Jesus put an end to God's requirement for sacrifices to cover sin which were seen in the Old Testament. He offered one sacrifice for sins forever and put an end to the daily sacrifices at the temple. However, the New Testament teaches us that God still expects us to offer sacrifices that please Him in New Testament worship. He gives us some specific sacrifices to demonstrate His glory to the world.
First is Body Sacrifice - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (worship)" (Romans 12:1). How and when do we sacrifice our bodies to the Lord? We do it daily as we take up our cross, die to self and choose to follow Jesus. We can do it with a simple prayer daily and it happens wherever we take the temple.
Second is Praise Sacrifice - "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name, . . . for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:15,16b). The sacrifice of praise is a continuous offering of both prayer and song involving the confession of God's name and glory to show forth our thankfulness to Him. We can pray and sing our praise anywhere, anytime, and yet when we gather as the body of Christ in public worship, we are encouraged in the faith as we bring our sacrifices of praise together.
Third is Koinonia Sacrifice - "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:16). The word "koinonia" literally means to share. This was demonstrated in the early church. They were a very giving fellowship. They provided support for one another and built unity and fellowship in the church. Koinonia Sacrifice replaced the Old Testament sacrificial system of bringing physical and material goods for worship. Instead, the New Testament Christian is to worship by giving to the needs of others. We are challenged to see needs and meet needs as an act of worship. We give tithes and offerings as a part of this meeting needs of others and meeting the needs of mission and ministry to those in need.
We can not worship God effectively apart from sacrifice. Someone has said, "This is the work of worship". What have you sacrificed today? mjm
