12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13)
Jesus, in His sacrifice, saved us, satisfying the demands of the Law, and also is using that as a foundation for sanctifying us, making us more fit for His service. So, what does that look like? A few of the results are brought together in these few verses. We will proclaim Him, leaving the security and protection and comfort of "the city" to go out and tell others. We will also "offer the sacrifice of praise", both inside and outside of "the city" - both the encouraging atmosphere of the fellowship of the saints, and in the hostile environs of the world around us. And we will proclaim Him through giving - looking for ways to do good to all, and especially to share what we have with fellow believers in need. This is the life of sacrifice that pleases God - the life to which we have been called. May we not only "offer the sacrifice of praise" as we worship Him today, but also as we go out and serve Him, other believers, and a hurting, watching world this week.
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