Lead Scriptures
2 Corinthians 8:1–5 (NKJV)
“Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality... They first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.”
Mark 12:41–44 (NKJV)
“...Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”
Introduction: The Nature of Sacrifice
Sacrifice is inseparable from God. Like fire and heat, the two go hand-in-hand. It’s not just a virtue — it reflects the very character of the Trinity.
Key Scriptures:
John 3:16, John 15:13, Galatians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Romans 12:1–3, 1 Corinthians 12:7
The entire Bible can be summed up in one phrase: God’s sacrificial love for mankind.
From the first family (Cain and Abel) to the altars of the Old Testament, sacrifice has always been the mark of a life aligned with God.
Definition of Sacrifice:
An offering made to God — often costly — as an expression of gratitude, worship, or repentance.
Sacrifice is also any act of giving up something valuable for a greater purpose.
1. Devotion Precedes Sacrifice
“They first gave themselves to the Lord...” – 2 Corinthians 8:5
Sacrifice begins with surrender. Devotion means setting yourself apart fully for a purpose or person. To devote is to dedicate, commit, assign, or offer yourself.
1 Timothy 4:13–16 urges us to give ourselves entirely to reading, exhortation, and doctrine — so that our progress may be evident.
What you consistently focus on, you grow in. Your devotion shapes your life. Let God be the center of your attention and energy.
2. Sacrificial Giving Is a Grace
“We make known to you the grace of God bestowed...” – 2 Corinthians 8:1
Generosity isn’t just a personal trait — it’s a grace from God.
2 Corinthians 9:8–10 tells us that God gives both seed to the sower and grace to give.
The Macedonian churches were poor and afflicted, yet they gave beyond their ability. That’s the power of grace at work.
You can grow in the grace of giving by deepening your understanding and embracing a generous lifestyle.
3. God Rewards Sacrifice
Hebrews 11:6 (AMPC) — Without faith (and sacrifice), it is impossible to please God.
From Abel to Abraham, Jacob to the widow of Zarephath, the Bible is filled with stories of men and women who honored God through sacrifice — and received divine reward.
1 Kings 17:8–16: The widow obeyed God’s Word through Elijah and gave her last meal. God multiplied her flour and oil.
God honors sacrificial hearts and multiplies their offering.
4. A Sacrificial Life Is Continuous
Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) — “Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise...”
Sacrifice is not a one-time event. It is a lifestyle — both in your heart and with your hands.
Genesis 26:12–14: Isaac sowed in famine and reaped a hundredfold. He didn’t stop after the first harvest — he kept planting and prospering until he became very wealthy.
Don’t stop after your first increase. Keep building altars in your heart and expanding the capacity of your generosity.
5. Sacrifice Is Worship
Giving is worship. Generosity is a spiritual act of honor.
The poor widow in Mark 12 gave not just money — she gave her whole life. Jesus called it the greatest offering.
As a church, we must embrace the spirit of sacrifice. It’s the antidote to spiritual stagnation and the weapon against limitation.
Let us break through barriers of comfort and complacency through radical, heartfelt giving.
Conclusion
1. Jesus is our ultimate example — the sacrificial Lamb.
2. Sacrifice prepares the heart for obedience.
3. You will prosper as you continue to live sacrificially.
Let us pray.
May God help us to live fully devoted, sacrificial lives that glorify Him.