Honoring God Through the Principle of First Fruits

 

Summary

Summary:

Today, we explored the profound concept of first fruits, drawing from the story of Noah in Genesis 8:15-22. After the flood, Noah's first act upon leaving the ark was to build an altar and offer sacrifices to God. This act of worship and gratitude was a demonstration of the principle of first fruits, acknowledging God as the source and owner of all creation. The first fruits offering is a biblical principle that signifies giving the first and best of what we have to God, whether it be crops, livestock, or other forms of increase. It is a way to honor God and recognize His provision and sovereignty.

The story of Noah parallels our own experiences of valuing what we often take for granted. Just as Noah longed for land after being confined to the ark, we too may not realize the value of something until it is absent. This principle of first fruits is not just about material offerings but also about prioritizing God in our lives, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings, and setting the tone for future prosperity.

The sermon also highlighted the importance of first fruits throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament laws to New Testament teachings. It is a timeless principle that transcends the law, rooted in the heart and spirit of giving. By offering our first fruits, we send a signal to God that we trust Him and recognize His authority over our lives. This act of faith sets the standard for the blessings and productivity of the coming season.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Principle of First Fruits: The concept of first fruits is about giving God the first and best of what we have, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings. This principle is not limited to agricultural offerings but extends to all areas of increase in our lives. It is a way to honor God and recognize His provision and sovereignty. [16:26]

2. Valuing What We Have: Just as Noah longed for land after being confined to the ark, we often don't realize the value of something until it is absent. This teaches us to appreciate and prioritize what truly matters, especially our relationship with God. [12:55]

3. First Fruits in the Bible: The principle of first fruits is evident throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament laws to New Testament teachings. It is a timeless concept that transcends the law, rooted in the heart and spirit of giving. [37:20]

4. Setting the Tone for Future Blessings: By offering our first fruits, we set the standard for the blessings and productivity of the coming season. It is an act of faith that signals to God our trust in His provision and sets the stage for future prosperity. [50:21]

5. A Heart and Covenant Issue: First fruits is not just a legal requirement but a heart issue, reflecting our covenant relationship with God. It is about prioritizing God in our lives and acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all we have. [52:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:34] - Snorkeling Story and Lessons
- [12:55] - Noah's Experience and Longing for Land
- [14:51] - The First Act After the Ark
- [16:26] - Understanding First Fruits
- [25:16] - Biblical Basis for First Fruits
- [28:26] - First Fruits as a Lasting Statute
- [37:20] - First Fruits in the New Testament
- [40:23] - Christ as the First Fruit
- [44:52] - First Fruits Before the Law
- [46:35] - Noah's Offering as First Fruits
- [50:21] - Setting the Standard for Blessings
- [52:47] - Challenge to Bring First Fruits

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Principle of First Fruits

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 8:15-22
2. Proverbs 3:9-10
3. Exodus 23:19

---

Observation Questions:

1. What was Noah's first action after leaving the ark, and what does this signify about his priorities? [16:26]

2. How does the sermon describe the concept of first fruits in relation to Noah's offering? [46:35]

3. What are some examples given in the sermon of how the principle of first fruits is evident throughout the Bible? [37:20]

4. According to the sermon, what does the act of offering first fruits signal to God? [50:21]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the principle of first fruits reflect a person's relationship with God, according to the sermon? [52:47]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the principle of first fruits transcends the Old Testament law? [40:23]

3. How does the story of Noah illustrate the importance of valuing what we have, as discussed in the sermon? [12:55]

4. What does the sermon imply about the connection between first fruits and future blessings? [50:21]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you realized the value of something only after it was absent. How can this awareness influence your relationship with God? [12:55]

2. In what areas of your life can you practice the principle of first fruits by giving God the first and best? Consider time, talents, and resources. [16:26]

3. How can you prioritize your relationship with God in your daily life, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings? [52:47]

4. What steps can you take to ensure that your offerings to God are given with a heart of gratitude and trust in His provision? [50:21]

5. How does the concept of first fruits challenge you to trust God with your future? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this trust? [50:21]

6. Consider the areas in your life where you might be holding back from God. What changes can you make to fully surrender these areas to Him? [46:35]

