1 Peter 2:5

Intro.

1. Sacrifice (thusia) - "The act of offering; then, objectively, that which is offered" (Vine). [Idolatrous - Acts 7:41; animals offered under the Law - Heb.10:1; of Christ - Eph. 5:2.]

2. Sacrifices have certain characteristics: Presentation (Lev. 1:3-5; Rom. 12:1); Personal (Lev. 1:2; Rom. 12:1); Value (2 Sam. 24:24); To be acceptable, must conform to God's wishes (Lev. 10:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:5).

3. 1 Pet. 2:5 - We have the spiritual obligation / privilege to present offerings / sacrifices to God & to be accepted!

I. THE BODY OF THE CHRISTIAN - Rom. 12:1.

A. Present Our Body To God To Accomplish His Will - 1 Cor. 6:13; Rom. 6:12-14; 1 Ths. 4:1-8.

1. Body to be a living, active instrument in God's service.

2. 1 Cor. 6:13 - Body is for the Lord.

3. Rom. 6:12-14 - Present (yield) bodies, not to lusts, but to God to do righteousness (cf. 1 Jno. 2:29).

4. 1 Ths. 4:1-8 - Our walk must abstain from sexual sin & defilement of the flesh (Rom. 13:13-14).

5. Applications:

a. Abstain from sinful uses of body: Drinking, dancing, fornication, lewdness, immodesty - 1 Pet. 4:3-4.

b. Practice: Service, love, speech, obedience to God.

6. Mk. 7:20-23 - Cleanse the heart - Use of body clean.

II. THE SACRIFICE OF FAITH - Phil. 2:17.

A. Our Faith Is A Presentation To God - Heb. 11:6 (cf. v. 4).

B. The Sacrifice Of Faith Is The Christian's Life (Conduct), Which Comes From Faith - Phil. 2:17.

1. 1:9-11 - The fruits of righteousness (love, spiritual discernment).

2. 1:27 - Unity of faith; Opposition to Satan.

3. 1:29-30 - Suffering for Christ (1 Pet. 4:16).

4. 2:12 - Working out salvation (bring it to completion).

5. 2:14-16 - W/o murmuring, hold forth word of life.

-Is our faith that which God will accept? (Jas. 2:14, 24, 26)

III. MATERIAL ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO OTHERS - Phil. 4:18.

A. Support Gospel Preachers In Their Work - 4:15-16.

B. Helping Needy Saints - 2 Cor. 9:12-15; 1 Jno. 3:16-17.

C. Sharing With Others (Meeting Their Needs) - Heb. 13:16.

IV. THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE - Heb. 13:15.

A. God Is Praised When We Confess His Name In Our Lives - Mal. 1:11-12; Matt. 10:32-33.

B. Our Assembled Worship Provides Such An Opportunity - Heb. 10:24-25.

1. Neglect of worship is a refusal to offer the sacrifice of praise to God! - cf. Psa. 42:4

2. Worship is a seeking of God's favor - cf. Zech. 8:20-23.

C. Our Private Time Provides Such An Opportunity - Jas. 5:13; cf Acts 16:25.

Conclusion

1 Pet. 2:5 - For the Christian, every act of faith, every word of praise, every pure thought, every service rendered, every obedient act, is a spiritual sacrifice unto God (Rom. 12:1).