Scripture Reading: Micah 6:6-8
Five "Firsts" for Success
Intro.
1. The devil tries to confuse our loyalties, to minimize our obligations to God, and to forfeit our blessings (with temptations to sin), Gen. 3:1.
2. He seeks to divide our devotion, raise doubts about our faith, and deny the benefits of being faithful to God, Jas. 1:6-8.
3. We can withstand Satan and succeed with God’s help, Eph. 6:10-13.
4. With what is good and necessary before God, Micah 6:8 (justice, mercy, humility).
5. Five “firsts” for our spiritual success.
I. GIVE GOD THE FIRST HOUR OF EACH DAY.
A. To Pray, Mk. 1:35.
-To avoid anxiety, to remember others, to trust and hope in God each day, to be thankful, Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; 1 Thess. 5:17.
B. To Read, Psa. 119:33-40.
-God’s word and its strengthening effects on our life.
C. To Meditate, Psa. 1:1-2; 119:97. (Josh. 1:8)
-To set our path away from sin, away sinful influences, and toward God.
II. GIVE GOD THE FIRST DAY OF EVERY WEEK.
A. To Worship Him, Acts 20:7.
-To do so we must first…
1. Reconcile trouble, Matt. 5:23-24.
2. Examine our purposes, cf. 1 Cor. 11:28-29.
3. Cleanse our hearts and our conduct, Jas. 4:8.
B. To Encourage Brethren, Heb. 10:24-25; Col. 3:16; 1 Cor. 14:26.
III. GIVE GOD THE FIRST PORTION OF EVERY PAYCHECK.
A. According to Your Success, 1 Cor. 16:2 (prospered).
1. Bountifully, not sparingly, 2 Cor. 9:6.
2. Sets | keeps a proper perspective on life and things, 1 Tim. 6:17.
B. Purposefully, 2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Chron. 29:3, 6, 9.
-Heart set on the house (church) of God (3), willingness (6), devoted heart (9)
C. Cheerfully, 2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Chron. 29:13-16.
-Thankfulness and stewardship
IV. GIVE GOD THE FIRST CONSIDERATION IN EVERY DECISION.
A. Priority Firmly Established, Matt. 6:33-34; Lk. 14:25-33.
-Seek (goal), set (commitment), and sustain (endurance), Col. 3:1-3
V. GIVE GOD THE FIRST PLACE IN YOUR HEART.
A. A Decision of Faith, 1 Pet. 3:15.
B. Action of Love, Matt. 22:37 (Jno. 14:15).
C. Sacrifice for Eternal Life, Matt. 19:16, 20-22 (Phil. 3:7-8).
D. The Determination of Hope, 1 Pet. 1:3, 6-9.
Conclusion
1. We will not regret putting these “firsts” into our lives.
2. Being living sacrifices, Rom. 12:1-2.
*Basic outline by Heath Rogers, Five “Firsts” To Success, Knollwood Reminder, October 2014
By: Joe R. Price
Posted September 3, 2019