Preparing for the Lord's Day
Jesus is Better
As we come to this Sunday's passage, it is crucial to distinguish between two types of sacrifices described in the Bible: sacrifices of atonement and sacrifices of thanksgiving.
Sacrifices of atonement were made to expiate sin and restore fellowship between sinful humanity and our holy God. Leviticus tells us:
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life" (Leviticus 17:11 ESV).
Sacrifices of thanksgiving, sometimes referred to as peace offerings or fellowship offerings, were expressions of gratitude. These were voluntary offerings made by individuals to show thankfulness for God’s blessings, providence, or deliverance.
In the book of Hebrews, we learn that the sacrifice of atonement has been perfectly fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the culmination of all Old Testament atoning sacrifices. His once-for-all sacrifice has reconciled His people to God forever, as affirmed in Hebrews 10:10:
"And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:10 ESV).
What then is our response? We are called to offer our lives as sacrifices of thanksgiving. We no longer need to make sacrifices for atonement or salvation—Christ has completed that work. Instead, we respond to Christ’s work by offering our lives as sacrifices of praise. This Sunday, we will explore four specific ways we can offer our thanksgiving to the Lord, demonstrating how we must go outside the camp to where Jesus is, presenting our lives as living sacrifices of praise to the Lord.
To prepare for Sunday's sermon, I encourage you to spend time this week reading and meditating upon Hebrews 13:15-19, Psalm 51:16-17, Romans 12:1, Ephesians 5:2, Philippians 4:18, and this article on being Living Sacrifices.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Our God, Our Help,” the Acclamation of Praise “When I Survey,” and the Hymn of Response “Be Thou My Vision.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Hebrews 13:15-19
Title: To Live Outside the Camp
Outline:
- We Must Offer the Sacrifice of Praise (v. 15)
- We Must Offer the Sacrifice of Generosity (v. 16)
- We Must Offer the Sacrifice of Submission (v. 17)
- We Must Offer the Sacrifice of Prayer (vv. 18-19)