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