to move to Knoxville from Chattanooga last year. Chattanooga has been our home for much of our married life. We have a lot of friends there, a great home church and thousands of memories. But when our daughter asked us to move to Knoxville to help care for our grandson when he arrived, we did – for her sake.

Paul was prepared to die for Christ, but here in today’s verse he comes to his conclusion. God wanted him to stay here and continue preaching the Gospel. Paul says it “is more necessary.” Strong’s Lexicon defines the Greek word there this way. “The Greek word ἀναγκαῖος (anagkaios) is used to describe something that is necessary or essential. It conveys the idea of something that is required or indispensable, often in the context of fulfilling a duty or meeting a need.” Paul was fulfilling his duty as an apostle of Christ and putting his own desires behind him.

APPLICATION

Paul uses another phrase in today’s verse, “for your sakes,” that I find quite interesting. He uses it in 2 Corinthians 2:10 when he writes, “But one whom you forgive anything, I also forgive; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did so for your sakes in the presence of Christ,” Doing for others. All of Paul’s Christian life was about that. His needs came second or third, never first.

We see John using “for your sakes” when he describes the scene surrounding Lazarus’ death. In John 11:14-15 we read, “14 So Jesus then said to them plainly, ‘Lazarus died, 15 and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let’s go to him.’” What seemed cruel and insensitive (not running to heal Lazarus when He first heard he was sick) was an intentional act to help the disciples see Who He really was.

What have you done this week for the sake of someone else? I was getting into my truck the other day at Walmart when I noticed an elderly lady pushing her cart towards her car. It was raining and she was trying push the cart and hold her umbrella in some rather windy conditions. So, what did I do? I drove off. Just kidding. I jumped out and asked if I could help. She very timidly accepted my help. That was done for her sake. What will you do today?

Father God, forgive me when I pursue my own desires above others. Give me Your heart for the sake of others.

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Bible, Blood, Forgiveness, Redemption, Sacrifice, Scripture

THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

COLOSSIANS 1:14

“in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Forgiveness is a big thing! Probably the biggest struggle Christians wrestle with is forgiveness. Many can’t believe that God would forgive them of all their sins. They were just too bad. Others believe because God has forgiven them of their sins, they are free to live any way they want. Both thoughts are in error. That reminds me of Matthew 22:29 where Jesus told the Pharisees, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” I think that verse applies to this topic of forgiveness.

Paul is reminding these Colossian believers that their forgiveness rests only in the redemption they received through the blood of Christ. We do not have the ability to pay the price required by God. He demanded shed blood and not just any blood. It required the divine, pure blood of the Lamb of God. That redemption was provided for all of us for eternity. We just have to accept the free gift offered and live for Him.

APPLICATION

The Greek word used here for “redemption” is apolýtrōsis. HELPS Word Studies gives this definition, which I think is so good. It “emphasizes the distance (“safety-margin”) that results between the rescued person, and what previously enslaved them. For the believer, the prefix (apó) looks back to God’s effective work of grace, purchasing them from the debt of sin and bringing them to their new status (being in Christ).”

We have been delivered a safe distance from sin’s power and the penalty of it. We just have to believe that Christ has done that. We don’t have to understand it. We just accept it. If we could really understand all that went into our forgiveness, it would not be a God given miracle, would it? Accept it and believe it.

How about the extension of that forgiveness to others? If Christ has forgiven us so much, can’t we forgive those who have hurt us? This is another part of forgiveness that cripples so many believers. In order to please our Lord, we must forgive others as He has forgiven us. Everything else falls short. Forgive someone today.

Lord, thank You for forgiving me. I know I did not deserve it, but I am so thankful for it.

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Aroma, Bible, Fragrant, Sacrifice, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

A GOOD COLOGNE

EPHESIANS 5:2

“and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

Men don’t seem to wear cologne as much as they used to. My favorite growing up was Brut. My dad wore that, so I used to slip into his bathroom and splash some on. Man, I smelled good. I graduated to other fragrances over the years, some more expensive than others. But no amount of cologne could effectively cover up stink. It would always leak through and spoil the real fragrance of that cologne.

