Putting God First: The Principle of Tithing
Summary
### Summary
Today's message delves into the principle of the first, focusing on the firstborn and firstfruits, and how these principles are deeply rooted in Scripture from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The core idea is that God must be first in every area of our lives, including our finances. This isn't about the church wanting your money; it's about allowing God to take hold of your heart and demonstrating faith through your actions. The principle of the first is evident from the very beginning, starting in the Garden of Eden and continuing through the history of Israel.
We explored various scriptures, including 1 Corinthians 10:11 and Romans 15:4, which remind us that the Old Testament examples were written to teach us. The principle of the firstborn is illustrated through the story of the donkey and the lamb in Exodus 13. The donkey, representing the unclean, must be redeemed by the lamb, representing the clean. This principle points to Jesus, the clean, who was sacrificed to redeem us, the unclean.
The principle of tithing is also emphasized, where God asks for the first 10% of our income, promising to bless the remaining 90%. This act of giving is not just about money but about faith and trust in God. The story of Jericho in Joshua 7 illustrates the consequences of not following God's instructions regarding the firstfruits. Similarly, the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 shows the importance of bringing the best and the first to God.
Tithing is a test of faith and a heart issue. When we give God our first and best, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His provision. The message concludes with a powerful illustration of how tithing is personal to Jesus, likening the church to His bride. Just as we would take care of our spouse, we are called to take care of God's house by bringing our tithes.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Principle of the First: The principle of the firstborn and firstfruits is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God must be first in every area of our lives. This principle is not just about finances but about demonstrating our faith and trust in God. When we put God first, everything else falls into place. [01:05]
2. Redemption through Sacrifice: The story of the donkey and the lamb in Exodus 13 illustrates the concept of redemption. The unclean (donkey) must be redeemed by the clean (lamb). This points to Jesus, the clean, who was sacrificed to redeem us, the unclean. This principle underscores the importance of sacrifice and redemption in our relationship with God. [10:40]
3. Tithing as a Test of Faith: Tithing is not just about giving money; it's a test of faith and a demonstration of our trust in God's provision. By giving the first 10% of our income to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and invite His blessings on the remaining 90%. This act of faith is crucial for experiencing God's blessings in our lives. [15:31]
4. Consequences of Disobedience: The story of Jericho in Joshua 7 serves as a warning about the consequences of not following God's instructions regarding the firstfruits. When we withhold what belongs to God, we invite defeat and loss into our lives. Obedience to God's principles is essential for experiencing His blessings and protection. [18:57]
5. Heart Condition and Giving: The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 highlights the importance of the heart condition in giving. Abel's offering was accepted because he brought the first and best, while Cain's was rejected because he brought some of the fruits. Our giving should reflect a heart that honors God and acknowledges His provision. [25:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:05] - Principle of the First
[01:57] - Trials with God
[02:58] - Old Testament Examples
[04:29] - Donkey and Lamb
[06:01] - Grafted into Israel
[07:59] - Principle of Tithing
[09:28] - Clean and Unclean
[10:40] - Jesus as the Clean
[13:08] - God's Tithe
[14:46] - Principle of Faith
[15:31] - Firstfruits and Tithing
[17:38] - Story of Jericho
[18:57] - Consequences of Disobedience
[20:47] - Choices in Tithing
[21:51] - Tithing vs. Offering
[22:44] - Honoring God with Wealth
[24:16] - Bringing vs. Giving
[25:35] - Cain and Abel
[28:24] - Determining the Tithe
[29:11] - Sin Crouching at the Door
[30:38] - Heart Condition in Giving
[32:32] - Testimonies of Tithing
[34:07] - Tithing is Personal to Jesus
[38:06] - Illustration of Trust
[40:19] - Church as the Bride of Christ
[41:06] - Blessings and Curses
[41:52] - Importance of Tithing
[43:22] - Using Finances Wisely
[44:58] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 10:11 (NLT): "These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age."
