Putting God First: Unlocking His Abundant Blessings
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound principle of putting God first in every aspect of our lives. This principle is rooted in the scripture that encourages us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the promise that all necessary things will be added to us. We delved into the importance of prioritizing God not only in our spiritual lives but also in our finances, as exemplified by the practice of tithing. Tithing is not merely a financial transaction but an act of faith and obedience that invites God's blessings into our lives. By giving God the first fruits of our increase, we align ourselves with His divine order and open the windows of heaven for His abundant provision.
We also discussed the significance of baptism in Jesus' name, which symbolizes our identification with Christ and the washing away of our sins. Baptism is a powerful act of faith that connects us to the body of Christ and the transformative power of His blood. It is through faith in His name that we receive salvation and forgiveness, and it is this faith that empowers us to live victoriously.
As we enter the new year, we are challenged to prove God by putting Him first and trusting Him to meet our needs. This challenge is not just about financial provision but about experiencing the fullness of God's blessings in every area of our lives. By prioritizing God, we position ourselves to receive His miraculous interventions and to witness His faithfulness in ways we have never imagined.
Key Takeaways:
1. Putting God First: Prioritizing God in every aspect of life, including finances, invites His blessings and provision. When we seek His kingdom first, He promises to meet our needs, demonstrating His faithfulness and care. [14:20]
2. The Principle of Tithing: Tithing is an act of faith and obedience that aligns us with God's divine order. By giving the first fruits of our increase, we open ourselves to His abundant blessings and protection from the devourer. [21:00]
3. Baptism in Jesus' Name: Baptism is a powerful act of faith that signifies our identification with Christ and the washing away of our sins. It is through faith in His name that we receive salvation and become part of the body of Christ. [01:26:41]
4. Faith and Obedience: God's blessings are the consequence of our obedience, while curses result from disobedience. By aligning our actions with His principles, we position ourselves to receive His favor and miraculous interventions. [22:57]
5. Challenge for the New Year: As we enter 2025, we are challenged to prove God by putting Him first and trusting Him to meet our needs. This act of faith will unlock His blessings and transform our lives in ways we cannot imagine. [28:23]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[12:02] - The Anointing and Callings
[12:57] - Putting God First
[14:20] - God's Provision and Faith
[16:41] - The Principle of Firsts
[18:12] - Consequences of Disobedience
[18:45] - The Challenge of Tithing
[19:34] - Understanding Tithes and Offerings
[21:00] - Blessings of Obedience
[22:57] - The Power of Faith
[23:57] - Purpose of Tithing
[25:23] - God's Promise of Blessing
[26:08] - Proving God
[26:41] - Rebuking the Devourer
[28:23] - New Year Challenge
[29:50] - Putting God First in All Aspects
[31:21] - The Parable of the Fig Tree
[01:21:16] - The Importance of Baptism
[01:22:19] - Identifying with Jesus
[01:24:26] - Spiritual Circumcision
[01:25:37] - The Power of the Blood
[01:26:41] - Faith in His Name
[01:27:22] - The Holy Ghost Within
[01:28:07] - Miracles Through Faith
[01:29:38] - Communion and Fellowship
[01:30:33] - Invitation to Baptism
[01:32:11] - Power in the Blood
[01:35:34] - Jesus, the Lamb of God
[01:36:54] - The Throne of God and the Lamb
[01:38:26] - Becoming the Body of Christ
[01:40:17] - Communion as One Body
[01:41:05] - The Body and Blood of Christ
[01:42:31] - Thanksgiving for the Blood
[01:45:27] - Baptism and Healing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
2. Malachi 3:8-10 - "Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
3. Acts 2:38 - "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Matthew 6:33 suggest about the order of priorities in a believer's life? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on putting God first? [14:20]
2. According to Malachi 3:8-10, what are the consequences of not tithing, and what promise does God make to those who do? [18:45]
3. How does the sermon describe the significance of baptism in Jesus' name, and what does it symbolize for believers? [01:21:16]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does seeking God's kingdom first, as mentioned in Matthew 6:33, impact other areas of a believer's life, such as finances and relationships? [14:20]
2. How does the principle of tithing, as discussed in Malachi 3:8-10, serve as an act of faith and obedience, and what are the spiritual implications of this practice? [19:34]
3. What is the connection between baptism in Jesus' name and the believer's identity in Christ, as explained in the sermon? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual circumcision? [01:24:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where God is not first? What steps can you take to realign your priorities according to Matthew 6:33? [14:20]
2. Consider your approach to tithing. How does your current practice reflect your faith and trust in God's provision? What changes might you need to make to align with the principles discussed in Malachi 3:8-10? [21:00]
3. Have you experienced a situation where putting God first led to unexpected blessings or provision? Share your experience with the group. [16:41]
4. If you have been baptized in Jesus' name, how has this act of faith impacted your spiritual journey? If not, what questions or concerns do you have about baptism? [01:22:19]
5. As we enter the new year, what specific challenges do you face in trusting God to meet your needs? How can the group support you in this journey of faith? [28:23]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of giving God the "first fruits" in other areas of your life beyond finances, such as time and talents? [29:50]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to exercise more faith and obedience. What practical steps can you take this week to align your actions with God's principles? [22:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Prioritizing God Invites His Provision
In every aspect of life, prioritizing God is a profound principle that invites His blessings and provision. This principle is rooted in the scripture that encourages seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the promise that all necessary things will be added to us. By putting God first, not only in spiritual matters but also in practical areas like finances, individuals align themselves with His divine order. This alignment opens the door to experiencing God's faithfulness and care in meeting their needs. The act of prioritizing God is a demonstration of trust in His ability to provide and care for His people. [14:20]
"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can intentionally put God first today, and how do you anticipate His provision in that area?