I love the imagery here that Paul uses. He tells us to “walk in love” but not in just any way. We are to walk “just as Christ also loved” us. He was a “fragrant aroma” in the nostrils of His Father. We will also give off that same aroma if we walk in love as He did. Our sacrificial living wafts up to heaven where the Lord looks down and smiles. Remember, a sacrifice was burned on the altar. Those blood sacrifices required a death. We also must die to ourselves to become that “fragrant aroma.”

APPLICATION

Since that Greek word for “fragrant” is only use two other times in the New Testament, let’s take a look at them. In 2 Corinthians 2:15 we find, “For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:” You see, our “fragrance” is noticed by others. Just as when I go outside for a second, my wife can smell it on me, I want others to smell it when I have been with Jesus. Amen?

The other time the word is used is in Philippians 4:18 where it says, “But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Even our gift giving, if given with the right motive, can be a fragrant aroma.

So, how are you smelling today? Are you giving off the fragrance of Christ around you? Do others smell Jesus on you? When we walk in a room His fragrance should be coming out of our pores in order to draw people to Him. Try freshening up today. Spend a little more time with Him to get fully immersed in His fragrance.

Lord, I want to smell like You. I want everything I do to give off a fragrant aroma of Christ.

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Bible, Boasting, Cross, Glorify, Glory, Mediator, Payment, Redemption, Sacrifice, Salvation, Scripture

GLORY IN THE CROSS

GALATIANS 6:14

“But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

The title for today’s blog confuses the lost world. How can we glory in such a cruel death? The following link gives you a pretty good description of the Roman cross. It was an awful way to die.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/crucifixion-capital-punishment

But we believers understand it is more than just the way Jesus died. It was that He died for us.

Paul had plenty to boast about. In fact, he lists those things in Philippians 3:4-6. “4 If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I have more reason: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.” But he knew the only thing worthy of boasting about was the Lord Jesus.

APPLICATION

I was thinking what to write here today, but I can’t say it any better than Albert Barnes. Read what he said about this boasting in the cross.

“But to the Christian, that cross is the subject of glorying. It is so because:

  1. Of the love of Him who suffered there;
  2. Of the purity and holiness of His character, for the innocent died there for the guilty;
  3. Of the honor there put on the Law of God by His dying to maintain it unsullied;
  4. Of the reconciliation there made for sin, accomplishing what could be done by no other oblation, and by no power of man;
  5. Of the pardon there procured for the guilty;
  6. Of the fact that through it we become dead to the world, and are made alive to God;
  7. Of the support and consolation which goes from that cross to sustain us in trial; and,
  8. Of the fact that it procured for us admission into heaven, a title to the world of glory. All is glory around the cross.”

What else can you say? That pretty much sums it up. So today, glory in the cross of your Lord. Praise Him for what He did and continues to do for you. Give Him the honor and glory He is due.

O God, my Father, I give You praise and thank You for the cross. That sounds strange, but I know Jesus died on that cross for me and for everyone else in the world.

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Accountability, Allegiance, Belief, Bible, Commands, God's Will, Hypocrisy, Judgment, Obedience, Sacrifice, Scripture

HYPOCRITES

GALATIANS 6:13

“For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they want to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.”

Do as I say and not as I do. You’ve heard that before, I am sure. A lot of parents may not say those words to their children, but they sure live them out. “Don’t smoke!” But they light one up regularly. “Don’t drink!” But they don’t have a problem popping a cool one. “Don’t cuss!” But they let a few words slide out when they are upset. It’s easy to give directions if you aren’t holding yourself to the same standard.

Paul continues to confront the Judaizers who were trying to force the Galatians to follow the Mosaic Law in addition to accepting Jesus as Savior. As a former Pharisee, Paul knew all too well the debilitating consequences of trying to follow the law. You couldn’t pick and choose which parts of the law you wanted to follow. It was all or nothing. Fortunately, the Galatian believers needed none of it. Paul wants to make sure they know that.

