SERMON NOTES:
The consecrated life is the life of a Jesus follower. It is a unique “set apart” life with Jesus leading and me following. How do I follow Jesus with my money?
Part 1 - Jesus On Money!
Part 2 – First Things First!
Matthew 6 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
God’s First-ness in the lives and living of His people has deep roots. He doesn’t fit in any other place!
Exodus 13 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.”
Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other God’s before me
Exodus 23 19 “Bring the best of the first fruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.
Proverbs 3 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Malachi 3 “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 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.
· The first-born is God’s. The first-fruit is God’s. The whole tithe is God’s. Through these offerings God’s people worshiped and honored Him as first in their lives giving Him first claim on their all.
· This “If God is First then the First is God’s” lifestyle trusts Him for everyday living and eternal life!
· When the First is offered to God the rest is consecrated under His blessing!
We all desperately need all we are and have consecrated to the Lord!
Study Guide
Solitude, Scripture & Prayer
Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.
Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”
Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)
Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying? Why this word this day?
What are You asking me to believe about You and about me?
How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”
Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.
Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God
The readings this week help us unpack this truth, “If God is First then the First is God’s”. God’s claim to first place in our lives has deep roots in the biblical story and the teaching of Jesus. What does all of this mean for my everyday living especially with regards to money?
Monday – Matthew 6:25-34
Tuesday – Matthew 8:18-22
Wednesday – Matthew 10:32-42
Thursday – Exodus 13:1-2, 11-16
Friday – Proverbs 3:1-10
Saturday – Psalm 130
Got questions? Continue the discussion. Follow the link @ https://goo.gl/Jd93J7