First Things First

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Sermon Notes:

Summary

The message centers on the biblical principle of tithing, asserting that it is a foundational and generational practice rooted in a relationship of trust and worship with God, rather than a mere financial obligation. It emphasizes that God, as the ultimate owner of everything, does not need our money but desires our faith and obedience, using finances as a test of our devotion. The act of tithing is presented not as giving to a church institution, but as an act of honoring Jesus Christ, our high priest, and making a public declaration of His living presence and redemptive work in our lives. This practice, the message suggests, has been evident from the earliest accounts in scripture, exemplified by Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek and Jacob’s vow, illustrating a consistent pattern of honoring God with the first portion. Furthermore, the significance of teaching this principle across generations is highlighted, underscoring the importance of instilling in children a habit of honoring God through tithing, alongside other spiritual disciplines such as Bible study and prayer, thereby prioritizing the word of God in their upbringing. This consistent honoring of God with the first portion of what we have is portrayed as a key to unlocking blessings and deepening our relationship with Him, fostering a life of freedom and faith.

The discussion delves into the scriptural basis of tithing, referencing Leviticus 27:30, which declares that the tithe belongs to the Lord and is holy, signifying its complete separation and blessing by God. This holiness extends to the remaining ninety percent, suggesting a redemptive aspect to the act of tithing. The message clarifies that tithing predates the Mosaic Law, as seen in Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek in Genesis 14, positioning it as a relational act of honoring God rather than a legalistic requirement. The New Testament, particularly Matthew 23:23, acknowledges the importance of tithing while emphasizing weightier matters such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness, indicating that tithing should be practiced in conjunction with these core principles. The number ten in the Bible is also presented as significant, often symbolizing a test, implying that tithing can be seen as a test of our faith that, when passed, leads to God ordering our lives. This perspective reframes tithing from a mere financial transaction to a spiritual discipline that deepens our connection with God and acknowledges His provision in our lives.

The generational aspect of tithing is underscored through the examples of Abraham teaching Isaac and Jacob, who also committed to tithing as recorded in Genesis 28. This highlights the passing down of the practice as a means of honoring God from one generation to the next. The message emphasizes the responsibility of parents to teach their children about tithing and other essential aspects of faith, suggesting that this spiritual education should be prioritized alongside secular learning. By involving children in the act of tithing, such as having them prepare their tithe and place it in the offering, they learn to honor God from a young age. This consistent teaching of God’s word is presented as a source of true understanding and wisdom, surpassing even that of worldly teachers, as Psalm 119 suggests. Therefore, the intentional and consistent teaching of tithing and other spiritual disciplines to our children is portrayed as crucial for building a strong foundation of faith that spans generations.

In essence, the message articulates that tithing is a fundamental act of worship and trust in God, deeply rooted in scripture and practiced across generations. It is not about the amount given, but about the heart behind the giving, recognizing God’s ownership and our role as stewards. The act of tithing is presented as a way to honor Jesus, our high priest, and to publicly declare our faith in Him. Furthermore, the importance of teaching children this principle, alongside other spiritual disciplines, is stressed as a vital part of their upbringing and spiritual development. By prioritizing God in our finances through tithing, we deepen our relationship with Him, open ourselves to His blessings, and set a generational example of faith and obedience. This foundational practice is portrayed as a key to living a life of financial freedom and spiritual richness, grounded in the unwavering principles of God’s word.

Quote: “All of the tithe is mine. It is holy to the Lord.”

Key Scriptures

Psalm 103:20: This verse highlights the power of speaking God’s word aloud, suggesting that angels heed and respond to it in the spiritual realm.
Hebrews 1:14: This passage describes angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation, implying their active involvement in believers’ lives.
Hebrews 11:1: This scripture defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, emphasizing its role in understanding the unseen realities of God.
Hebrews 11:3: This verse explains that the universe was created by God’s word, so that what is seen was not made out of visible things, underscoring the power of God’s spoken word.
Hebrews 11:6: This passage states that without faith it is impossible to please God, and that those who draw near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.
Leviticus 27:30: This verse declares that all the tithe belongs to the Lord and is holy, emphasizing God’s claim to the first tenth.
Matthew 23:23: In this verse, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, acknowledging their tithing but emphasizing the importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness as weightier matters of the law.
Genesis 14:20: This verse recounts how Abraham gave a tithe of all to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High, marking the first recorded instance of tithing.
Genesis 28:22: Here, Jacob vows that if God provides for him, he will give a full tenth back to God, demonstrating a commitment to tithing as an act of worship.
Hebrews 7:8: This verse contrasts mortal men who receive tithes on earth with one in heaven, referring to Jesus, of whom it is witnessed that He lives.
Hebrews 7:9-10: This passage suggests that even Levi, who collected tithes under the law, paid tithes through Abraham to Melchizedek, highlighting the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood.
Psalm 119:99: This verse expresses that understanding comes from loving God’s law, leading to more insight than teachers.

