Putting God First: The Principle of the First
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound concept of the "Principle of the First," which is deeply rooted in Scripture and has significant implications for our lives as believers. This principle encompasses the firstborn, the firstfruits, and the first 10%, which is the tithe. Each of these aspects points to the preeminence of God and the importance of recognizing Him as first in every area of our lives.
We began by examining the principle of the firstborn as outlined in Exodus 13, where God commands that every firstborn among the Israelites and their livestock is to be set apart for Him. This principle illustrates that what is first belongs to God and is to be dedicated to Him. The clean redeems the unclean, symbolized by the substitution of a lamb for a firstborn donkey, which is an unclean animal. This foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, the perfect and clean sacrifice for our sins.
We then delved into the principle of the firstfruits, as seen in Proverbs 3:9-10, which instructs us to honor the Lord with the firstfruits of all our crops. This act of giving the first and best of our increase to God is an expression of our trust and faith in His provision. It is a tangible way of acknowledging His sovereignty over our resources and our lives.
The principle of the tithe, the first 10% of our increase, is a test of obedience and faithfulness. It is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with God's. By bringing the first 10% to the local church, we are participating in God's work and acknowledging that everything we have comes from Him. This act of faith opens the door for God's blessing on the rest of our resources.
Throughout the sermon, we were reminded that tithing is not about legalism or prosperity gospel but about obedience and trust in God's faithfulness. It is a test that, when passed, brings blessings beyond the financial realm, including protection, provision, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
As we approach Easter, we are called to remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who paid it all for our salvation. Our response to this gift should be one of gratitude, surrender, and obedience in every aspect of our lives, including our finances.
Key Takeaways:
- The principle of the firstborn teaches us that what is first and foremost belongs to God. This principle is not just an ancient ritual but a reminder that in every aspect of our lives, we are to give God preeminence. Just as the clean animal redeems the unclean, Jesus, the clean Lamb of God, redeems us from our unclean state. This is a profound truth that should shape our understanding of sacrifice and redemption. [43:32]
- The principle of the firstfruits is an invitation to trust God with the first and best of what we have. When we honor God with our firstfruits, we are making a statement of faith that He is our provider and sustainer. This act of giving is not about the amount but the priority it holds in our lives. It's a declaration that God is first, and everything else follows. [51:20]
- Tithing, the first 10% of our increase, is a test of our obedience and faithfulness to God. It's not just a financial obligation but a spiritual commitment that reflects our trust in God's provision. When we tithe, we are acknowledging that all we have is from God, and we are choosing to put Him first in our finances. [01:03:57]
- The blessings that come from tithing and obedience to God are not limited to financial prosperity. They encompass the fullness of life that Jesus promises, including joy, peace, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Our faithfulness in tithing is a response to God's faithfulness to us, and it opens the door to a rich and satisfying life in Him. [37:18]
- The act of tithing is a reflection of our understanding of God's sovereignty and preeminence. Even when we struggle to put God first, He remains first. Our challenge is to align our lives with this truth, recognizing that our obedience in tithing is an acknowledgment of God's rightful place in our lives. It's about living with the conviction that God's ways are higher than ours and trusting Him with every aspect of our lives. [01:02:15]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 13:1-2, 12-13 (NASB)
- "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Sanctify to Me every firstborn, the firstborn of every womb among the sons of Israel, among people and animals alike; it belongs to Me.'"
- "You are to give over to the Lord the first offspring of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to God. Redeem with a lamb every firstborn donkey, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. Redeem every firstborn among your sons."
2. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV)
- "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."
3. Leviticus 27:30-33 (NLT)
- "One tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy. If you want to buy back the Lord’s tenth of the grain or fruit, you must pay its value plus 20 percent. Count off every tenth animal from your herds and flocks and set them apart for the Lord as holy. You may not pick and choose between good and bad animals, and you may not substitute one for another. But if you do substitute one animal for another, then both the original and its substitute will be considered holy and cannot be bought back."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Exodus 13:1-2, 12-13 teach us about the principle of the firstborn and its significance to God?
