A Call to Faithful Sacrifice By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." – Romans 12:1
Introduction
God's people throughout history have faced affliction, opposition, and great sacrifice as they stood for His truth and declared His glory. This lesson invites us to reflect on the journey of sacrifice, the need for unwavering truth, and the call to faithfully serve as His vessels. It challenges us to live boldly as lights in the darkness, offering ourselves fully to God and proclaiming His truth to a world in desperate need of His love and guidance.
Suffering Much Affliction
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." – Matthew 5:10
God's people have endured much hardship through the ages to stand for His name. The challenges we face today are not greater than those of the faithful who came before us. God delights in the sacrifices His people make and sees them as acts of worship.
- Encouragement: Rejoice in the midst of affliction, for it draws you closer to God.
- Reflection: Are you willing to offer yourself as a living sacrifice?
Do Not Be Intimidated
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" – Psalm 27:1
The opinions of the world should not intimidate us. Many are lost and wandering in darkness, afraid and confused. They need the light of Christ that shines through us.
- Action: Look to Christ for strength and draw His light to guide others.
- Reminder: The world’s opinions are rooted in fear, but you are rooted in His truth.
Healing the Wounded
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted." – Isaiah 61:1
Many people are like wounded animals, hurt by the very institutions or people they trusted. Though they may resist, persistence in showing them God’s love and truth will lead to their healing.
- Challenge: Approach the wounded with patience and compassion.
- Hope: God’s healing power will work through you as you remain steadfast.
Religion as a Proud Beast
"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." – 1 Samuel 16:7
Religion can become a proud beast, imitating God’s works while denying His Spirit. God seeks a pure and holy people to bring forth His true work and righteous judgment.
- Reflection: Strive for purity in worship and avoid superficial displays of faith.
- Prayer: Ask God for discernment to differentiate His truth from imitations.
Turning None Away
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." – Matthew 11:28
No soul is beyond God’s reach. Those trapped in spiritual death and carnality can find life through Christ. We are called to bring them His truth and lead them to His light.
- Mission: Be a vessel of life and hope for those who are spiritually starving.
- Encouragement: Trust that God’s power can revive even the most broken lives.
You Are in the Making
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." – Philippians 1:6
God’s work in us is ongoing. While He may take hold of parts of us at first, He desires our entire being. We must allow Him full access to shape us into His vessels.
- Reflection: Are you surrendering all areas of your life to God?
- Encouragement: Trust in His process; He will complete the work He has started.
Judging and Speaking Truth
"Judge not, that you be not judged." – Matthew 7:1
No man has the right to judge God’s messengers. God alone determines who is righteous or wicked. He raises His messengers to speak His truth boldly, and we must not shy away from this calling.
- Action: Speak His truth fearlessly, knowing that it is His Word that transforms.
- Reminder: God’s truth is a fiery sword, cutting through falsehood to ignite souls.
Do Not Hold Back His Truth
"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." – John 8:32
God is raising up a people who will proclaim His Word unadulterated. We must not dilute or withhold the truth, for it is the only thing that can bring freedom to a lost and dying world.
- Challenge: Share God’s truth in its fullness, regardless of the audience.
- Reminder: Trust God’s provision and timing for delivering His Word.
Look at the Cry of the Heart
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." – Psalm 34:18
God values the cry of a man’s heart above all else. Outward appearances and possessions mean nothing in His sight. We are called to focus on the heart’s cry for God, which reveals true faith and longing for Him.
- Reflection: Are you attuned to the spiritual cries of those around you?
- Encouragement: Minister to hearts, not appearances or circumstances.
Summary
This teaching reminds us of the sacrifices required to follow God, the challenges of sharing His truth, and the necessity of standing firm in the face of opposition. God is shaping us for His purpose, calling us to heal the wounded, proclaim His truth, and lead souls to Him.
Conclusion
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." – 1 Corinthians 15:58
God has called us to a life of sacrifice, truth, and unwavering faithfulness. The afflictions we endure are part of His refining process, shaping us into vessels fit for His glory. Let us embrace this call with boldness, knowing that He is faithful to complete His work in us and through us.
Reflection Question: How can you more fully surrender to God’s work in your life and boldly proclaim His truth to those in need?
Living to proclaim His truth and glorify His name.
