Definition and Concept:
Living sacrificially refers to the Christian practice of dedicating one's life to God in a manner that reflects the sacrificial love and obedience exemplified by Jesus Christ. It involves a daily commitment to self-denial, service, and the pursuit of holiness, aligning one's actions and decisions with the will of God.

Biblical Foundation:
The concept of living sacrificially is rooted in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" . This verse encapsulates the essence of living sacrificially, emphasizing the transformation of one's life into an ongoing act of worship.

Old Testament Background:
The idea of sacrifice is deeply embedded in the Old Testament, where animal sacrifices were a central aspect of worship and atonement. These sacrifices foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In the New Covenant, the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ, and believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, embodying the principles of love, obedience, and service.

Christ as the Ultimate Example:
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of living sacrificially. His life and ministry were marked by humility, service, and obedience to the Father, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross. Philippians 2:5-8 highlights this, stating, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" .

Practical Implications:
Living sacrificially involves several practical aspects for believers:

1. Self-Denial: Followers of Christ are called to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). This means prioritizing God's will over personal desires and ambitions.

2. Service to Others: Sacrificial living is expressed through acts of service and love towards others. Galatians 5:13 encourages believers, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love" .

3. Holiness and Obedience: A life of sacrifice is marked by a commitment to holiness and obedience to God's commands. 1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" .

4. Generosity and Stewardship: Sacrificial living also involves the generous use of one's resources for the advancement of God's kingdom. 2 Corinthians 9:7 states, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver" .

Challenges and Rewards:
Living sacrificially is not without its challenges. It requires a counter-cultural mindset and often involves personal sacrifice and suffering. However, the rewards are profound, including a deeper relationship with God, spiritual growth, and the joy of participating in God's redemptive work in the world. Jesus assures His followers in Matthew 16:25, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" .

Conclusion:
Living sacrificially is a central tenet of the Christian faith, calling believers to emulate the sacrificial love of Christ in every aspect of their lives. Through self-denial, service, and obedience, Christians are invited to participate in the transformative work of God's kingdom, offering their lives as a living testament to His grace and glory.