UNDERSTANDING SERVICE AS A SACRIFICE

 Text: Heb.6:10-12; Gen. 8:20-21; Rom. 12:1

Introduction:

This teaching aims at looking at service vis-a-vis sacrifice, how the duo are interrelated or interwoven and bringing to our attention, the sacrifice dimension of service in order to enjoy God the more.

Oftentimes, many believers take service in the vineyard of God with lackadaisical attitude, all to their own detriment. We tend to enjoy God more than we are currently doing only if we could understand this dimension of our services unto Him.

A. SERVICE AND SACRIFICE EXPLAINED 

By definition, service is an action carried out for somebody with or without compensation or reward in view. Services rendered unto men could attract rewards or not. Even, when you are due for compensation, men for who they are might not want to give you all you are due for or might outrightly deny you all. On the other hands, God's service undoubtedly attracts reward and He is committed to giving it:

'For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have hat each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do n become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises'. Heb.6:10-12

Sacrifice is something offered or rendered to a deity. It is a specific offering that exclusively involves the use of animals being put to death and consumed by fire. Also, something of value given up for the sake of something or someone. 

The animals in this context implies you and me constantly putting to death our flesh and alive in the spirit and living holy as prescribed in Romans 12:1. 

'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'

In this scripture above, we could see now service and sacrifice being equated to each other. So as you are serving the Lord you are sacrificing unto Him. God will not look away whenever He sees the sacrifice dimension of your service.

Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.

B. CHARACTERISTICS OF              SERVICE/SACRIFICE 

1. Service/Sacrifice is specially ordained or designed to attract the spiritual. In other words, Like in the case of Noah and Solomon, you cannot sacrifice rightly and the spiritual will not be activated and not attend to you.Gen. 8:20-21; 2 King 3:4-5

2. Service/Sacrifice is characterized by a measure of inconvenience sometimes. Judges 11:29-40; Gen. 22:2

3. Service/Sacrifice attracts blessing or curse- live or death, promotion or demotion, etc. This implies that service/sacrifice can turn to abomination or admiration. Gen. 4:3-5

4. Reward is sacrosanct; sure; undebatable. Heb. Heb. 6:10

Conclusion:

This understanding in service to God is very key to enjoying Him more than we doing now. Are you there serving but it is like things are not working, it is like you are abandoned, keep on serving Him; keep on offering your sacrifice in the place of service and at the right time, you will see Him coming through for you. Remember Zechariah, the father of John the baptist, it was in the place of service/sacrifice that his need was attended to.

Also, you are always being forced; coarse to serve. You serve but with eye - service or you are not serving God in any capacity in your local assemblies, here is another opportunity to get your service right with the Lord. 

Shalom