HOLY OBLATION - PART 3

THURSDAY 20 APRIL 2023

The sacrifices offered by pagans to idols are very offensive to God and so, He despises such. Therefore, as a born again Christian, who is under the supreme Lordship of Christ and the governing influence of the Spirit of truth, don't ever legalise demons by offering sacrifice to idols. Always remember that the kingdom of darkness is directly opposed to the Kingdom of light.

Reference: 1 Corinthians 10:20 New International Version (NIV) "No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons."

In the context, apostle denoted a concentrated exhortation in the area of sacrifices, meaning that he really meant it when he said that the things that the Gentiles sacrifice are meant for demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. As saints in Christ Jesus, first of all, understand that there has been a radical transformation because you've been transferred from the Kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of light, which also implies that you're in inextricable union with Christ in the light (See Colossians 1:13 NLT). Now there is so much possibility in the light to blossom out into all forms and types of goodness, as you offer your sacred oblation or sacrifices to God.

Therefore, let the sweet, sacred evidence of your inward communion exude as light from you and see to it that every act of sacrificial worship to God is vitalised by an in-depth contact with the truths of God's Word. Other ways of offering sacred sacrifices to Almighty God are as follows:

1. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship (Romans 12:1 NLT). So let your entire body from head to toe be a living and holy sacrifice to God, because he finds everything about you acceptable. That's truly the way to worship Him. Avoid sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20 NIV). Flee from it and walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:7-8 NLT). This should be our proper response to God's grace and mercies. To be in Christ is to become His sacred, living sacrifice, to practise righteousness and to live in holiness, actioning and experiencing all that delights His heart. As you do so, it becomes a genuine expression of oblation or sacrificial worship to God.

2. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name (Hebrews 13:15 NIV). As a real Christian, there must be a continual sacrifice of praise and worship to God on a daily basis, proclaiming your allegiance to His name. Praise and worship are very important and significant aspect of our Christian faith. In addition, make God known in your world, and declare His Word over your life on a regular basis. That's the proper way to proclaim our allegiance to His name. The Psalmist said, "I have proclaimed good news of righteousness [and the joy that comes from obedience to You] in the great assembly; Behold, I will not restrain my lips [from proclaiming Your righteousness], As You know, O Lord. I have not concealed Your righteousness within my heart; I have proclaimed Your faithfulness and Your salvation. I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great assembly" (Psalm 40:9-10 AMP). Beloved, always offer the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and speak His knowledge sincerely.

3. Do not neglect to do good and to be generous, for God is pleased with such sacrifices (Hebrews 13:16 ISV). Being generous is an acceptable sacrifice to God. However, as a child of light, ensure that you practise your hospitality in the name of Jesus, not in the name of worthless idols. More so, be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think, by embracing God's perspective through His Word because this will empower you to discern God's will as you live a glorious life - satisfying and pleasing in His sight. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 51:15; Psalm 71:23; Psalm 119:13; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8.

Exuberant Declaration: I have the mind, nature and Spirit of Christ, and all my sacrificial worship and conversations are in accordance with His precepts. Glory to God!