*Work with God this March* Number 16 Topic: *The Surrendered Life of Sacrifices (In difficult times) 2* By M. S. Stephens Text: Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) *"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will."* *Introduction* In these hard and difficult times, the natural response might be to hold back—our time, our resources, and even our faithfulness to God. However, the surrendered life calls us to do the opposite. We are called to lay down our lives, our desires, our ambitions, and even our resources as a sacrifice to God. The path of sacrifice is not easy, but it is the way to true fulfillment in God’s kingdom. Today, we will explore what it means to live a surrendered life of sacrifices, drawing strength from the example of Christ and other biblical figures. 1. *The Call to Sacrifice: Offering Ourselves as Living Sacrifices* Romans 12:1-2 teaches that our true worship is in offering ourselves as living sacrifices. This means not just giving God what we can spare but offering our entire being—our lives, time, and resources—as an act of worship. What does this look like in practice? - We surrender our plans and ambitions to follow God’s will. - We give our time to the service of others and to the ministry of the gospel. - We offer our resources generously, trusting that God will provide for us in return. *Application*: In these trying times, you may be tempted to prioritize your personal needs above your commitment to God. But God calls us to live sacrificially, even when it costs us something. This is the kind of worship that pleases God—when we give Him everything, not just what is left over. 2. *The Example of Christ: The Ultimate Sacrifice* In Philippians 2:5-8, we read about Christ’s ultimate act of surrender. He gave up His divine privileges and became a servant, obedient even to the point of death on the cross. Christ’s life was a constant sacrifice, not just in His death but in the way He lived, serving others, healing the sick, and ministering to the broken-hearted. He sacrificed His own comfort, His time, and ultimately, His life. Application: If Christ could sacrifice everything for us, even though He was sinless and all-powerful, how much more should we, who are beneficiaries of His grace, offer up our lives in service and sacrifice to God and to others? 3. *The Life of Sacrifice Requires Trust in God’s Provision* Living sacrificially means that sometimes we will give beyond what we think we can afford—whether it's our time, resources, or energy. But we can trust that God will meet our needs. In Luke 9:24, Jesus said, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” This means that when we surrender ourselves to God and let go of our tight grip on worldly things, God provides abundantly. Consider the widow in 1 Kings 17:12-16, who gave her last bit of flour and oil to the prophet Elijah. God miraculously multiplied her resources, showing that He always provides for those who give sacrificially. *Application*: Sacrificing for God may feel like we are losing something, but in reality, we gain more. As we lay down our lives, time, and resources, God multiplies what we have and blesses us beyond measure. 4. *Sacrifice as Service: Investing Time and Resources in God’s Work* In Hebrews 13:16, we are reminded, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Serving others with our time and resources is another form of sacrifice that pleases God. Practical ways to live this out: - Serve in your local church, even when you feel too busy or overwhelmed. - Use your skills, gifts, and talents for the advancement of God’s kingdom. - Share your resources with those in need, especially during these hard times, trusting that God sees your sacrifice. *Call to Action*: Let us commit to using our time, talents, and resources for the service of God and His people. Sacrifice may require discomfort, but it always leads to divine reward. 5. *Sacrifice Leads to Transformation and Renewal* In Romans 12:2, we are called to not conform to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation begins when we surrender ourselves fully to God. Sacrifice purifies us and aligns us more closely with God's will, shaping us into the people He has called us to be. *Application*: As we surrender our lives, God works in us, renewing our minds, giving us new perspectives, and helping us see things from His vantage point. This surrender and sacrifice lead to a deeper relationship with Him and a life that is truly fulfilling. *Conclusion*: The Reward of a Surrendered Life The life of sacrifice is not easy, but it is worth it. Jesus promised in Matthew 19:29 that “everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” When we give our all to God, He returns to us blessings we could never imagine. *Call to Action* - Surrender your life to God anew today. - Commit your time, resources, and energy to His service, trusting that He will provide for all your needs. - Let your life be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. *Closing Prayer* Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts of gratitude for the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for our salvation. Lord, we desire to live lives that are surrendered to You, offering our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing in Your sight. In these difficult times, help us to trust You with our time, our resources, and our very lives. Strengthen our faith, so that we may live sacrificially, serving You and others with all that we have. Renew our minds and transform our hearts, so that we may fully understand and walk in Your will. As we leave this place, may Your grace sustain us, and may we find joy in living for You, knowing that the rewards of a surrendered life are far greater than anything we could imagine. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.