2. Exodus 13:1-2 (NIV): "The Lord said to Moses, 'Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.'"
3. Genesis 4:3-5 (NIV): "In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 10:11 say about the purpose of Old Testament examples? [02:58]
2. According to Exodus 13:1-2, what does God command to be consecrated to Him? [05:31]
3. In Genesis 4:3-5, what is the difference between Cain's and Abel's offerings? [25:35]
4. How does the story of the donkey and the lamb in Exodus 13 illustrate the principle of redemption? [07:59]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the principle of the firstborn and firstfruits demonstrate putting God first in our lives? [01:05]
2. What does the story of Cain and Abel teach us about the importance of the heart condition in giving? [25:35]
3. How does the principle of tithing serve as a test of faith according to the sermon? [15:31]
4. What are the consequences of not following God's instructions regarding the firstfruits, as illustrated by the story of Jericho? [18:57]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you struggle to put God first? How can you begin to prioritize God in those areas this week? [01:05]
2. Think about your current giving habits. Do they reflect a heart that honors God with the first and best, like Abel, or are they more like Cain's offering? What changes can you make to align your giving with God's principles? [25:35]
3. Tithing is described as a test of faith. Have you experienced moments where trusting God with your finances was challenging? How did you handle it, and what was the outcome? [15:31]
4. The sermon mentioned the consequences of disobedience in the story of Jericho. Have you ever experienced negative consequences from not following God's instructions? How did that impact your faith and actions moving forward? [18:57]
5. The principle of the firstborn and firstfruits is about more than just finances; it's about faith and trust in God. How can you apply this principle in other areas of your life, such as time, talents, and relationships? [01:05]
6. The sermon emphasized that giving is a heart issue. What steps can you take to ensure your heart is in the right place when you give? [30:38]
7. Reflect on the illustration of the church as the bride of Christ. How does this perspective change the way you view your contributions to the church? What practical steps can you take to support your church community more effectively? [40:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Putting God First in Every Area
The principle of the firstborn and firstfruits is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God must be first in every area of our lives. This principle is not just about finances but about demonstrating our faith and trust in God. When we put God first, everything else falls into place. The principle of the first is evident from the very beginning, starting in the Garden of Eden and continuing through the history of Israel. By prioritizing God in our lives, we align ourselves with His will and invite His blessings.
In 1 Corinthians 10:11 and Romans 15:4, we are reminded that the Old Testament examples were written to teach us. These scriptures serve as a guide, showing us the importance of putting God first. When we prioritize God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His provision. This act of faith is crucial for experiencing God's blessings in our lives. [01:05]
Exodus 23:19 (ESV): "The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have not been putting God first? How can you start prioritizing Him in that area today?
Day 2: Redemption through Sacrifice
The story of the donkey and the lamb in Exodus 13 illustrates the concept of redemption. The unclean (donkey) must be redeemed by the clean (lamb). This points to Jesus, the clean, who was sacrificed to redeem us, the unclean. This principle underscores the importance of sacrifice and redemption in our relationship with God. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of redemption, cleansing us from our sins and restoring our relationship with God.
Understanding this principle helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. It also calls us to live lives of gratitude and obedience, recognizing that we have been redeemed at a great cost. By embracing this truth, we can experience the fullness of God's grace and live in the freedom that comes from being redeemed. [10:40]
1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' sacrifice change the way you view your relationship with God? What steps can you take to live in gratitude for His redemption?
Day 3: Tithing as a Test of Faith
Tithing is not just about giving money; it's a test of faith and a demonstration of our trust in God's provision. By giving the first 10% of our income to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and invite His blessings on the remaining 90%. This act of faith is crucial for experiencing God's blessings in our lives. Tithing is a tangible way to show that we trust God to provide for our needs and that we prioritize Him above our material possessions.
The story of Jericho in Joshua 7 illustrates the consequences of not following God's instructions regarding the firstfruits. When we withhold what belongs to God, we invite defeat and loss into our lives. Obedience to God's principles is essential for experiencing His blessings and protection. By faithfully tithing, we demonstrate our trust in God's provision and align ourselves with His will. [15:31]
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: What fears or doubts do you have about tithing? How can you take a step of faith to trust God with your finances today?
Day 4: Consequences of Disobedience
The story of Jericho in Joshua 7 serves as a warning about the consequences of not following God's instructions regarding the firstfruits. When we withhold what belongs to God, we invite defeat and loss into our lives. Obedience to God's principles is essential for experiencing His blessings and protection. The story of Achan, who took some of the devoted things from Jericho, resulted in Israel's defeat and his own destruction. This story highlights the importance of obedience and the serious consequences of disobedience.
When we choose to obey God's commands, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and protection. Disobedience, on the other hand, leads to negative consequences and hinders our relationship with God. By learning from the story of Jericho, we can understand the importance of following God's instructions and the impact of our choices on our lives and the lives of others. [18:57]
Joshua 7:11-12 (ESV): "Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies because they have become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are not fully obeying God's instructions? What steps can you take to align yourself with His will and experience His blessings?
Day 5: Heart Condition and Giving
The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 highlights the importance of the heart condition in giving. Abel's offering was accepted because he brought the first and best, while Cain's was rejected because he brought some of the fruits. Our giving should reflect a heart that honors God and acknowledges His provision. The condition of our heart matters more to God than the amount we give. When we give with a heart of gratitude and honor, our offerings are pleasing to God.
