Sacrifice of Praise, Sacrifice of Joy, Sacrifice of Service, Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
DeVern emphasizes the need for a return to God's "normal order" in the religious world, which involves a priesthood of all believers offering daily sacrifices of praise. He notes that when God's people stray from this order, He raises up prophets to call them back to worship and thanksgiving. DeVern reflects on the misconception that a good service requires a preacher, arguing that true worship should come from the congregation. He uses Abraham as an example, highlighting that his first act was to build an altar, symbolizing total dedication to God. DeVern warns against creating personal altars based on ambition or projects, which can lead to wasted lives. He discusses various sacrifices, including the "sacrifice of fools," which arises from impulsive decisions, and the "sacrifice of the wicked," which is motivated by ulterior motives. Ultimately, he calls for a life of obedience and true worship, where believers recognize Christ as the ultimate altar and sacrifice. DeVern concludes by urging the congregation to seek a life that glorifies God through genuine worship and sacrifice.
Outline of Main Points
- Need for a return to God's normal order
- Role of the priesthood of all believers
- Misconception about the necessity of preaching
- Abraham as a model of dedication through building an altar
- Warnings against personal altars based on ambition
- Different types of sacrifices: fools, wicked, blind
- Call for obedience and true worship
- Recognition of Christ as the ultimate altar
- Encouragement to glorify God through genuine worship
