What Is Your First Priority?

Intro:- Prov,3:5-10

Recap if necessary Pt.1 &2.

Mal.3:8-12. The Lord says I want to bless you, but cannot because you have failed the first priority. Tithing is an act of obedience which gives the Lord preeminence Col.1:18, reveals our faith and trust in Almighty God. They were robbing God of the privilege of blessings them. In their greed they have deceived themselves.

Gen.22:18. The Lord required Abraham to sacrifice Isaac his son, obedience brought the blessings of God. Jehovah Jireh. Our sacrificial giving by faith brings His blessings.

1. Mark12: 41-44. The widow and her small offering.

a. Jesus is carefully watching those who made their offerings to the Lord

b. RICH THREW in LARGE AMOUNTS – Attitude of watch us! – we are so generous!.

c. POOR WIDOW SHE PUT IN TWO VERY SMALL COPPER COINS.

d. Note the contrast! RICH THREW! WIDOW PUT!

e. v.43-44. Jesus reveals he knows their motivation – Praises the Widow!

2. 1.Timothy.6:6-10 & 17-19 Colossians.3:1-5

3. Luke.12:1 & 15-34 v15-21

v.1. Large crowd following Jesus, trampling upon each other anxious to hear Him.

v.13. 2 - brothers in the crowd – One catches Jesus attention - problem is their greed!

v.14. Jesus replied, “I am not a judge” However He uses the opportunity teach a great principle – against greed. The real problem between the brothers.

v.15a. “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed” Crowd also hears this!

ALL KINDS? Money! Position! Power! Prestige Recognition!

GREED = The thirst for more and more and yet still more!!!! Never satisfied!

v.15b. “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” Materialism does not provide anyone with real life. Acts.17:28 “In Him, we live and move and have our being”

v.16-19. Parable – Rich Farmer – Talks to himself, to his soul. Convincing himself that once he has built bigger barns, he could then take life easy.

He is making big plans for the future! He appears to be wise?

v.20-21. “But God said to him, YOU FOOL! THIS VERY NIGHT YOUR LIFE WILL BE DEMANDED FROM YOU”

Why does the Lord call him A FOOL?

a. Failed to recognize the real source of his wealth.

b. Also fails to realize the true purpose of his wealth was to glorify the Lord.

c. He thought his security was in his possessions

d. He was presumptuous in 2 areas of life:-

i. Firstly he presumed he would possess his wealth in the future

ii. Secondly he presumes he will live long enough to enjoy his wealth.

e. v.21. Get priority right bless God first and He will bless you.

Conclusion:- 1.Samuel.25:2-25 & 36-38. Nabal = FOOL. Abigail = A FATHER’S JOY

a. Nabal is foolish – fails to recognize protection he has enjoyed

b. Refuses to assist David and his men.

c. Questions v.10-11 “Who is David etc?

d. v.14-17. One of Nabal’s servants speaks to Abigail.

e. Abigail intercedes by honoring David and his men. Provisions.

f. v.35-38. Nabal dies shortly after Abigail returns from David.

Senior Pastor Terry Brinded 29-10-2010