Overcoming Spiritual Warfare: Spiritual Sacrifices

Spiritual Sacrifices

Theme Verse

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” — 1 Peter 2:5 (KJV)

Engaging in Spiritual Warfare

In spiritual warfare, sacrifices must be made—not physical, but spiritual. Israel offered sacrifices before, during, and after battles. We too must offer spiritual sacrifices to God, not unto devils (1 Corinthians 10:20), but unto the Lord, through Jesus Christ (e.g., Genesis 4:3 7).

A sacrifice costs something valuable—it’s more than a gift. That’s what makes it meaningful and effective in spiritual victory.

1. Sacrifice of our Lips (Hebrews 13:15)

- Praise continually (cf. Philippians 4:4)
- Give thanks always (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)
- These sacrifices cost something! They require letting go of bitterness, anger, complaining, pride, grief.
- Replace emotions of the flesh with fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:17)

Example: Job praised God through his pain (Job 1:19–21).

2. Sacrifice of our Labor (Hebrews 13:16)

- Do good (Galatians 6:10; 1 Peter 3:11; Psalm 34:14)
- Communicate (share, give financially): Philippians 4:15,18; 1 Timothy 6:18

3. Sacrifice of our Living Bodies (Romans 12:1)

- Present your body as a living sacrifice—holy and acceptable.
- Daily surrender (1 Corinthians 15; Romans 6)

- We are lively stones (1 Peter 2:5)—sacrifices must be alive to be meaningful.

God gave His best for us. Our sacrifice should reflect that—holy, alive, and dedicated.

4. Sacrifice of Living by Faith (Philippians 2:17; 1 Peter 1:7)

- Genuine faith tested by fire is a sacrifice precious to God.

5. Sacrifice of Letting Go (Forgiveness) (Ephesians 4:32)

- Just as Christ’s sacrifice enabled our forgiveness, our act of forgiving others is a spiritual offering.
- O.T. sacrifices sought forgiveness—ours extend it.

Reflection

What have you or are you willing to sacrifice in order to walk in spiritual victory?
Spiritual_Sacrifices_Handout.docx