Why is it important to honor God with our "firstfruits" in modern times? Our Anchor Text: Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” What “Firstfruits” Signified in Scripture • Recognition of God’s ownership (Exodus 23:19) • Tangible thanksgiving for His provision (Leviticus 23:10) • Pledge of a greater harvest yet to come (Romans 11:16) • Pattern fulfilled in Christ, “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20) Why Honoring God First Still Matters Today • Priority: Giving the first portion, not the leftovers, declares that God—not money, time, or talent—comes first. • Trust: Handing over the earliest yield says, “I believe You will supply what follows” (Matthew 6:33). • Worship: Sacrifice is integral to worship; firstfruits shift giving from mere philanthropy to holy devotion. • Witness: In a self-centered culture, front-loading generosity marks believers as “a chosen people” (1 Peter 2:9). • Blessing: God links obedience with provision—“test Me in this… and see” (Malachi 3:10). While motives matter more than reward, Scripture promises joyful overflow to faithful givers (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Modern Expressions of Firstfruits 1. Income: Set aside the initial percentage of each paycheck for the Lord’s work before budgeting anything else. 2. Time: Give God the opening moments of every day for Scripture and prayer, demonstrating daily dependence. 3. Skills: Offer the freshest creative energy to kingdom causes rather than waiting until you are “free.” 4. Harvests & Windfalls: Bonuses, tax returns, or unexpected profits present prime opportunities for firstfruits offerings. 5. Goals & Plans: Lay out new pursuits—careers, relationships, projects—before Him at their inception. Practical Steps to Begin • Decide a proportion in advance (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Automate giving where possible, preventing impulse from crowding out commitment. • Review and adjust annually as God prospers you (Deuteronomy 16:17). • Celebrate testimonies of God’s faithfulness to reinforce trust within your family and church. The Larger Picture Honoring God with firstfruits is more than an ancient ritual; it’s a present-day proclamation that He reigns over every resource and reward. By giving Him the first and best, believers echo the gospel itself—God gave His “firstborn” (Colossians 1:15-18) so that we might enjoy an overflowing, eternal harvest in Christ. |
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