First and Best: Worship, Wisdom, and War in Giving

Devotional

Day 1: Give God Your First and Best

The principle of giving God our first and best is woven throughout Scripture, beginning with the story of Cain and Abel and continuing through the Old and New Testaments. This is not about God needing our resources, but about reorienting our hearts to remember that He is first in all things. When we receive anything—money, time, talents—our immediate response should be to offer the first and the best portion back to God as an act of worship, acknowledging His ultimate ownership and provision. This practice keeps us from slipping into self-reliance and reminds us daily that our security and satisfaction are found in Him alone. [19:54]

Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: What is one area of your life—money, time, or talent—where you have been giving God your leftovers instead of your first and best? What would it look like to intentionally offer Him your first and best in that area this week?

Day 2: Jesus Is First—He Gave His All

Jesus models what it means to give first and best by giving His all for us. He loved us first, went first, and held nothing back, even to the point of death on a cross. Our response to His sacrificial love is to follow Him by making Him first in our lives, not just in word but in action. When we give our first and best, we are reflecting the character of Christ, who did not withhold anything from us. This is the foundation of our worship and discipleship: to live in a way that continually points back to Jesus as our King and our everything. [29:49]

Colossians 1:15-18 (ESV)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

Reflection: In what practical way can you put Jesus first today, making a choice that reflects His preeminence in your life?

Day 3: True Satisfaction Comes from God, Not Possessions

God invites us to find our satisfaction in Him, not in the things of this world that ultimately do not satisfy. He offers us the richest of spiritual food and drink, freely given through Christ, yet we are often tempted to spend our resources on things that leave us empty. The wisdom of God calls us to invest our lives and resources in what truly matters—His kingdom and His purposes—so that our souls may be nourished and our lives filled with lasting joy. [33:06]

Isaiah 55:1-3 (ESV)
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.

Reflection: Where are you tempted to seek satisfaction apart from God? What is one step you can take today to invest your resources—time, energy, or money—into something that truly nourishes your soul?

Day 4: Generosity Is Spiritual Warfare

Giving our first and best is not just about worship or wisdom; it is also an act of spiritual warfare. When we withhold from God, sin crouches at our door, seeking to draw us away from trust in Him and into self-reliance or greed. By practicing fearless generosity, we actively resist the enemy’s schemes and declare that our security and hope are in God alone. This daily battle is not just about money—it is about keeping our hearts aligned with Christ and pushing back the darkness that seeks to devour us. [45:03]

1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV)
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

Reflection: What fear or hesitation keeps you from being fearlessly generous? How can you take a step of generosity today as an act of spiritual resistance against the enemy?

Day 5: Fearless Generosity Is Discipleship

Fearless generosity is not about meeting a need that God has, but about shaping us into the likeness of Jesus. It is a tangible expression of discipleship, a way to live out our faith in community and to invest in the things that have eternal value. As we give our first and best, we participate in God’s mission, experience the joy of gospel-centered living, and help advance His kingdom. This is not a one-time act, but a regular, intentional practice that forms our hearts and strengthens our faith. [58:24]

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV)
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Reflection: How can you make generosity a regular, intentional part of your discipleship journey? What is one new habit you can start this week to practice fearless generosity?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered around the simple yet profound act of communion—a reminder that, in Christ, we have everything, even if we possess nothing else. The world may entice us with promises of fulfillment through wealth, status, or possessions, but Scripture is clear: without Jesus, all of it amounts to less than nothing. Yet, because of who Jesus is and what He has done, we are given more than everything. Our lives are to be centered on Him, shaped by the gospel, and lived out in unity as one body.

We are called to follow Jesus, to be gospel-centered, and to live as one. These are not just values to recite, but realities to embody. Our uniqueness is not a cause for division, but a means for greater beauty and unity in God’s kingdom. As we live this out, our lives should be marked by extravagant hospitality, fearless generosity, and daring mission—because these are the very characteristics of God Himself.

Fearless generosity, in particular, is not about God needing our resources—He owns and sustains all things. Rather, it is about reflecting His character and protecting our own hearts. Scripture teaches us to give our first and best, not our leftovers. This principle, rooted in the story of Cain and Abel, is not about appeasing God, but about orienting our hearts toward Him and away from the sin that crouches at our door. When we withhold our first and best, we risk letting sin and death gain a foothold in our lives.

God’s call to give is an invitation to worship, to wisdom, and to war. We worship by giving because Jesus is first, loved first, went first, and gave all. We act wisely by investing in what truly satisfies—God Himself—rather than spending ourselves on things that cannot fulfill. And we go to war against the enemy’s lies, refusing to let money become our master or our security. Our generosity is a declaration that our trust is in God, not in our possessions.

