A LIVING SACRIFICE Leviticus 19:1-4, 9-18

Transcription

1 A LIVING SACRIFICE Leviticus 19:1-4, J U L Y R O B E R T B E E M A N, I I A S S T. M I N I S T E R W O O D L A N D P A R K C H U R C H O F C H R I S T

2 LEVITICUS Leviticus conveniently divided into two fairly distinct parts - Worshiping a holy God (1:1 17:16) Living a holy life (18:1 27:34) Notice the common modifier holy. Sacrifices, priests and the sacred day of Atonement were all critical in opening the way for children of Israel to come to God in a ceremonial worship. Israelites were also to worship God with their lives. So, are we!!

3 Some may question: How do I worship God in my daily life? What does worship look like outside the sanctuary? How will I know my worship is acceptable? Today s text offers some teachings of old that are, in many regards, acceptable now. Romans 15:4

4 Romans 12:1-2 I beseech ye therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (emphasis mine)

5 A Conformist Be Not Simply cannot be conformists. Many go along just to get along... Don t want to upset the applecart. Don t want to be viewed as anti social. Well, I want to be liked and have friends. You know what they say, When you re in Rome, do as the Romans do.

6 Real Question Should Be Am I glorifying God, or how is God being glorified by my conduct, speech or behavior?

7 A Different (Rare) Breed A transformation must take (or have taken) place. A discernible change in the way we think, walk and talk. The places we go, and the people we see must be different, if doing so keeps us in good standing with God. No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24

8 Chief Concern(s) God s people want to hang on to as much of the world as they can and still remain acceptable to God!! Is there anything wrong with going into the casino or the bingo house if I don t drop a coin in the slot machine or bet on anything? Does the Bible really prohibit what types of attire I wear or how I wear my clothes? Is it okay to drink, if I do not drink to the point of intoxication? Where does the Bible talk against gangsta rap and other music with deplorable and disrespectful lyrics?

9 God s people want to spend as little time with as acceptably possible and still remain in good standing!! Where does the Bible require me to come to more than Sunday morning worship? I feel I have done enough if I get one good service in. Aren t I okay as long as I get communion? I m tired this morning, and God knows my heart. Hebrews 10:25; Psalms 1:1-2.

10 This has never, never been a part of God s design for his people. God instructed Israelites to utterly destroy the inhabitants of the land they were taking. Reason: [L]est they teach you to do according to all their abominations which they have done for their gods, and you sin against the Lord your God. See Deuteronomy 20:16-18 Abstain from all appearance of evil. I Thessalonians 5:22... Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4 Meditate on things that are true, noble (honest), just, pure, lovely and of good report because therein are the paths to virtue and praiseworthy commendation. Philippians 4:8

11 We Need Boundaries Introduced to this concept in literary form with the married couples ministry Boundaries in Marriage, by Drs. Cloud and Townsend Draw lines that you are unwilling to cross, regardless of the circumstances. We need boundaries in every aspect of our lives. Without them, life can turn disastrous and lead you off the God-trodden path.

12 Consequences Are Catastrophic Where There Are None Marriages are destroyed, due to breach of trust. Children being born out of wedlock. Public officials disgracing their office and betraying the confidence of their constituents. We continue to witness man s inhumanity towards his fellowman. Immorality continues to skyrocket.

13 Dream to Nightmare

14 Final Analysis All sacrifices require death! Leviticus 6 7; Hebrews 9:22 The old man must be crucified, so that the new blood-bought, redeemed creature can thrive and become all God will have him to become! See Romans 6:6

15 Daily Prescription for Becoming a Living Sacrifice Glorify God in our conduct, thought and speech. I Corinthians 10:31 Give maximum effort (do your best) at everything you do. Ecclesiastes 9:10 Perform to the best of your ability. Colossians 3:23 Enjoy life. See Proverbs 17:22

16 Lord s Invitation Be added to the Lord s body Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17) Believe (Hebrews 11:6, Acts 15:7) Repent (Acts 2:38) Confess (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:10) Be baptized for the remission of sin (Acts 2:38) or

17 Invitation cont d Be reconciled unto the Lord (I John 1:8-9); or Desire prayer (James 5:16).