Read Exodus 23:19 + Proverbs 3:9-10 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- In Exodus, what was to be brought to the house of the Lord?
- According to Proverbs, what are we to honor the Lord with?
- What promise is attached to this?
Reflect
Yesterday we read the account of Cain and Abel, who introduced us to the principle of “first and best.” Today we see a couple examples of this principle that is woven all through the Bible. Followers of God throughout history have been urged to bring the first and best of their harvest, or wealth, to God because He is first. He owns everything; we’re simply stewards of what He gives us.
Why did God invent this principle of first and best? To teach us the tremendous blessing of walking by faith. Finances are consistently high on the list of things we stress and worry about. Bringing our first and best to God is the way we declare His place in our lives. And when we do that, He’s faithful to His promises.
This kind of generosity is at the very heart of the gospel. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son (John 3:16). Jesus was the “first and best” of what He could give, and He gave Him for you. How do you know if you’re awakened to God? It’s how you answer this question: In my heart, is God first? It takes faith to invite Him in and then live it out through your actions.
Respond
- Do you view your money and possessions as things you own? Or do you view them as things that God owns and you’re simply stewarding for Him? How does this outlook manifest itself in your daily life?
- What would you say is the “first and best” of what you’re currently stewarding in the areas of time, talents, and treasure? What would it look like to give these things to God?
- In your heart, is God first? What leads you to say yes or no to that question? Is there anything you’re struggling to surrender to Him? (If you’ve never made a decision to follow Jesus, that’s the best first step you can take. If you want to talk to one of our pastors about what it means, reach out through our Contact Us form or by emailing info@tpcc.org.)
As you process these questions, use page 59 of your Awaken Guidebook to jot down any key reflections or next steps. Be sure to bring your guidebook to your group! Page 60 is a great place to write down things that you want to process together.