Key Takeaways

Tithing is a foundational principle for a blessed Christian life, not a requirement for salvation.
Tithing is an act of worship and trust in God, deepening our personal relationship with Him.
God considers the tithe holy, set apart for Him, and promises to bless the remaining portion.
Tithing predates the law, indicating it is a relational act rather than a legalistic obligation.
Jesus acknowledged the importance of tithing while emphasizing justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
The number ten in the Bible often symbolizes a test, and tithing can be seen as a test of our faith.
Tithing is a generational practice that should be taught to children from a young age.
Teaching children about tithing and other spiritual disciplines should be a priority for parents.
Honoring God with the first portion of what we have is a principle evident throughout scripture.
Tithing is ultimately an act of honoring Jesus Christ, our high priest, and declaring our faith in Him.

Questions To Consider

How does understanding tithing as an act of worship rather than an obligation shift your perspective on giving?
In what ways can you intentionally teach the principle of honoring God through finances to the next generation in your life?
How might prioritizing the study of God’s word, including principles like tithing, impact your understanding and faith?
Reflecting on the examples in scripture, what does it reveal about God’s desire for us to put Him first in all areas of our lives?
How can the concept of tithing as a “test” encourage you to grow in your trust and dependence on God?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before you today with a heart seeking to honor you in all aspects of my life, including my finances. I thank you for the principle of tithing revealed in your Word, and I ask for your guidance to understand and practice it as an act of worship and trust. Help me to recognize that everything I have comes from you, and that giving the first portion back is an opportunity to deepen my relationship with you and acknowledge your sovereignty. Lord, I pray for the grace to be faithful in this area, not out of obligation, but out of a sincere desire to honor you and to set an example for those around me, especially the younger generation. May this act of obedience open my heart to your blessings and strengthen my faith in your provision. Help me to prioritize your Word in my life and to teach its truths diligently. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Action Steps

1: Understanding the Foundation of Tithing

Task 1: Reflect on the Definition of Tithing

Step 1: Recall that “tithe” means 10% or a tenth of your income or resources.
Step 2: Understand that tithing is presented as an act of worship and honoring God, not just a financial contribution.
Step 3: Recognize that God considers the tithe holy and set apart for Him (Leviticus 27:30).

Task 2: Study Relevant Scriptures

Step 1: Read Leviticus 27:30 to understand God’s claim to the tithe.
Step 2: Read Genesis 14:18-20 to see the first mention of tithing with Abraham and Melchizedek.
Step 3: Read Matthew 23:23 to see Jesus’ perspective on tithing alongside other important principles.

2: Implementing Tithing in Your Life

Task 1: Calculate Your Tithe

Step 1: Determine your gross income or the total value of your resources.
Step 2: Calculate 10% of that amount to determine your tithe.

Task 2: Designate Your Tithe

Step 1: Decide where you will give your tithe as an act of worship to God (e.g., your local church or a ministry you believe in).
Step 2: Set up a system for regularly giving your tithe (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly).

Task 3: Make it an Act of Worship

Step 1: Before giving, take a moment to pray and acknowledge God’s provision in your life.
Step 2: Consider your giving as an act of honoring Jesus Christ, your high priest.

3: Generational Teaching of Tithing

Task 1: Educate Children About Tithing

Step 1: Explain to children in simple terms what tithing is and why it’s important (honoring God).
Step 2: Involve them in the process, such as setting aside their tithe from any money they receive.
Step 3: If age-appropriate, have them pray over their tithe before it is given.

Task 2: Lead by Example

Step 1: Ensure your own practice of tithing is consistent and visible to your children.
Step 2: Share with them why you tithe and the blessings you believe come from it.

Task 3: Integrate Spiritual Education

Step 1: Prioritize teaching your children about the Bible and prayer alongside tithing.
Step 2: Encourage them to develop their own personal relationship with God.

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Conclusion

The message underscores that tithing is more than just a financial transaction; it is a foundational act of worship, a demonstration of our trust in God, and a principle that should be passed down through generations. Key takeaways include understanding the holiness of the tithe, its presence before the law, and Jesus’ affirmation of its practice alongside weightier matters of faith. The act of tithing serves as a test of our devotion and an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of all we have. By implementing tithing with a heart of worship and diligently teaching this principle to our children, we build a legacy of faith and honor God in a tangible way, opening ourselves and future generations to His blessings and guidance.

Test Your Understanding

According to Leviticus 27:30, all of the ________ is holy to the Lord.
The first recorded instance of tithing in the Bible involves ________ giving to ________.
In Matthew 23:23, Jesus said tithing should not neglect the weightier matters of the law: ________, ________, and ________.
The number ________ in the Bible often symbolizes a test.
Tithing is presented as an act of ________ and ________ in God.

Solution

tithe
Abraham, Melchizedek
justice, mercy, faithfulness
ten
worship, trust

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