As we enter a season where our culture urges us to buy and consume, let us instead ask, “How can I give more and buy less?” May we be a people who invest in what is eternal, who push back the darkness, and who worship our King with our first and best—because it’s never been about the money. It’s about the Lion at the door, and about following Jesus with all that we are.

Key Takeaways

1. Give God your first and best Giving our first and best is not about meeting God’s needs, but about orienting our hearts toward Him. This act of worship reminds us that He is first, He loved first, and He gave all for us. When we prioritize God in our giving, we declare that our security and satisfaction are found in Him alone, not in our possessions. [19:54]
2. Generosity is spiritual warfare Our resources are not just neutral tools; they are battlegrounds for our hearts. When we withhold our first and best, sin crouches at our door, seeking to draw us away from God. Generosity is a way to push back against the enemy, to refuse the lie that money can save or satisfy us, and to stand firm in the freedom Christ has won. [45:03]
3. Invest in what truly satisfies God invites us to spend ourselves on what brings real life—Himself. The world offers endless substitutes that promise fulfillment but leave us empty. When we give to God’s kingdom, we are investing in what endures, in gospel stories that will echo into eternity, and in the deep soul satisfaction that only Christ can provide. [33:06]
4. Generosity is discipleship, not obligation Giving is not about checking a religious box or responding to pressure. It is a regular, intentional act of discipleship—a way of following Jesus, growing in wisdom, and participating in His mission. As we give, we are shaped into people who reflect God’s heart and who live in the abundance of His grace. [58:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - The Profound Simplicity of Communion
[02:00] - Jesus Is Everything: Our True Treasure
[04:49] - Following Jesus and Gospel Centrality
[07:11] - Extravagant Hospitality and Fearless Generosity
[10:18] - Daring Mission and Sharing the Gospel
[13:19] - Celebrating Baptisms and Gospel Fruit
[16:31] - The Principle of First and Best
[19:54] - Proverbs and the Call to Firstfruits
[23:14] - Cain and Abel: The Danger of Leftovers
[26:26] - Tithing and the Ongoing Call to Generosity
[29:49] - Worship: Responding to God’s Firstness
[33:06] - Isaiah 55: Investing in What Satisfies
[39:10] - Cultural Temptations and True Satisfaction
[45:03] - Generosity as Spiritual Warfare
[51:41] - The Lion at the Door: A Battle for the Heart
[55:09] - Practical Steps Toward Fearless Generosity
[58:24] - Generosity as Discipleship and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 4:2-7 (ESV) — > Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV) — > 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.

Isaiah 55:1-3 (ESV) — > Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.

Observation Questions

In the story of Cain and Abel, what was the key difference between their offerings to God? (Genesis 4:3-4; [23:14])
According to Proverbs 3:9-10, what does God promise when we honor Him with our firstfruits? ([19:54])
In Isaiah 55, what invitation does God give to those who have nothing, and what does He say about what truly satisfies? ([33:06])
According to the sermon, what does it mean to give God our “first and best” rather than our leftovers? ([16:31])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God cared so much about Abel bringing the “first and best” while Cain just brought “some” of his crops? What does this reveal about their hearts? ([23:14])
The sermon says that giving our first and best is not about meeting God’s needs, but about orienting our hearts toward Him. Why is this orientation so important for our spiritual health? ([19:54])
How does generosity act as a form of spiritual warfare, according to both Genesis 4 and the sermon? ([45:03])
Isaiah 55 talks about spending money and labor on things that do not satisfy. What are some examples of “bread that does not satisfy” in our culture today? ([39:10])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to give God our first and best, not our leftovers. Practically, what would it look like for you to give your “first and best” in this season—whether that’s your time, money, or talents? ([16:31])
When you think about your own giving, do you tend to give out of what’s left over, or do you intentionally set aside your first and best for God? What is one step you could take to move toward fearless generosity? ([19:54])
The sermon says that generosity is spiritual warfare, pushing back against the enemy’s lies that money can save or satisfy us. What are some lies about money or possessions that you are tempted to believe? How can you fight those lies this week? ([45:03])
Isaiah 55 asks, “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?” Are there things you are investing in (time, money, energy) that leave you empty? What would it look like to invest more in what truly satisfies? ([33:06])
The sermon encourages us to ask, “How can I give more and buy less?” as we enter a season of cultural pressure to consume. What is one specific way you could practice this in the coming weeks? ([39:10])
Generosity is described as discipleship, not obligation. How can you make your giving a regular, intentional act of following Jesus, rather than just a response to guilt or pressure? ([58:24])
The sermon talks about unity in the body and how our uniqueness should lead to greater beauty, not division. How can you use your unique gifts to serve others and build unity in our church family? ([07:11])