APPLICATION

James said it best, I think, when he said this in James 2:10. “For whoever keeps the whole Law, yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of all.” There you have it. You can’t say, “Get circumcised,” and not keep the rest of the law. These Judaizers were forcing the issue of circumcision without they themselves keeping the whole law. They were, in fact, guilty of breaking the whole law. It was a futile exercise.

Don’t get me wrong. The law served its purpose. It pointed out to men the impossibility of keeping it. We needed something more. We needed the perfect sacrifice to end all sacrifices. Jesus provided that. Hebrews 10:14 says, “For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Hallelujah, praise the Lord!

Paul was not letting the Galatians off the hook with this statement in today’s verse. They still needed to follow the Lord’s commands. They should still strive to be holy as He is holy. But now all those things are under the blood of the Lamb. He has paid the price for our failings. We obey out of love, not fear.

O Lord, help me be an example of truth and honesty, not hypocrisy.

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Bible, Compassion, Family, Giving, God's Will, Love, Sacrifice, Scripture

WHATEVER THE COST

GALATIANS 4:15

“Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I testify about you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.”

There are some people you would do anything for, right? I would literally lay down my life for my family. I would not hesitate. My family is that important to me. The question arises then – What would I be willing to do for a total stranger or even a friend? To be honest, I would probably think long and hard about my sacrifice for them. But what would Christ do? We know what He did – He died for them.

Paul, in today’s verse, is thanking the Galatians for their willingness to sacrifice for him. The expression “torn out your eyes” has been interpreted literally and figuratively. Some think this refers to an eye malady Paul suffered with since his conversion on the Damascus road (remember the scales that fell from his eyes after being struck blind). Others think Paul was just saying they would have given anything for him. Whatever is true, we know they were willing to give anything for Paul.

APPLICATION

We are told by Jesus Himself in John 15:13, “‘Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.’” Do you think Jesus meant for us to literally lay down our lives or to sacrifice for others? Personally, I believe the latter. We have to count our lives as nothing and be willing to give no matter the cost. That’s what He did and expects us to do.

Paul discusses this topic briefly in Romans 5:7-8. “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He admits that is hard for us to sacrifice for others, but God held nothing back.

During this Holy Week, reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus. His sacrifice for us was planned from the creation of the world – whatever the cost. God knew what it would take, and He gave it. We all probably know John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” He gave! Therefore, we should give. We should be willing to sacrifice. Be like the Galatians in this regard. Sacrifice today for someone in the name of Jesus.

O Lord, I lay down my life today for my fellow believers.

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Bible, Blessing, Perfection, Righteousness, Sacrifice, Salvation, Scripture

PERFECTED

GALATIANS 3:3

“Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”

I have never met a perfect person. No one can claim that status. Well, there is one – Jesus, but I am talking about us regular, old ordinary, run-of-the-mill people. I have seen a baseball pitcher pitch a perfect game. I have seen golfers play a perfect round of golf (by that I mean playing at or under par). But I have never seen a perfect human being who has never made a mistake.

Paul continues in today’s verse with his questions. After calling them foolish again (do you think that got their attention?), he asks them if they think they can perfect themselves through the Law. That’s what he means by “are you now being perfected by the flesh.” Paul knew, all too well, that there was no way to keep all the Law. If you failed at even one law, you were guilty of failing them all. One step forward, two steps back.

APPLICATION

So, what can we do? Do we just give up and say Well, I gave it my best shot! No, goodness no. We have a way of escape. We have a path to perfection. Jesus said in Matthew 5:48, “‘Therefore you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’” What?! Perfect?! That’s what He said. So, how is that supposed to happen.

Hebrews 10:14 gives us a wonderful promise. “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” You see, we can do nothing to be perfected. But Jesus, through His sacrifice, has already perfected us. Isn’t that incredible? There is never any reason for us to beat ourselves up and say we are failures. No! If we are in Christ, He has perfected us.

I joke a lot about being perfect, but I know I am far from it. I fail miserably every day. My flesh is wicked and corrupt. Now, before you start pointing your finger at me, take a look at your own self. We are all guilty of sin. Praise the Lord that He has taken all that upon Himself and has made us perfect in His eyes.

Words will never say enough to thank You, Lord, for the sacrifice which gave me perfection.

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