2. According to Proverbs 3:9-10, what are the promised outcomes of honoring the Lord with the firstfruits of our wealth?
3. In Leviticus 27:30-33, what specific instructions are given regarding the tithe and how it should be handled?
4. How does the sermon explain the symbolism of the clean redeeming the unclean in the context of the firstborn and tithing? ([44:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the principle of the firstborn important in understanding our relationship with God and His preeminence in our lives? ([42:02])
2. How does giving the firstfruits of our increase demonstrate our trust and faith in God's provision, according to the sermon? ([51:00])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the spiritual significance of tithing beyond just a financial obligation? ([34:33])
4. How does the concept of the clean redeeming the unclean in Exodus 13 foreshadow the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ? ([44:01])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current practice of giving. Do you prioritize God with the first 10% of your income, or do you give what's left over? How can you adjust your giving to align with the principle of the first? ([46:02])
2. The sermon emphasizes that tithing is a test of obedience and faithfulness. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to trust God fully, and how can you take steps to grow in this trust? ([34:33])
3. How can you practically honor God with the firstfruits of your time, talents, and resources in your daily life? What changes might you need to make to ensure God is first in these areas? ([51:00])
4. The sermon mentions that the blessings from tithing extend beyond financial prosperity to include joy, peace, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Can you identify any non-financial blessings you have experienced as a result of your faithfulness to God? ([36:01])
5. How does the understanding that "the clean redeems the unclean" impact your view of Jesus' sacrifice and your response to it in your daily life? ([44:01])
6. The sermon calls us to remember Jesus' ultimate sacrifice as we approach Easter. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude, surrender, and obedience in response to this gift? ([24:16])
7. Consider the idea that even when we struggle to put God first, He remains first. How can you practically align your life with this truth, especially in areas where you find it difficult to surrender control? ([01:02:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Dedication to God's Sovereignty
The principle of the firstborn is a powerful reminder that dedication to God is paramount. It is not merely an ancient practice but a living principle that calls for God to be given preeminence in all things. This dedication is exemplified in the act of setting apart the firstborn for God, acknowledging His sovereignty and the redemption that comes through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. This principle challenges believers to consider the depth of their own dedication. Are they willing to recognize God's authority in every aspect of their lives, including their relationships, careers, and personal goals? The firstborn's dedication is a call to live a life that is set apart, marked by a recognition of God's ultimate authority and a commitment to honor Him above all else. [43:32]
"For all the firstborn of my children I redeem. It shall be as a mark on your hand or frontlets between your eyes, for by a strong hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt." (Exodus 13:15b-16)
Reflection: In what ways can you set apart the "firstborn" areas of your life to acknowledge and honor God's sovereignty?
Day 2: Trusting God with Our Firstfruits
Honoring God with the firstfruits of one's labor is an act of faith that demonstrates trust in His provision. It is not about the quantity given but the priority it represents, signifying that God is the source of all blessings. This act of giving the first and best is a declaration of dependence on God, acknowledging that He is the provider of every need. It is a tangible expression of faith that precedes the manifestation of provision, a step taken in trust before seeing the fullness of God's faithfulness. Believers are called to give joyfully and generously, trusting that God will honor their obedience and faith by providing for all their needs. [51:20]
"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." (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Reflection: How can you demonstrate your trust in God's provision by prioritizing Him with your firstfruits today?
Day 3: Obedience in Tithing Reflects Trust
Tithing is a test of obedience and a reflection of trust in God's provision. It is not merely a financial obligation but a spiritual commitment that signifies one's reliance on God for all things. By setting aside the first 10% of one's increase, a believer acknowledges that everything they possess is a gift from God. This act of faith is a step towards aligning one's heart with God's heart, recognizing His lordship over every aspect of life. Tithing is a practice that invites God's blessing and demonstrates a willingness to trust Him not only with finances but with the entirety of one's life. [01:03:57]
"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." (Malachi 3:10)
Reflection: What does putting God first in your finances look like, and how can you faithfully practice tithing as a reflection of your trust in Him?
Day 4: Tithing Opens Doors Beyond Wealth
The blessings of obedience in tithing extend far beyond financial prosperity. They include the fullness of life that Jesus promises—joy, peace, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Tithing is a response to God's faithfulness, a practice that opens the door to a rich and satisfying life in Him. It is an invitation to experience the depth of God's love and provision in every area of life. As believers faithfully tithe, they are not only contributing to the work of the church but also entering into a deeper relationship with God, where His presence becomes the greatest reward. [37:18]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
Reflection: How has tithing impacted your spiritual life, and in what ways have you experienced God's blessings beyond financial provision?
