(πνευματικαὶ θυσίαι, pneumatikaı́ thusı́ai): A figure taken from the victim slain and offered on the altar, as e.g. the paschal lamb; thus signifying the complete and acceptable offering of the self-dedicated spirit. As the temple, priesthood and God Himself are spiritual, so is the sacrifice of the consecrated believer ([1Pe 2:5]); compare “living sacrifice” ([Rom 12:1]); “sacrifice of praise” ([Heb 13:15], [Heb 13:16]). Any self-dedicating act of the inner man; the devout, renewed, consecrated spirit, e.g. Christian benevolence ([Php 4:18]); “to do good and to communicate” ([Heb 13:16]); “mercy” and “knowledge of God,” instead of material and outward sacrifice ([Hos 6:6]). This is defined and beautifully illustrated in the classic verse on this theme, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,” etc. ([Psa 51:17]).
