1. The Meaning of Sacrifice Jen-Li Tsai – Taiwanese Christian The only Christian in a Japanese military college in the Japanese colony of Formosa (Taiwan) Selected to be a kamikaze pilot Preparing to board a ship to Japan for kamikaze training – but it was torpedoed by a US submarine before it could sail Pastor, church planter, Bible Society leader My boss, 1991-1997

2. The Meaning of Sacrifice Christians are called to sacrifice I appeal to you, by God’s mercies, to present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Romans 12.1 Like living stones, you are being built up as a spiritual house, … to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2.5 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9.23

3. The Meaning of Sacrifice Sacrifice involves Suffering Jesus’ example – Our encouragement Although he was a son, [Jesus] learned obedience through what he suffered. Hebrews 5.8 Because Jesus himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.Hebrews 2.18 In order to bring many people to be saved, it was fitting that God should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2.10 We see Jesus, because he suffered death, now crowned with glory and honour!Hebrews 2.9

4. The Meaning of Sacrifice Sacrifice involves Suffering Jesus’ example – Our encouragement Although he was a son, [Jesus] learned obedience through what he suffered. Hebrews 5.8

5. The Meaning of Sacrifice When the Lord punishes you, don’t make light of it, And when he corrects you, don’t be discouraged. The Lord corrects the people he loves and disciplines those he calls his own. Be patient when you are being corrected! This is how God treats his children. Don’t all parents correct their children? God corrects all of his children, and if he doesn’t correct you, then you don’t really belong to him. Our earthly fathers correct us, and we still respect them. Isn’t it even better to be given true life by letting our heavenly father correct us? Our human fathers correct us for a short time, and they do it as they think best. But God disciplines us for our own good, because he wants us to be holy, as he is. It is never fun to be disciplined. In fact, at the time it is always painful. But if we learn to obey by being disciplined, we will do right and live at peace. Hebrews 12.5-13 Discipline makes Disciples!

6. The Meaning of Sacrifice Sacrifice involves Suffering Jesus’ example – Our encouragement Because Jesus himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.Hebrews 2.18

7. The Meaning of Sacrifice Don’t blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted with evil, and he doesn’t use evil to tempt others. We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us. Our desires make us sin, and when sin is finished with us, it leaves us dead. James 1.13-15 Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall. You are tempted in the same way everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much. He will show you how to escape from your temptations. 1 Corinthians 10.12-13 Resisting temptation makes us stronger

8. The Meaning of Sacrifice Sacrifice involves Suffering Jesus’ example – Our encouragement In order to bring many people to be saved, it was fitting that God should make the author of their salvation perfect [ie complete] through suffering. Hebrews 2.10

9. The Meaning of Sacrifice During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Hebrews 5.7 Jesus knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, don’t make me suffer by drinking from this cup. But do what you want, not what I want.” Then an angel from heaven came to help him. Jesus was in agony, and while praying still more earnestly, his sweat fell to the ground like drops of blood.Luke 22.42-44 Suffering makes our faith complete

10. The Meaning of Sacrifice Sacrifice involves Suffering Jesus’ example – Our encouragement We see Jesus, because he suffered death, now crowned with glory and honour!Hebrews 2.9

11. The Meaning of Sacrifice For I am already being poured out like an offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day – and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4.6-8 Suffering brings a great reward

12. The Meaning of Sacrifice Sacrifice involves Suffering Jesus’ example – Our encouragement Although he was a son, [Jesus] learned obedience through what he suffered. Hebrews 5.8 Discipline makes Disciples! Because Jesus himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.Hebrews 2.18 Resisting temptation makes us stronger In order to bring many people to be saved, it was fitting that God should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2.10 Suffering makes our faith complete We see Jesus, because he suffered death, now crowned with glory and honour! Hebrews 2.9 Suffering brings a great reward