A PEARL OF GREAT PRICE: THE SACRIFICIAL LIFE

Matthew 13:45-46

Introduction: If you value what it is you have in Christ, you must be willing to part with all for Him, leave all to follow Him. Whatever stands in opposition to Christ, or in competition with Him for our love and service, we must cheerfully quit it, regardless of how much we may treasure these things in our lives. Some commit themselves to doing things and involving themselves in things and even with people to the detriment of their relationship with Christ. This is because in reality Jesus is not worth the cost one has to pay to obtain Him.

I. The value in finding Christ

A. Consider Matthew 13:44 – some come upon Christ by chance

1. The Samaritan woman (John 4)

2. The man born blind (John 9)

B. Consider Matthew 13:45-46 – some seek for the Christ

1. Andrew (John 1:37-42)

2. The Eunuch (Acts 8:26-39)

II. What is Sacrifice?

A. Primarily means an act of offering; then secondarily that which is offered. It is metaphorically applied to:

1. The believer of God himself (Rom. 12:1)

2. Of faith (Phi. 2:17)

3. Of material assistance rendered to saints (Phi. 4:18)

4. Of praise (Heb. 13:15)

5. Of doing good to others (Heb. 13:16)

6. Of spiritual sacrifices in general (1 Pet. 2:5)

B. Someone once said, "Sacrifice is only that which is given only after the heart has given all it can spare. To sacrifice for Christ's sake brings joy unbounded and peace unmoved by the fleeting things of life."

C. The epitome of self-sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2)

1. Comes with a proper focus (vs. 2 & Col. 3:1-2)

2. Read Hebrews 11:35-40 (speaks to motivation)

3. We need to see the value in what we are giving up compared to the value of what we gain (Rom. 8:18, 2 Cor. 4:17-18)

D. God wants you to give Him the best that you have, yet without complaint (Phi. 4:14-15)

1. There are clock watchers (Amos 8:5-6)

2. There are robbers (Mal. 3:8-10) time, energy, wealth – these are those who do what ever they do when it is convenient or does not interfere with other activities

3. If you value (heaven, gospel meetings, Coming to worship, saving souls) you will make the time to do these things

4. Cancel your events; take off from work, school, etc. – You will make sacrifices for whatever you deem important

E. Do you agree with Paul? (Phi. 3:7-8)

Conclusion: If Jesus and all he offers is your pearl of great price, why don’t you act like it by living a more sacrificial life? Give up or lay aside whatever is getting in the way of an absolute commitment to and appreciation of Christ in your life.