Prioritizing God: Money, Redemption, and Moral Stewardship
Summary
In the sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of understanding the entire Council of scripture when discussing any topic, particularly the lordship of Jesus and its intersection with the concept of money. He explains that as followers of Jesus, the decision-making processes regarding money should be surrendered to Him, not out of fear or tyranny, but out of love and trust. The pastor also highlights the significance of consecrating the firstborn to the Lord, as mentioned in Exodus chapter 13, symbolizing the redemption of the firstborn and serving as a reminder of God's deliverance.
The pastor further explores the purpose of financial resources in our lives, which he states is twofold: to advance the gospel and to promote human flourishing. He shares his personal example of dedicating the first part of his day to God through prayer and devotionals, as well as giving the first portion of his income to the church. He also discusses the church's approach to Halloween, where they serve free hot dogs, hot chocolate or cold water, and pass out candy and Bible tracks to share the gospel.
The pastor underscores the concept that everything done for God is always in response to God, not to earn His favor. He refers to a passage in which God declares that the firstborn among all of Israel, whether man or beast, belongs to Him. This statement, he explains, is not about taking something back, but rather about the existence of God's ownership. He also emphasizes the importance of teaching children to be moral and good, comparing humanity to being born in the "donkey category," meaning unclean. However, he highlights that Jesus was born clean and emphasizes the significance of Jesus being the substitute for our uncleanliness.
In the final part of the sermon, the pastor explores the concept of redemption and the role of Jesus in this process. He emphasizes Jesus as the firstborn of God and the firstborn among the dead, underlining his significance in the redemption process. He then delves into the principle of putting God first, drawing examples from the Bible. He concludes that when God is prioritized in all aspects of life, order and alignment are achieved, even amidst life's storms.
Key Takeaways:
- The lordship of Jesus intersects with the concept of money, and as followers of Jesus, the decision-making processes regarding money should be surrendered to Him out of love and trust, not fear or tyranny ([12:45]).
- The act of consecrating the firstborn to the Lord symbolizes the redemption of the firstborn and serves as a reminder of God's deliverance. This act brings order and peace into life, even though it does not guarantee a life free of trials ([22:30]).
- The purpose of financial resources in our lives is twofold: to advance the gospel and to promote human flourishing. Money itself is not inherently evil, but it has a purpose and intentionality that God wants to communicate to us ([34:15]).
- Everything done for God is always in response to God, not to earn His favor. God declares that the firstborn among all of Israel, whether man or beast, belongs to Him, emphasizing His ownership and our role as stewards ([45:50]).
- Teaching children to be moral and good is important, and the gospel provides a framework for this teaching. Humanity is born unclean, but Jesus was born clean and serves as our substitute, offering redemption and transformation ([58:20]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 13:1-2: "The Lord said to Moses, 'Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.'"
2. Exodus 13:11-16: "When the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as he swore to you and your fathers, and shall give it to you, you shall set apart to the Lord all that first opens the womb. All the firstborn of your animals that are males shall be the Lord's..."
3. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23: "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep..."
Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the firstborn in the passages from Exodus?
2. How does the concept of the firstborn relate to the resurrection of Christ as described in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23?
3. What is the connection between the firstborn of the Israelites and the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the consecration of the firstborn in Exodus reflect the concept of sacrifice and redemption in the Old Testament?
2. How does the resurrection of Christ as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep redefine the concept of the firstborn and sacrifice in the New Testament?
3. What does the phrase "by a strong hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt" signify in the context of the redemption of the firstborn?
Application Questions:
1. How does understanding Christ as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep influence your perspective on death and resurrection?
2. In what ways can you honor the concept of the 'firstfruits' in your personal life, in terms of dedicating your resources, time, or talents to God?
3. Can you identify a situation in your life where you felt God's 'strong hand' leading you out of a difficult circumstance? How did that experience shape your faith?
