Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 9
The speaker defines spiritual sacrifices concretely (time to pray, help, show love and kindness) and connects them to Revelation’s “bowls of incense” as “the prayers of the saints”; what “priestly” sacrifices are missing in your life because you treat them as optional rather than as your calling?
Another way to ask: What “priestly” acts—like prayer, helping, and showing kindness—are missing in your life because you treat them as optional instead of your calling?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the transcript, missing “priestly” sacrifices would include neglected intercession, withheld service to God’s people, and undisciplined choices to show kindness—because the speaker frames these as the normal sacrifices of a royal priesthood. He portrays them not as optional extras but as what priests do.
- He defines spiritual sacrifice in everyday terms: disciplining yourself “to do something or not do something for the betterment of God's kingdom.”
- He gives concrete examples: “time to pray for others, time to help others, time to show love and kindness.”
- He describes these acts as worship: “These acts come before our Lord as a sweet-smelling aroma before God.”
- He connects Revelation imagery: “golden bowls full of incense… which are the prayers of the saints.”
- He grounds it in identity: “We have gone from… not being a part of the people of God to being… a royal priesthood.”
- He defines priests by service and intercession: “priests were and are servants… They were interceding for the people… Is it any different today?”