Day 5: Aligning with God's Sovereignty Through Tithing
Tithing is a practical way to recognize and align with God's sovereignty. It is an acknowledgment of His preeminence in our lives, even when it is challenging to put Him first. This act of obedience is about living with the conviction that God's ways are higher and trusting Him in every aspect of life. Tithing is not just about money; it is about the heart's posture, a willingness to submit to God's authority and to trust in His perfect plan. It is a step of faith that aligns believers with the truth of God's kingdom and His righteous order. [01:02:15]
"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered." (1 Chronicles 16:11-12)
Reflection: What are the challenges you face in putting God first, and how can tithing help you align your life with His sovereignty?
Quotes
"But Jericho was the first city of the promised land. And God had placed very specific rules on them as they went in. By the way, if you have another request, you don't need to say Siri before you ask anything. I thought I had that turned off. And I swear to you I did not say Siri. So I will double check that later. When's the last time it was the pastor whose phone went off in the middle of service. So it happens to me too, it's okay. They were getting ready to go into Jericho. And the Lord had given them very specific rules." [49:35]
"The principle of the firstborn. The principle of the firstborn. Exodus 13. I'm going to read this out of the New American Standard. Because I think it makes things clearer for you. So Exodus 13 verses 1 through 2 says this. Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, Sanctify to me every firstborn. The firstborn of every womb among the sons of Israel. Among people and animals alike. It belongs to me." [42:05]
"So the principle of the first relates to tithe and here's kind of how it applies. You don't pay your bills and then see if there's enough left over to tithe when you're done. It's the first ten percent that redeems the rest. The clean redeems the unclean. It's not just that tithe that's ten percent. It's the first ten percent, okay?" [45:58]
"The principle of the first 10% goes to God. That was the first point. The principle of the firstborn. Here's the second point. The principle of the first fruits. The first fruits. Proverbs 3, 9-10 says this. Honor the Lord with your wealth. With the first fruits of all your crops. Then your barns will be filled overflowing. And your vats will brim over with new wine." [50:48]
"God accepted Abel's because it was of the first. He did not accept Cain's because it wasn't. I think that's because God couldn't accept it. Here's what I mean by that. You remember last week or I think it was last week. We talked about things that God cannot do. I know oftentimes we think of God as God can do anything. And in a sense he can. But there are some very real things that God cannot do." [59:44]
"Whether you acknowledge that or not. It's called the preeminence of God. He's always first. He's higher than all, he's above all, he's over all, he's always first. We talk often about surrendering all. Surrendering all is just acknowledging God as first in every area of our lives. Even when he's not first, he's still first." [01:03:06]
"The clean redeems the unclean. Every one of us is born unclean. Every one of us is born a sinner far from God. With no way on our own to ever receive salvation. That's just the reality of all of us. The only way that salvation is made available is through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. The sacrifice for all who would believe." [01:09:33]
"Jesus came so that we could live a blessed life. And yes, by blessed I do mean eternal. But there's more to just being blessed than having an eternal life. When Jesus left, he said I'm going to give you the gift of Holy Spirit. And then he said it would be better if I left so that you do get the gift of Holy Spirit. There's a blessing that comes from having Holy Spirit in your life." [37:18]
"God has a desire to bless you in life. And it doesn't have anything to do with finances, I don't know. I just don't want you to get the idea that Dan said if I'm faithful and tithing that God will bless me immensely and I'll have millions of dollars in my account. That's not at all what I'm saying. In fact, I'm telling you that even if you do tithe, you're still going to have trials and troubles in life." [38:47]
"Here's what I want you to understand. God has a desire to bless you in life. And it doesn't have anything to do with finances, I don't know. I just don't want you to get the idea that Dan said if I'm faithful and tithing that God will bless me immensely and I'll have millions of dollars in my account. That's not at all what I'm saying. In fact, I'm telling you that even if you do tithe, you're still going to have trials and troubles in life." [39:28]
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