4. How can the principle of redemption, as seen in the Exodus passages, be applied in your interactions with others? Can you think of a specific person or situation where this might be relevant?
5. What is one way you can demonstrate the concept of 'firstfruits' in your workplace or community this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Surrendering Financial Decisions to Jesus
The lordship of Jesus intersects with the concept of money, and as followers of Jesus, the decision-making processes regarding money should be surrendered to Him out of love and trust, not fear or tyranny ([12:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTQP5nb_Ieg&t=750s)). This surrender is not about losing control, but about acknowledging His sovereignty and trusting His wisdom in all aspects of life, including finances.
Matthew 6:24 - "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
Reflection: How can you practically surrender your financial decisions to Jesus this week?
Day 2: Consecration as a Reminder of God's Deliverance
The act of consecrating the firstborn to the Lord symbolizes the redemption of the firstborn and serves as a reminder of God's deliverance ([22:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTQP5nb_Ieg&t=1335s)). This act brings order and peace into life, even though it does not guarantee a life free of trials.
Exodus 13:2 - "Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal."
Reflection: What can you consecrate to God this week as a symbol of your trust in His deliverance?
Day 3: The Purpose of Financial Resources
The purpose of financial resources in our lives is twofold: to advance the gospel and to promote human flourishing ([34:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTQP5nb_Ieg&t=2040s)). Money itself is not inherently evil, but it has a purpose and intentionality that God wants to communicate to us.
1 Timothy 6:17-18 - "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."
Reflection: How can you use your financial resources this week to advance the gospel and promote human flourishing?
Day 4: Responding to God's Ownership
Everything done for God is always in response to God, not to earn His favor ([45:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTQP5nb_Ieg&t=2735s)). God declares that the firstborn among all of Israel, whether man or beast, belongs to Him, emphasizing His ownership and our role as stewards.
1 Chronicles 29:14 - "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand."
Reflection: How can you better steward the resources God has entrusted to you this week?
Day 5: The Gospel's Framework for Morality
Teaching children to be moral and good is important, and the gospel provides a framework for this teaching ([58:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTQP5nb_Ieg&t=3485s)). Humanity is born unclean, but Jesus was born clean and serves as our substitute, offering redemption and transformation.
Titus 2:11-12 - "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age."
Reflection: How can you use the gospel's framework to guide your moral decisions this week?
Quotes
"When Jesus brings you to New Life, takes you from oppression and the land of Darkness as slaves to sin and moves you into the promised land of the new life that he has come to give you, he becomes first in everything." [01:09:19]
"The money that God gives us is there for two things: for human flourishing and for the advance of the gospel." [01:10:05]
"Jesus is Lord, which means Jesus is Master. He owns all things, and when we surrender our lives to him, the decision-making of how money is distributed belongs to Jesus because he owns it." [28:03]
"The redeeming work of Jesus has to work itself out in every area of our life. It's not just about money... If I spend those waking hours in time with him in prayer and in his word, what does he do with the rest of the day? Does he bless it? Does he redeem it? Does he regard it?" [01:02:35]
"God says the firstborn are His, but He also says the first fruits are His. Honor the Lord with the first fruits of all your produce." [56:29]
"If you will offer the first of everything in your life to God, your life will be ordered and aligned with God, and no matter the storms that happen around us, you're going to have peace and confidence that the Lord is sitting on the throne and he can handle it." [01:03:56]
"God is declaring that all the firstborn, both man and beast, belong to Him. This is not a statement of stealing, but an everlasting truth from the beginning to the future. All the firstborn are His, and the emotional emphasis behind His claim cannot be fully conveyed in English or Hebrew terms." [46:06]
"Are you placing God first in the redeeming work of Jesus over your soul, and is it lived out in every aspect of your life? Time, talent, and treasure." [01:05:50]
"God can't be second... God is preeminent period amen and we either submit ourselves to the reality of his preeminence or we rebel against it but it doesn't change the fact that he can't ever be second he is always the only one" #!!01:07:51!!#
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