Day 2: Tithing as an Act of Faith and Obedience
Tithing is more than a financial transaction; it is an act of faith and obedience that aligns believers with God's divine order. By giving the first fruits of their increase, individuals open themselves to God's abundant blessings and protection from the devourer. This practice is a tangible expression of trust in God's provision and a commitment to His principles. Tithing invites God's blessings into one's life, demonstrating the power of faith and obedience in unlocking divine favor. It is a spiritual discipline that reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes and a life lived in accordance with His will. [21:00]
"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, ESV)
Reflection: How can you approach tithing as an act of faith and obedience this week, and what changes might you need to make to align your finances with God's principles?
Day 3: Baptism as Identification with Christ
Baptism in Jesus' name is a powerful act of faith that signifies identification with Christ and the washing away of sins. It symbolizes a believer's connection to the body of Christ and the transformative power of His blood. Through faith in His name, individuals receive salvation and forgiveness, becoming part of the body of Christ. Baptism is a public declaration of faith and a step of obedience that empowers believers to live victoriously. It is a significant milestone in the Christian journey, marking a new beginning and a commitment to follow Christ wholeheartedly. [01:26:41]
"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: If you have been baptized, how does your baptism continue to influence your daily walk with Christ? If you have not been baptized, what steps can you take to explore this important act of faith?
Day 4: Obedience Unlocks God's Favor
God's blessings are the consequence of obedience, while curses result from disobedience. By aligning actions with His principles, believers position themselves to receive His favor and miraculous interventions. Obedience is a key that unlocks the door to experiencing God's faithfulness and provision. It is through obedience that individuals demonstrate their trust in God's wisdom and His ability to guide their lives. This alignment with God's will invites His blessings and protection, creating a life marked by His favor and grace. [22:57]
"And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth." (Deuteronomy 28:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with obedience, and how can you take a step towards aligning your actions with God's principles today?
Day 5: Trusting God for the New Year
As the new year begins, believers are challenged to prove God by putting Him first and trusting Him to meet their needs. This challenge is not just about financial provision but about experiencing the fullness of God's blessings in every area of life. By prioritizing God, individuals position themselves to receive His miraculous interventions and witness His faithfulness in ways they have never imagined. This act of faith is a declaration of trust in God's ability to transform lives and bring about His purposes. [28:23]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: As you enter the new year, what specific steps can you take to put God first in your plans and trust Him to meet your needs?
Quotes
Putting God first in every aspect of life? Anybody here proven the Lord in putting him first? The scripture says, Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you. And the things... What are the things? What were the things? [00:13:28] (25 seconds)
He said, people worry about what they're going to eat, what they're going to wear. He said, I feed the birds. I clothe the lily. Solomon in all of his splendor wasn't arrayed like just one lily that I clothe. Oh, you have little faith. What are you worried about? I'm going to take care of you. [00:14:10] (18 seconds)
And the scripture is why we give. We don't give because the church needs money. We don't give because God needs our money. We give because God says, if you'll put me first in priority in your finances, I'll take care of your finances. [00:17:37] (18 seconds)
And so, so when we give a 10 % of our first to God, God blesses the 90 that's left over. But if we keep the 10th back and we, and we use it, then we are operating with a hundred percent that's got a curse on it. [00:21:00] (18 seconds)
And so individuals can be cursed. And what is a curse? Let me explain. What the difference between a blessing and a curse is. When they went into the promised land, there was a mountain on one side and a mountain on the other. And Moses placed blessings on one mountain and curses on the other. [00:21:52] (17 seconds)
And if you're wondering what baptism in Jesus' name signifies, we're buried with Christ into his death so that we can be raised with him as well. And so baptism in Jesus' name is a part of. It's a part of our fellowship with Christ. It's where the blood of Jesus washes away our sins. [01:24:26] (24 seconds)
It's through faith in His name that we receive salvation and forgiveness of sins. It's not the water. Because you take baths, hopefully, on a regular basis, and you don't wash away your sins. But when you go down in that water in the name of Jesus, everything changes. [01:26:41] (26 seconds)
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