Wanted: Sacrificial Christians

Introduction:
In Rev. 3:1-6 we read of the church at Sardis. They had a name of being alive, but were dead. This could have been a congregation were sacrifice was non-existent. Most likely, they had become complacent. Complacency is a great danger to Christians! We cannot be complacent about our mission or that of the church. Sacrificial living for Christ is becoming less common these days & as a result many Christians are dying spiritually. Too many have a lack of willingness to live & die for Him! How is our devotion to Christ?

I. ___________________ set the example for us!
    A. Rom. 12:1-2—Paul told Christians to present your bodies a living & holy ____________…..
        1. This was the focus of Jesus’ life; His teachings; and His ___________ on the cross!
        2. John. 3:16; Rom. 5:6-8
    B. He bore ________ sin on _________ behalf. Because of His sacrifice; He expects us to sacrifice (Mt. 16:24)

II. _____________ ____________ was common among first century Christians!
    A. They sacrificed their __________. Mk. 1:16-20
    B. They sacrificed their ___________ __________. Acts 2:45; 4:36-37
    C. They sacrificed __________________. Acts 11:29; 1 Cor. 16:1-3
    D. They sacrificed their former __________ training—Phil. 3:4-7
    E. They will willing to ______________ their _______! Acts 7:58-60; 12:1-2; 22:4; 26:9-11
    F. Their sacrifice brought ______________ to Christ!

III. We must not become __________________ to the Lord!
    A. Rev. 3:2– their deeds were not _________________.
    B. Are we complacent with our ______________ of His word?
        1. Does our attitude parallel 2 Tim. 2:15; Psa. 1?
        2. How hungry are we to study His word?
    C. Are we complacent with our ____________________?
        1. 2 Pet. 3:9—God is __________________!
        2. Are we getting the message out?
    D. Are we complacent with our _________; _________; & ________?
        1. Heb. 13:15; 1 Tim. 2:1-4; 1 Thess. 5:17
    E. If we’ve determined that we’ve done enough—we’re saying our obligation to God is paid in full!
        1. Eph. 2:4-8

Conclusion:
    A. The future of the Lord’s church depends on devoted; unselfish; self-sacrificing Christians who are willing to
        __________ & __________ their lives in service to Jesus!
    B. Let us renew our commitment to Christ!
    C. Let us recapture our willingness to sacrifice anything & everything in service to Him!
    D. Didn’t Jesus sacrifice everything for us? Don’t let His sacrifice be in vain!
    E. Obey the gospel today!



Wanted: Sacrificial Christians Introduction: In Rev. 3:1-6 we read of the church at Sardis. They had a name of being alive, but were dead. This could have been a congregation were sacrifice was non-existent. Most likely, they had become complacent. Complacency is a great danger to Christians! We cannot be complacent about our mission or that of the church. Sacrificial living for Christ is becoming less common these days & as a result many Christians are dying spiritually. Too many have a lack of willingness to live & die for Him! How is our devotion to Christ? I. ___________________ set the example for us! A. Rom. 12:1-2—Paul told Christians to present your bodies a living & holy ____________….. 1. This was the focus of Jesus’ life; His teachings; and His ___________ on the cross! 2. John. 3:16; Rom. 5:6-8 B. He bore ________ sin on _________ behalf. Because of His sacrifice; He expects us to sacrifice (Mt. 16:24) II. _____________ ____________ was common among first century Christians! A. They sacrificed their __________. Mk. 1:16-20 B. They sacrificed their ___________ __________. Acts 2:45; 4:36-37 C. They sacrificed __________________. Acts 11:29; 1 Cor. 16:1-3 D. They sacrificed their former __________ training—Phil. 3:4-7 E. They will willing to ______________ their _______! Acts 7:58-60; 12:1-2; 22:4; 26:9-11 F. Their sacrifice brought ______________ to Christ! III. We must not become __________________ to the Lord! A. Rev. 3:2– their deeds were not _________________. B. Are we complacent with our ______________ of His word? 1. Does our attitude parallel 2 Tim. 2:15; Psa. 1? 2. How hungry are we to study His word? C. Are we complacent with our ____________________? 1. 2 Pet. 3:9—God is __________________! 2. Are we getting the message out? D. Are we complacent with our _________; _________; & ________? 1. Heb. 13:15; 1 Tim. 2:1-4; 1 Thess. 5:17 E. If we’ve determined that we’ve done enough—we’re saying our obligation to God is paid in full! 1. Eph. 2:4-8 Conclusion: A. The future of the Lord’s church depends on devoted; unselfish; self-sacrificing Christians who are willing to __________ & __________ their lives in service to Jesus! B. Let us renew our commitment to Christ! C. Let us recapture our willingness to sacrifice anything & everything in service to Him! D. Didn’t Jesus sacrifice everything for us? Don’t let His sacrifice be in vain! E. Obey the gospel today!