Putting God First: Embracing Blessings and Alignment
Summary
In this sermon, I discussed the importance of putting God first in our lives. I shared a vision I had of an avalanche, which I interpreted as God's readiness to pour out His blessings, emphasizing that God is a giver, not a taker. I also stressed the importance of taking the first step, of giving first, as a sign of trust in God's providence. I then delved into the concept of the "blessed life," a life of favor and goodness that God wants us all to live. I emphasized that putting God first brings everything in our lives into alignment. I also clarified that putting God first does not mean we won't face hardships, but it means we have God with us in those hardships. I then discussed three principles on how to put God first in our lives, focusing on the concept that whatever is first in our lives belongs to God and must either be sacrificed or redeemed.
Key Takeaways:
- God is a giver, not a taker, and is ready to pour out His blessings [ 35:33]
- The importance of giving first as a sign of trust in God's providence [ 38:14]
- Putting God first brings everything in our lives into alignment [ 40:18]
- Putting God first does not exempt us from hardships, but it means we have God with us in those hardships [ 41:01]
- Whatever is first in our lives belongs to God and must either be sacrificed or redeemed [ 43:05]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:33 #!!38:58!!#
2. Philippians 4:19 #!!40:18!!#
3. John 16:33 #!!41:01!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does Matthew 6:33 mean when it says to seek first the kingdom of God?
2. How does Philippians 4:19 relate to the concept of God providing for our needs?
3. In John 16:33, what does Jesus mean when He says He has overcome the world?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does seeking first the kingdom of God impact our daily lives and decisions?
2. What does it mean for God to meet our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus?
3. How does Jesus overcoming the world provide hope and comfort in times of trouble?
Application Questions:
1. Can you share a specific instance where you put God first and saw everything fall into alignment in your life?
2. What is one area in your life where you struggle to trust God's provision? How can you actively choose to trust Him this week?
3. Can you recall a time of trouble where you experienced the peace of Jesus because you knew He had overcome the world? How did that change your perspective on the situation?
4. How can you practically seek first the kingdom of God in your daily routine?
5. What is one step you can take this week to align your life more closely with God's will?
Devotional
Day 1: God is a Giver, Not a Taker
God is not a taker but a giver, ready to pour out His blessings upon us. This divine generosity is not arbitrary but is a response to our own willingness to give. As we open our hearts and hands to give, we create room for God's abundant blessings in our lives ([35:33]).
Bible Passage: James 1:17 - "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent instance where you experienced God's generosity. How did your own act of giving precede this blessing?
Day 2: The Principle of First Fruits
The principle of first fruits is a powerful offering we can give to God. It involves giving God the first and best of what we have, trusting that He will bless what comes after ([56:30]).
Bible Passage: Proverbs 3:9-10 - "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."
Reflection: How can you apply the principle of first fruits in your life this week?
Day 3: Put God First
Putting God first in our lives brings everything into alignment. When we prioritize God, He takes care of our needs and ensures that everything falls into place ([38:58]).
Bible Passage: Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to put God first? How can you make this a reality?
Day 4: Overcoming Through God's Victory
Even in our defeats, we can overcome because Jesus shares His victory with us. When we put God first, we have the assurance that He is with us in every hardship and difficulty ([41:43]).
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:57 - "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent hardship. How can you claim God's victory in this situation?
Day 5: The First Belongs to God
Whatever comes first in our lives belongs to God and must either be sacrificed or redeemed. This principle applies to all aspects of our lives, reminding us to consecrate the first of everything to God ([43:05]).
Bible Passage: 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 is the 'first' in your life right now that you need to consecrate to God? How can you do this?
Quotes
1. "I had a really clear vision... I heard God say this: I am about ready to show you what I can give because I'm a giver, I'm not a taker. I'm going to show you what I can give." - 36:15
2. "Alpha is for everybody. Alpha renews your faith... One of the things that long-term believers need to experience is sitting at tables with folks like Beth who are working through questions of faith perhaps audibly for the first time using big words like prayer, God, Jesus in conversations." - 34:23
3. "The basic message is this: put God first. If you put him first, everything comes together. There is the principle of first... If God isn't first in your life, then nothing comes into alignment. Because when you put God first, he then puts you first." - 40:18
4. "It doesn't take any faith to give God the last or the least. It takes faith to give him the first and give him the best... When you put God first, that 90 percent that remains does more than the hundred percent could ever do in your hands." - 51:15
5. "There's something powerful that breaks the handcuffs of that concept of the world and generosity because we tangibly and visibly prove to God you are first and I'm stepping out in faith with the first, believing you're going to do all the rest." - 51:58
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