In a day and age where many people are asked to make sacrifices, this mornings’ text gives us some criteria for sacrifices that are more pleasing and acceptable unto the Lord. Every believer should seek to please God and do those things that God is going to bless.
Who should we make sacrifices for? When we make sacrifices, which ones should we make? What is God’s response to our sacrifice? These are legitimate questions.
In Philippians 4:14, Paul praised the Philippians because they had shared with him in his affliction. A couple of pre-requisites that come from the context of this morning message are:
- We should consider who we are sacrificing for. Is this person a man or woman of God?
- What purpose of God will this sacrifice assist? Is my sacrificing promoting the will of God and aiding in furthering Gods’ Kingdom?
If these two criteria are met, then we know that sacrifices that are acceptable to God are those that:
1. You share with someone in their troubles or afflictions
2. No one else may be willing to make
3. May have to be done more than once
What can you expect from your sacrifices?
We can expect:
1. Our account to increase with God.
2. To please God.
3. That God will supply all our needs
As we look at which sacrifices to make in life, we should consider all these things.
I close with this prayer:
God in difficult times, help us to know what sacrifices we must make to please you. Lord, help us to be unselfish and help us to be considerate. Finally, help us to have a passionate heart for the things that please you. Thank you God, in advance for what you are going to do. In the name of JESUS, AMEN.
