Friday: Sacrifice
Further Study: “It had been difficult even for the angels to grasp the mystery of 
redemption—to comprehend that the Commander of heaven, the Son of God, must die for guilty man. When the command was given to Abraham to offer up his son, the interest of all heavenly beings was enlisted. With intense earnestness they watched each step in the fulfillment of this command. When to Isaac’s question, ‘Where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ Abraham made answer, ‘God will provide Himself a lamb;’ and when the father’s hand was stayed as he was about to slay his son, and the ram which God had provided was offered in the place of Isaac—then light was shed upon the mystery of redemption, and even the angels understood more clearly the wonderful provision that God had made for man’s salvation.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 155.
Discussion Questions:
- “Our feet will walk in his paths, our lips will speak the truth and spread the gospel, our tongues will bring healing, our hands will lift up those who have fallen, and perform many mundane tasks as well like cooking and cleaning, typing and mending; our arms will embrace the lonely and the unloved, our ears will listen to the cries of the distressed, and our eyes will look humbly and patiently towards God.”—John Stott, Romans (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 1994), p. 322. In what ways does this quote show what it means to be a “living sacrifice”? Why is it that only through death to self could we ever be able to live like this?
- As we saw during the week’s lesson, one of the great problems that the people faced was seeing the sacrificial system as an end in itself instead of a means to an end—that end being a life wholly consecrated to God, a consecration that reveals itself in loving service to others. In what ways are Seventh-day Adventists (who have been given so much light), especially in danger of going down the same path, perhaps now thinking that the great truths we possess are an end in and of themselves, instead of a means to the end?
- Dwell more on the story of Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah. However troubling this story is, one could argue that it was meantto be troubling, meant to cause consternation and distress. Why do you think anyone would argue that it was meant, among other things, to evoke those emotions in the reader?
(9)
Dear Lord make me a living sacrifice unto you and others too that I encounter in my day to day life. Amen..
Let this be our earnest prayer everyday as we continue serving the Lord in this world.
I just want to clarify why is it the date for Friday is October 17, 2013. Has it something to do with the location of the person who is posting it?
The blog's dates are dated according to Pacific time in North America. And the Sabbath School lessons are posted a day ahead of time in North America so that our brothers and sisters in Australia can receive their lessons on the right day.
I'm not sure how others see the dates. For instance, when I post this, it will show up as Oct 18, 2013 @11:22. That is in Pacific Time. How do you see the date stamp on your computer in your time zone?
It is difficult to put into words what sacrifice means to me...I do think that the closest to how I am thinking is Philipians 2:5-8. beginning with "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus....". A complete surrender of self for the benefit of others. Jesus often told His disciples to make this the core ethic of their lifestyles. (Matthew 20:25-28; 18:1-4; Mark 9:35; John 13:12-17. ) I think marriage is a great metaphor for self sacrifice. Ask any couple who have been married several decades the secret of their lasting relationship and most will reply, "self sacrificial love", or words to that effect.
And that is the true meaning of love. At its most basic, love is unconditional self sacrificing giving of self for the benefit of another. This concept is the basis of the heavenly government, and the basis of God's laws. If we can do this, putting 'self' to death and living for another, Christ, (see Romans 7) then we shall never offend either God, nor our neighbour.
Ivyian, Amen! I also pray that I will be more like Jesus and willing to sacrifice for God and other people. Feeding the New Life in Christ instead of selfishness, I can allow God to work the miracle in me so that I can live an abundant life and joyfully serve others.
In the story of Abraham's offering his only son Isaac, I see the heavenly Father's love not only for his only son but for all humanity.
God gave us His best gift; He gave it all. His love was poured out without measure for my redemption. The leastwe can do is to present ourselves as living examples of Christ dwelling in us.
This weeks lesson is summed up in two words, "willing obedience" Christ Object Lessons page 117.
Whether we look at the sanctuary or Christ's physical life on earth, they were both an attempt by the Son of God to show us willing obedience, the perfect life.
Thank-you Don I Appreciate you insight.