THE TRUE SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE.
1. WHEN the Philippians sent gifts to Paul to sustain him in the work of the gospel, what did he say about the acceptableness of their offering? "But I have all, and abound; I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God." Phil. 4:18. 2. How does God regard such offerings? Last part of the same verse. 3. What admonition is given with respect to such offerings? "But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." Heb. 13:16. 4. What is the meaning of the word communicate as used in this passage? — To share our means and blessings with others, and hence to help the needy. See Webster. 5. If such gifts are made from the heart, what will result to the giver? 6. Can ordinary sacrifices, however costly, atone for a lack of genuine kindness and Christian sympathy? "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." 1 Cor. 13:3; Matt. 9:13. 7. What other sacrifices does God require? "And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing." Ps. 107:22. 8. What admonition does Paul give with respect to this kind of sacrifices? "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name." Heb. 13:15. 9. Which seems to stand first,—the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, or the sacrifice of means? Compare verses 15 and 16. 10. Could either be genuine without leading to the other? 11. What seems to be associated with the sacrifice of thanksgiving? — Prayer and the paying of vows. Ps. 116:17, 18. 12. What sacrifices seem to be particularly precious in the sight of God? "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Ps. 51:17. 13. Why is this called sacrifice? — Because it requires the giving up of one's own way, and to yield up the will is the hardest thing that anyone has to do. 14. What encouragement is given to those who are contrite and humble? "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isa. 57:15. 15. Will such Christians always be appreciated by their brethren? "For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord; but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." "Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified; but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." Isa. 66:2, 5. 16. Who promises to remember these humble ones that tremble at his word? Verse 2. 17. What does he say to the opposite class, who have no appreciation of this principle? "He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear; but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not." Verses 3, 4. 19. How was the opposite spirit illustrated by Mary? John 12:3. 21. What effect does this vindication of Mary and the accompanying reproof seem to have had upon Judas? Verses 10, 11. 22. What conclusion would we draw from this? — That the sacrifices of a heart subdued by grace, and broken by love, will constitute the costliest gift that anyone can bestow.