7. How can you incorporate the principle of first fruits into your family's spiritual practices, teaching them to honor God with their first and best? [28:26]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

---

Day 1: Acknowledging God as the Source of All Blessings
The principle of first fruits is about giving God the first and best of what we have, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings. This principle is not limited to agricultural offerings but extends to all areas of increase in our lives. It is a way to honor God and recognize His provision and sovereignty. By offering our first fruits, we send a signal to God that we trust Him and recognize His authority over our lives. This act of faith sets the standard for the blessings and productivity of the coming season. [16:26]

Deuteronomy 26:10-11 (ESV): "And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O Lord, have given me. And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can intentionally give God the first and best today? How can you practically demonstrate that He is the source of all your blessings?


Day 2: Recognizing the Value of What We Have
Just as Noah longed for land after being confined to the ark, we often don't realize the value of something until it is absent. This teaches us to appreciate and prioritize what truly matters, especially our relationship with God. In our daily lives, we may overlook the blessings we have, taking them for granted until they are no longer available. By recognizing the value of what we have, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and deepen our relationship with God. [12:55]

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 (ESV): "Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart."

Reflection: What is one blessing in your life that you have taken for granted? How can you express gratitude to God for it today?


Day 3: The Timeless Principle of First Fruits
The principle of first fruits is evident throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament laws to New Testament teachings. It is a timeless concept that transcends the law, rooted in the heart and spirit of giving. This principle is not just about material offerings but also about prioritizing God in our lives, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings, and setting the tone for future prosperity. By offering our first fruits, we demonstrate our trust in God's provision and sovereignty. [37:20]

Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV): "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the principle of first fruits into your daily routine, beyond financial giving? What does it look like to prioritize God in your everyday decisions?


Day 4: Setting the Standard for Future Blessings
By offering our first fruits, we set the standard for the blessings and productivity of the coming season. It is an act of faith that signals to God our trust in His provision and sets the stage for future prosperity. This principle encourages us to trust God with our resources and to believe that He will provide for our needs. As we give our first and best to God, we open ourselves to receive His abundant blessings in return. [50:21]

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more fully with your resources? How can you take a step of faith today to set the standard for future blessings?


Day 5: A Heart and Covenant Issue
First fruits is not just a legal requirement but a heart issue, reflecting our covenant relationship with God. It is about prioritizing God in our lives and acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all we have. This principle challenges us to examine our hearts and to ensure that our giving is motivated by love and gratitude, rather than obligation. By offering our first fruits, we affirm our commitment to God and our trust in His faithfulness. [52:47]

Malachi 3:10 (ESV): "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."

Reflection: In what ways does your giving reflect your heart and covenant relationship with God? How can you ensure that your offerings are motivated by love and gratitude rather than obligation?

Quotes

"Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took of every clean animal and every clean bird and offered burnt offerings of the altar and the Lord smelled a soothing aroma then he said in his heart I will never again curse the ground for man's sake although the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth no will I again destroy every living thing as I have done while the earth remains sea time and harvest cold and heat winter and summer all day and all night shall not cease." [00:01:07]

"And so when you give the first fruits offering, you acknowledge that everything you receive comes from the Lord. And listen, and he was the creator, master, and owner. So when you think about the first fruits offering, it is a way to, where you say, I'm going to give the first fruits offering. And you say, God, you own everything. You are on everything and that you are the source. It is an acknowledgement that God is the source of everything. He creates everything and he is a provider." [00:17:08]

"Honor the Lord with your possessions so somebody says I do that I bring my tithe I do that Dr. Moody I bring an offering that's what I do it says this it doesn't say or it doesn't say if your possessions or doesn't just say your possessions which are the first fruits it says with your possessions and capitalize with the first fruits of your increase means that the first fruits is not the tithe the first fruit is not is not just your general offering it says with your possessions that means things you already have but now the first thing that comes out you give God back that honor him that where the honor literally means to make him heavy to make him important so that when I bring my first fruits what I say to God is you're heavy uh you're my priority you're very important to me." [00:20:04]

