Prioritizing God: The First Place in Our Lives
Summary
Understanding the nature of God involves recognizing that there are certain things He cannot do. This might initially sound surprising, but it is rooted in the very essence of who God is. For instance, God cannot sin, as sin is contrary to His holy nature. Similarly, God cannot lie, as truth is an immutable aspect of His character. Furthermore, God exists in simplicity as a spirit, meaning He cannot be divided. These attributes highlight the perfection and consistency of God’s nature.
One of the most profound things God cannot do is be second. God cannot occupy any position other than first in our lives. When we place God in second place or beyond, we are essentially engaging in idolatry, as we are putting something or someone else in a position that only God should occupy. This understanding should transform how we relate to God and prioritize Him in our lives.
Having God in first place is not just about doing good things; it is about prioritizing a relationship with Him above all else. When God is first relationally, it sets the foundation for the rest of our lives to be in order. This prioritization is crucial because it aligns our lives with God’s will and purpose, allowing us to experience the fullness of life that He intends for us.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Immutable Nature: God cannot sin or lie, as these actions are contrary to His holy and truthful nature. Understanding this helps us trust in His consistency and faithfulness, knowing that His promises are sure and His character is unchanging. [00:20]
- The Indivisibility of God: God exists in simplicity as a spirit, meaning He cannot be divided. This highlights the unity and wholeness of God, reminding us that He is complete and perfect in Himself, and we are called to worship Him in spirit and truth. [00:40]
- God Cannot Be Second: God cannot occupy any position other than first in our lives. Placing Him second or beyond is a form of idolatry, as it elevates other things or people to a place that only God should hold. This understanding challenges us to examine our priorities and ensure that God is truly first. [00:59]
- Relational Priority: Having God first is not just about actions but about prioritizing a relationship with Him. When God is first relationally, it sets the foundation for the rest of our lives to be in order, aligning us with His will and purpose. [01:14]
- Orderly Living Through Prioritization: When we prioritize God as first in our lives, it sets in motion an orderly way of living. This prioritization allows us to experience the fullness of life that God intends, as our lives are aligned with His divine order and purpose. [01:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - God's Immutable Nature
- [00:40] - The Indivisibility of God
- [00:59] - God Cannot Be Second
- [01:14] - Relational Priority
- [01:33] - Orderly Living Through Prioritization
- [01:47] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 6:18 - "so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us."
2. John 4:24 - "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
3. Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods before me."
---
Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what are some things that God cannot do, and why are these limitations significant? [00:20]
2. How does the concept of God being indivisible as a spirit relate to our understanding of His nature? [00:40]
3. What does the sermon suggest happens when we place God in a position other than first in our lives? [00:59]
4. How does prioritizing a relationship with God set the foundation for an orderly life? [01:33]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is it important to understand that God cannot lie, and how does this attribute affect our trust in His promises? [00:20]
2. How does the indivisibility of God as a spirit challenge or enhance our approach to worship? [00:40]
3. In what ways does placing God second or beyond equate to idolatry, and how does this understanding impact our daily decisions? [00:59]
4. How does having God first relationally differ from merely performing good deeds, and why is this distinction crucial for believers? [01:14]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Is there an area in your life where God is not first? How can you begin to change that this week? [00:59]
2. Consider a situation where you might have been tempted to lie. How does knowing that God cannot lie encourage you to uphold truth in your own life? [00:20]
3. How can you incorporate worshiping God in spirit and truth into your daily routine? What practical steps can you take to ensure this happens? [00:40]
4. Identify one thing or person that might be taking precedence over God in your life. What steps can you take to realign your priorities? [00:59]
5. Think about a relationship in your life. How can you prioritize God in that relationship to ensure it aligns with His will and purpose? [01:14]
6. What specific actions can you take this week to ensure that your life is in order, with God as the foundation? [01:33]
7. How can you remind yourself daily of the importance of having God first in your life, and what tools or practices can help you maintain this focus? [01:14]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unchanging Nature of God
God's nature is immutable, meaning He cannot sin or lie. This is not a limitation but a testament to His perfection and holiness. Sin and falsehood are contrary to His very essence, and understanding this helps us trust in His consistency and faithfulness. When we grasp that God's promises are sure and His character is unchanging, it provides a solid foundation for our faith. We can rely on Him completely, knowing that He will never act against His nature. This understanding invites us to align our lives with His truth, trusting that His ways are always right and just. [00:20]
"God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" (Numbers 23:19, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God's unchanging nature? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?
Day 2: The Unity and Wholeness of God
God exists in simplicity as a spirit, meaning He cannot be divided. This highlights the unity and wholeness of God, reminding us that He is complete and perfect in Himself. As believers, we are called to worship Him in spirit and truth, recognizing His indivisible nature. This understanding challenges us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we might be divided in our loyalties or affections. By acknowledging God's wholeness, we are encouraged to seek unity in our relationship with Him, striving to be undivided in our devotion and worship. [00:40]
"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." (John 4:23, ESV)
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel divided in your devotion to God? How can you work towards a more unified and wholehearted worship of Him?
Day 3: God Must Be First
One of the most profound things God cannot do is be second. When we place God in second place or beyond, we are essentially engaging in idolatry, as we are putting something or someone else in a position that only God should occupy. This understanding should transform how we relate to God and prioritize Him in our lives. It challenges us to examine our priorities and ensure that God is truly first. By placing Him at the forefront, we align our lives with His will and purpose, allowing us to experience the fullness of life that He intends for us. [00:59]
"You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one thing in your life that often takes precedence over God? How can you intentionally prioritize God above this today?
Day 4: Prioritizing a Relationship with God
Having God first is not just about actions but about prioritizing a relationship with Him. When God is first relationally, it sets the foundation for the rest of our lives to be in order. This prioritization is crucial because it aligns our lives with God’s will and purpose. It invites us to cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him, seeking His presence and guidance in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His love and grace, allowing Him to shape us into the people He created us to be. [01:14]
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God today? What specific steps can you take to seek His presence and guidance more intentionally?
Day 5: Living in Divine Order
When we prioritize God as first in our lives, it sets in motion an orderly way of living. This prioritization allows us to experience the fullness of life that God intends, as our lives are aligned with His divine order and purpose. By putting God first, we create a foundation for peace, joy, and fulfillment, as we are living in accordance with His will. This orderly living is not about perfection but about a continual process of aligning our hearts and actions with God's desires. It invites us to trust in His plan and embrace the abundant life He offers. [01:33]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels chaotic or out of order? How can prioritizing God help bring order and peace to this area today?
Quotes
"Did you know there are some things God can't do? Oh yeah, some things God can't do. I know that may sound a little crazy but think about it: the Bible says God cannot sin. He can't do that. The Bible says by two immutable things it's impossible for God to lie. He can't do that." [00:00:08]
"The Bible speaks about the fact that God exists in simplicity because He's spirit, so he can't be divided. Can't do that. Let me tell you something else God can't do: He can't be second. He cannot be number two. Whenever you put God in second place, third place, fourth place, fifth place, or no place, then what you ask Him to be a part of is something He cannot do." [00:00:29]
"That's why there's so much in the Bible about idolatry because you've put something or someone next to Him. He can't do that. And when you understand that God can't be second and therefore, won't be second, that changes how you relate to Him and how you prioritize Him." [00:00:59]
"Did you know there's some things God can't do? And one of them is: He can't be number two. You and I must learn what it means to have God in first place, and you could be doing a lot of good things and He still not be first, because he wants to be first relationally more than anything else." [00:01:18]
"And when you prioritize making him first in the relationship, you have set in motion how the rest of your life can be operated in an orderly fashion." [00:01:39]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?