This principle challenges us to examine our motives and attitudes towards giving. Are we giving out of obligation or with a genuine desire to honor God? By bringing our first and best to God, we demonstrate our love and reverence for Him. This act of worship not only blesses God but also transforms our hearts and deepens our relationship with Him. [25:35]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What is the condition of your heart when you give to God? How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and honor in your giving?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "By the way, if we learn to put God first in our life, all other things will fall into place. However, we can't leave them out in some areas and put them first in other areas, because God can't accept seconds. God, you know, God cannot accept seconds. He can only accept your first." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We all know that in this life, we're going to have troubles and trials and tribulation, right? Wouldn't it be nice if we accepted Christ? None of that would happen. But that's not true. We still have those. However, don't you or would you rather not go through those trials and tribulations with or without God? With God. With God. Being blessed or not being blessed? Being blessed." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Has he brought any of us out of bondage? Has he brought any of us out of sin? Has he brought any of us out of our old past? I think all of us could probably raise our hand there. We're a lot like the Israelites. But if you won't return it, bring it back to me and you'll lose it anyway. Well, what is he talking about? What he's saying is, look, you can keep the 90% and give me the 10%. Or you can take the 100% and you can lose everything that you have." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Spiritually, you and I, were we born clean or unclean? Are you sure about that? Are you sure? You mean, as parents, we don't have to teach our children how to be unclean? We don't have to teach our children to be bad? They're naturally bad? Yeah, you see that at school, right? We have to teach our kids to be what? We talked about this last week. We got to teach our kids to be what? Okay, okay. We got to teach them to be good. We got to teach them to be respectful. We got to teach them to share." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus, was he born clean or unclean? Oh, come on. Are you sure about this? Are you all ready for this? This should make us all get up, run around this place about three times, and leave here this morning. But I won't be dumping the message, so you can't catch this out. The clean had to be sacrificed so the unclean could be, redeemed. The clean had to be sacrificed so the unclean could be redeemed. Who's the unclean? Oh, there you go. We're the unclean. Jesus was the clean." (54 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So, here he's telling Moses to set apart, to consecrate, dedicate every firstborn male. This means to set apart every animal, every human, and says it belongs to who? Belongs to him. Now, there's a principle here that, just hang with me, that I'm going to try to get you to understand. I hope that all of you follow me. If not, what I would recommend for you to do is get this book called The Blessed Life and read it front to back. It will do a much better job. But you're going to get the highlights this morning of the principle of the firstborn and firstfruits." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Tithing. And remember, we just said the donkey and the lamb. We're talking about tithing. It's hard for people to understand this, but you read through all this. He is talking about tithing. Tithing. Tithing. Tithing. It's the principle of faith, and it's bringing your firstfruits to Him. And I know this is going to be controversy, and this is difficult for a lot of us. He didn't say, pay your bills, and then bring me what's left over. I know that's a hard one. He's saying, pay me first, and then pay your bills." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You ever wondered why Cain's offering wasn't accepted and Abel's was? You ever really pondered? I know I have. And as I started looking at his first fruits and firstborn, it started to make sense. Genesis 4, 3 through 5, and this is the NIV. And it's going to jump right out at you when you think about first fruits and firstborn. In the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soul as he offered it to the Lord. Now, what jumps out at you very first here at this verse? Some of the fruit. It didn't say first fruits. You think Scripture left that out on purpose? You think maybe it was supposed to be first fruits? No, I don't think so." (54 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "See, giving is all about the heart. And when you have a heart for Jesus, your first fruits and your firstborn is not going to be good. It's not going to be a problem because you understand the bondage that we once were in and how God has delivered us from that. We go with a grateful heart, giving, saying, Lord, here this is. This is yours already. Lord, forgive me for even thinking about taking and doing something with it. But Cain, he couldn't help himself. The very first family got himself in trouble because of the condition of his heart. And God said to bring your first fruits. And Cain couldn't even do that." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "See, people, the church is the bride of Christ. See, tithing might be more personal to Jesus than what we ever imagine. Why? Because it's his wife. We, the church, is the wife of Christ. By the way, what do you think Jesus would do with Dole? Scripture tells us he would take that money away, give it to the other two. If you don't believe it, it's called the parable of the talents. Remember the talents? Where the one guy took his talents and hid it away, the other two took and did something with it. And he took the talents away. People, financially, we don't ever want to think about tithing. We want to hide it in the back of our mind. But tithing is very, very important to Jesus. It's all through Scripture." (79 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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