Chip continues this series with a topic that most of us rarely think about. And yet, it is one of the most important keys to cultivating an intimate walk with God. Join Chip as he shares how making great sacrifices is the gateway to greatness with God.

Main Points Introduction: Pondering the Power of “Sacrifice”

Great sacrifices, even in movies, art, music, or athletics produce a profound and almost inexplicable emotional and spiritual response.

We admire those who make great sacrifices.
We enshrine those who make great sacrifices.
We honor those who make great sacrifices.
We reward those who make great sacrifices.
We seek to emulate those who make great sacrifices.

Why? – What is this mystical union and soul connection we subconsciously make when we witness a great sacrifice for a noble cause, or a personal relationship?

Answer – Sacrifice is the clearest and greatest evidence of the extent of one’s love and devotion toward a person, a cause, or a thing. --John 15:13

In short, sacrifice is “the arrow” that points toward who or what we worship (ascribe worth, importance, value to).

I. Understanding Biblical sacrifice and worship:

Lessons from Leviticus: Chapters 1-10
Lessons from the life of Abraham: Genesis 22
Lessons from the teachings of Jesus: Luke 14:25-35
Lessons from the Apostle Paul: Romans 12:1

II. What motivates great Christians to make great sacrifices?

They grasp God’s unconditional love.
They embrace God’s relational economy.
They trust God’s eternal goodness.
They recognize God’s sovereign ownership.

III. Next steps to becoming great in God’s eyes:

Have you surrendered your whole life to Christ as a living and holy sacrifice?
Are you growing in loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength?

Conclusion – Sacrifice is merely “love with clothes on.”

Where there is great love there will always be great sacrifices.

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About Chip Ingram

Chip Ingram’s passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, and teacher for more than three decades, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God’s truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.

About Living on the Edge

Living on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. Established in 1995 as the radio ministry of pastor and author Chip Ingram, God has since grown it into a global discipleship ministry. Living on the Edge provides Biblical teaching and discipleship resources that challenge and equip spiritually hungry Christians all over the world to become mature disciples of Jesus.

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