WELL-PLEASING SACRIFICE By Major Frank Materu

Introduction

Walking in obedience to God leads to offering sacrifices that are holy and acceptable to Him. True obedience requires separation from sin, trust in God’s timing, and a heart committed to His purposes. This teaching explores the principles of living a life that pleases God, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice, separation, and investing in eternal values.




Offer a Living Sacrifice

God calls us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him. This requires daily obedience and a willingness to embrace the changes He brings into our lives.

“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.” (Romans 12:1, NKJV)

God provides us with the light we need for each day, guiding us step by step toward His purposes. Trust in His daily provision and rejoice in His faithfulness.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV)


The Principle of Separation

God desires His people to be separated from sin and worldliness, set apart for His glory. Separation is not about rejecting people but rejecting the sin and ungodliness that separates us from Him.

“Therefore, ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’” (2 Corinthians 6:17, NKJV)

Be wise in discerning His voice and obedient in following Him. The principle of separation ensures that we remain holy, walking in fellowship with Him and with one another.


Look to God for Guidance

When we keep our focus on God, our thoughts and actions align with His will. He transforms our circumstances and directs our paths when we trust Him fully.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV)

By looking to God, we are strengthened to handle life’s challenges, knowing that He is our source of wisdom and peace.


There Are No Mistakes in God

God works through unlikely people and situations to fulfill His purposes. Never despair or give up, for transformation is possible for all who turn to Him.

“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, NKJV)

Rejoice in the privilege of being part of His army, chosen to do great exploits for His kingdom. He raises up those who hunger for His Spirit and are zealous for His truth.




Invest in Human Souls

True wisdom lies in investing in what is eternal—human souls. God calls us to pour into others, sharing His truth and love so that they, too, may experience His life-giving power.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20, NKJV)

As fountains of life, we are to pour out His living water to those who thirst for Him, bringing hope and transformation.


Keep Your Commitments

God takes our vows and commitments seriously. When we promise to follow Him, we must remain steadfast and obedient, trusting Him to sustain us.

“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4, NKJV)

Do not waver in your commitments, but rely on His strength to fulfill them.


God Measures Motivation

God examines not only our actions but also the motives behind them. Works done to seek human recognition are not pleasing to Him. Only those works done in obedience to His commands are acceptable.

“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV)

Let your actions be motivated by a genuine desire to please God, not by a need for approval or applause.


Summary

  1. Sacrifice Well: Offer yourself daily as a living sacrifice to God. (Romans 12:1)
  2. Separate from Sin: Live a holy and set-apart life. (2 Corinthians 6:17)
  3. Look to God: Keep your focus on Him for guidance and transformation. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
  4. Invest in Souls: Prioritize eternal values by pouring into others. (Matthew 6:19-20)
  5. Keep Your Vows: Honor the commitments you make to God. (Ecclesiastes 5:4)
  6. Check Your Motives: Let your works be driven by obedience and love for God. (1 Samuel 16:7)



Conclusion

God calls us to live lives that are holy and pleasing to Him. This requires daily sacrifice, separation from sin, and a commitment to invest in eternal values. By focusing on Him, we become vessels of His life-giving power, bringing hope and transformation to others.


Way Forward

  1. Daily Surrender: Offer yourself as a living sacrifice every day. (Luke 9:23)
  2. Seek Holiness: Separate yourself from anything that hinders your walk with God. (Hebrews 12:14)
  3. Stay Focused: Keep your eyes on God and trust Him to guide your steps. (Psalm 37:23)
  4. Pour Into Others: Share God’s love and truth with those around you. (2 Timothy 2:2)
  5. Evaluate Your Heart: Regularly examine your motives and align them with God’s will. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Let us walk in obedience, offering sacrifices that are well-pleasing to Him. Amen.