Central Thought: A Victorious Christian life originates from absolute surrender to Christ and total dependence on the Holy Spirit
Hymn: “I am Thine O’Lord”
Text: Romans 12:1-8, Galatians 2:20
Introduction:
The Christian life begins with the new birth that is made possible by the prize that was paid by our Lord Jesus Christ. The born again believer thus becomes a property of the Lord Jesus who loved him and died for him. His will, thoughts, tastes, emotions and preferences are therefore subsumed in Christs. He lives to please the Lord God at all times. God actually demands total and moment-by-moment yielding of our lives to Him. Our old sinful lifestlye is supposed to give way to the new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is to be observed however, that many believer’s conduct and lifestyle do not represent their new status in Christ. Such believers have merely accepted Christ as their Savior but have not made Him their Lord, so are unable to live victorious Christian lives on earth. In the light of this, we shall In this study consider how we can present our lives as a living sacrifice to God and the result of doing so.
Lesson Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, the believer should be able to:
- Explain the term “A living Sacrifice”
- List and explain the qualities of the sacrifice that God demands from us.
- Discuss how someone can get conformed to the world.
- Explain how self-will can hinder someone from yielding to God and
- Appreciate the benefits of presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice
Question 1.) What do you understand by the expression “A Living Sacrifice”?
The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary explains “Sacrifice” to mean “the act of offering something to a god, especially an animal that has been killed in a special way…”. In this context, the victim of sacrifice is fully given to the deity or god being appeased. “A living Sacrifice” as stated by Apostle Paul relates to a believer in Christ fully yielding every department of his life to God in order to reciprocate the earlier sacrifice of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ for our salvation. Thus the believer’s spirit, soul and body belongs to the Lord. He ceases to operate his own will and allows the will of God to be fully done in his life.
A living Sacrifice involves a life of total separation from sin and unto God (2 Chronicles 29:5). It also entails laying one’s life at the altar of God (Galatians 2:20, Luke 22:42). Like Jesus, He allows the will of God to be done in his life. Also, a living sacrifice relates to a life fully given to the service of the Lord. Such a believer is prepared to give up his time, talent, money and other resources for the purpose of the kingdom advancement.
Question 2.) What are the qualities of the sacrifice that God demands from us?
Romans 12:1-2
There are some qualities that the Almighty God desires of a life that is sacrificed to Him. (a) He or she does not make a practice of sin. Sin in a person’s life will deprive him or her of divine companionship and fellowship. (b) The sacrifice that God demands of the believer is goal-directed. Heaven is his ultimate no matter what comes his way, he holds unto the end (Hebrews 12:2). (c) A sacrificed life occupies till Christ Comes. He sustains his sacrifice continuously on the altar of God. (d) God demands of the believer, total obedience to His word, faithfulness to Him, love and compassion for souls, devotion consecration and commitment to the course of Jesus Christ and His service. (e) Finally, the believer is called upon to participate in His sacrifice and collaborate with Him in the work of redemption (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). In doing this, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).
Question 3a) How can someone get conformed to the world?
1 John 2:15-17
Conformity to the world relates to an individual who unreservedly submits himself to the world systems and practices. It starts with an individual being influenced and dominated by the pursuits and pleasures of the world. For such people, the world dictates their attitudes, desires, tastes and actions. They have embraced the world and drifted from God. They become enemies to God (James 4:4). Hence, John the beloved warns Christians against fraternizing with the world and its systems (1 John 2:15-16).
Someone can also get conformed to the world by partnering and associating with unbelievers (1 Corinthians 15:33). Hence the believer should mine the kind of friends he keeps. Unrestricted exposure to the electronic and print media can also entangle individuals into conforming with the world. Anyone who does not walk accordingly to the dictates of the Spirit, will certainly obey his fleshly injunction (Galatians 5:16).
Question 3b) How does a Christian have his mind renewed?
Proverbs 4:20-23, Psalms 1:1-2; 119:9-16
The believer can have his mind renewed by constant study of and meditation on God’s word. He does not pay to heed to the counsel of the ungodly, He should develop the habit of personal study of God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15). He should also make himself available for the corporate bible studies as well as listed to sound messages.
Question 4a) How can self-will hinder someone from yielding to God?
God is all-knowing and well-meaning, towards His children (Jeremiah 29:11). Some believers however, act as if they know more than God. They view every issue from the carnal perspective how such might advance their social and economic well-being. In the process of this they jettison divine instruction. God does not compel anyone to do His will but His will is the best for us.
Question 4b) Identify the areas of life that some people find difficult to surrender to God?
Carnal and natural inclinations to spiritual issues play out in different areas of our lives. For example, many believers find it difficult to answer the call of god upon their lives. Not many Christians today are ready to become Missionaries even when they are convinced that it is God’s call upon them. Some believers too find it difficult to pay their tithes as instructed by God. Some Pastors fail to honor transfers to stations they consider not economically viable. Some youths these days assess the financial background of their would-be partners before going into relationship irrespective of whether it is the will of God for them. Some have become unequally yoked together with unbelievers on account of this not all jobs or employment opportunities are convenient for the believer. Some believers are not ready to listen to God in such cases. As long as the job is “paying”, they are ready to take it.
Question 5) What are the results of presenting our bodies to God as a living sacrifice?
Romans 12:2
Anyone who presents his or her body as a living sacrifice to God lives a life that glorifies God in all respect. Hence such a one enjoys the presence of God everywhere he goes- home, family, work or community. God will ensure that all His promises to the believer are fulfilled. He will make the individual invincible and unconquerable so that no man will be able to stand before him (Joshua 1:5-8).
He will bless the believer with no sorrow added (Proverbs 10:22)
Daily Living Application
God expects everyone of us to be set apart unto Him. He expects His children to avoid the world and its practices. He therefore expects us to yield our bodies unreservedly to His service and glory of His name. We should never take our life back after giving it to God no one who surrenders totally to His supreme will, will go unrewarded (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Memory Verse:
Roman 12:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”.
Daily Devotional Guide
Monday: We were created for God’s glory.
Colossians 1:16
Tuesday: I am crucified with Christ.
Galatians 2:20-21
Wednesday: If any man be in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Thursday: Put aside selfish ambition.
Luke 9:23-24
Friday: Let Love be Sincere
Romans 12:9
Saturday: Present your body a living sacrifice.
Romans 12:1-2