Sermon Clips

Because Jesus is who He is and because Jesus did what He did and is doing what He's doing? And because we are in Christ, the exact opposite becomes true. That though we may have nothing on this planet, we already have everything. No, no, no. More than everything. Isn't that wild? You guys are sitting very quietly. I hope you are because you're like profoundly in awe of this versus just like, uh-huh, uh-huh. Because it is truly, if, if this is true and, and it is, then, then these moments coming, just remembering Jesus, Jesus is first. [00:02:32] (43 seconds) #EverythingInChrist

We want to be a people that when the world experiences us, they experience the kingdom of God and they experience the truth and power and beauty and love of God. And so we are gospel centered. And we do this as one. We are one. Because this world we live in constantly tries to separate us by using our uniqueness as an affront to each other instead of our uniqueness as a means to unify and bring more beauty to the kingdom of God and to this planet, right? [00:05:49] (35 seconds) #UnitedInTheGospel

We know that God's call is if you follow me and you are centered around the gospel, the consequence of that will be that you will be as one. So we know that when we struggle to function as one, we are struggling with gospel centrality and we are struggling to follow Jesus, right? So it's like a little thermometer. It's like, oh, oh, struggling to love you and be one must be struggling with gospel centrality. So being one is such a beautiful means by which we press in to making sure that we are in fact following Jesus. [00:06:24] (34 seconds) #OneInChrist

We have said out loud, we want to be extravagantly hospitable. Why? Because God is extravagantly hospitable. That's the only reason. We didn't come up with that. We weren't like, ooh, that sounds like a neat plan. We read the actual Bible and we were like, oh, God is extravagantly hospitable. His kingdom is a kingdom of abundance, not scarcity. He lays before us and lavishes before us banquets of wonder. He pours his kindness upon us for ages to come. [00:07:34] (33 seconds) #ExtravagantHospitality

We will be a people of fearless generosity. And we will be a people of fearless generosity. Whatever we have, we will make available to God to use as he sees fit. Whatever we have, we will give to God to have. Whatever talents and abilities, time and energy, resources and money I have. God, I want to spend myself with fearless generosity toward your kingdom, your glory, and your goodness. I want to do that. Why are we fearlessly generous? Because God needs our talent, time, and money. It's so illogically ridiculous, it's worth laughing at. [00:08:15] (49 seconds) #FearlessGenerosity

We are daringly missional. We're daringly missional. We dare to live our lives for the sake of the expansion of God's kingdom and for the glory of God and to make his name renowned on planet earth. Why? Because he needs to be famous. That's been his goal all along. I want everyone in the planet to know me and to honor me. Then I will be okay. Have you read the Bible? God existed for eternity before he made us and he needed nothing. He certainly doesn't need us now. [00:09:39] (37 seconds) #DaringlyMissional

We are fearlessly, I mean, daringly missional because he was and is daringly missional. He crawled into a human body. He lived on planet earth among us. He gave his life for us so that he could take on sin and death, conquer it so that we might have eternal life. There is no mission more daring, more insane, more giving than what God has already done for us. And so we do the same because we follow who? Jesus. [00:10:23] (40 seconds) #JesusOurMission

The people that God gave you to write down all those names on that wall that's out here of people that don't yet know Jesus some who now do they are a people that do not have eternal life yet because they don't know Jesus and we all we have to do like taking a piece of bread and a bit of juice and wine and we have the simplest part in the most profound thing is we just have to go tell them about Jesus and let the chips fall where they may because that's God's business so let's keep doing that right. [00:14:06] (34 seconds) #TellThemAboutJesus

When it comes to generosity when it comes to your resources your first your first move on anything you have must immediately be to give to god what is your first that's the principle in scripture he doesn't say simply give something he says our safest best most uh most uh follow jesus response should always be this anything we receive talent time money but in this particular context our resources our immediate response should be that i'm gonna first when first i'm gonna immediately divert a portion of this back to god. [00:18:14] (54 seconds) #GiveFirstToGod

He says and as you look at the resource look at it and say what part of this resource is the best of this resource and i'm gonna take the best of it and i'm gonna first give it back to god so there's the principle in scripture i'm gonna act when first and i'm gonna act with my best that's the idea in scripture and it's not an idea that we come up with because we're like oh that sounds like fun first and best it's literally actually written down. [00:19:31] (30 seconds) #BestForGod

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