"First fruits was one of the three primary feasts of Israel. Israel had three primary feasts that they would travel each year. Exodus 23 14 says this, three times you shall keep a feast to me a year. So the Israelites had three primary feasts that they kept every year and you shall keep. Here's the first one, the feast of unleavened bread where they would eat unleavened bread for seven days at a time. So in that month they would stop doing whatever it is that they were doing. They would remember that God brought them out of Egypt and they would eat unleavened bread and they would consecrate to the Lord." [00:23:15]

"Should you donate to the homeless and the pet society and all these kind of things? Of course you should. But that's not your first fruits. Don't give them your first fruits. Where does your first fruit go? Your first fruit there to the house of the Lord. When we come to the first fruits, it was not just, just a suggestion, but when you came to a new land or a new, a new season, what would you do? You would always sow first fruits." [00:25:16]

"Now, if you don't like that and if you don't agree with that, then I want I want to challenge you a bit, a bit further. First Corinthians, First Corinthians, 15 and 20. See, listen, the reason why you enjoy watching what it is that we do here at the Rock is because you say, man, even if I want to argue it, he's arguing the point and it's making sense to me. Notice we talk about first fruits in the Old Testament. We talk about first fruits when they when they when they had religious reform. And now we talk about first fruits in the New Testament. And Paul talked about it. James talked about it. But get this. Paul uses the first fruits and he uses Christ as an example of the first. Fruit from this stuff." [00:40:23]

"So he says, so we send, when we saw, when we saw a first fruit, we let God know, I believe in you. And then God sends a signal back saying, okay, you believe in me. He says, let me tell you how this season is going to work. So seed, I'm going to keep blessing you. You can, you can count on a blessing coming from this seed. You can count on me meeting your need. You can count on it because this is how it works. As long as the seed, the earth remains seed time and harvest because Noah, you're the first and you're the first off the boat. You're the first, you're the first, you're the patriarch, you're the leader. And what do you do? You give the first fruits and that you set the principle and you set up the paradigm." [00:50:21]

"I haven't talked about the first fruit as a law issue because I haven't even dealt with Exodus yet. But you set the paradigm because of your heart. And now that principle there is set up forever. So when I talk about it in Exodus, when I talk about it in Leviticus, it's not because of the legalities of it. It's because we have a covenant. And the principle of the covenant, God says, I'm going to explain to y 'all how to keep the covenant that Noah established. Established before the law. I hope that this helps you. I hope that this bless you. I hope it enlightens you. Because I'm going to challenge you this morning to bring your first fruit. Why? Because new season. It's a new day. I want to send a signal to God. I want to make sure that I send it. I do it first. I prioritize it. And I want to make sure that I sow it." [00:51:06]

"Because when we talk about first fruits, it's an offering. It's the first crop that the soil yielded each growing season. So each season, when we talk about a first fruits offering, it's the first crop. It's the first thing. Now, you can imagine, once again, no one's been on the ship for this long. So you say, Dr. Moody, he didn't have, there was no crop. So clearly, it couldn't have been the first fruit. Well, it didn't say he gave an offering of every piece of wheat or everything else. So we know that it wasn't in terms of, it wasn't an agricultural thing, but the first fruit also dealt with livestock." [00:17:08]

"Then, not only that, in 1 Corinthians 16 and 15, he says this, I urge you, brethren, you know that the household of Cephas, that is, the first converts of Acadia, that they devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints, that you would submit such to everyone who works and labors among us. He says, listen, I'm talking to you about this household, and this household was the first fruits. Why? They were the first converts." [00:38:48]

"Because when was the first fruit to be given? The day after the Sabbath. So Noah waits seven days before he leaves the ark, and then God tells him after seven days, God tells him after seven days, Reggie, now you can leave. So he leaves the ark after the Sabbath, and on the day after the Sabbath, what's the very first thing that he does? He brings, he gives a burnt offering, or he gives an offering of the first fruit." [00:46:35]

"Then the first fruit sets up the standard for the next season. So God, I believe in you still. I believe in you still. God smelled the aroma and then it says, and the Lord said in his heart, he says, man, after all you've been through, we still love me like that. And God says, yes, I still love me like that. He says, you never again destroy the earth like that." [00:50:21]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 04, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?