SF492 - LIFE ON THE ROCK - THE SECRET TO A SUCCESSFUL LIFE (Matthew 6 33-34)

Matthew 6:33-34

Introduction

The key word - “First”

The problem in all our lives can be linked to not putting first things first.

Talking Parrot

$25 for parrot, bought cage - did not talk.

$10 for swing - did not talk

$10 for mirror - did not talk

$10 for bell - did not talk

$10 for ladder - dead, last thing he said was don’t they sell bird seed in that store.

If you are failing in life it is because your priorities are confused.

If your priorities are confused it is because your values are mixed up.

We live in a day of vanishing values, pathetic priorities, and therefore incredible failure.

We are in trouble because we have lost our values

In the text before our Lord sets for us the proper priorities for life.

1A. The Principle Expressed

“Seek,” zeteo; to seek; to worship (God), desire, endeavor, enquire

“First,” proton, first (in time, place, order, or importance):‑‑before, at the beginning, chiefly, (at, at the) first (of all).

“His Kingdom,” basileia, royalty, i.e. to rule, or a realm (lit. or fig.): kingdom, reign.

“Righteousness,” dikaiosune, justification.

Be sure that God is number one in every aspect of your life!

2A. The Practice Explained

1B. Give the Lord the first thoughts of every day

Psalm 5:3 “In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.”

Psalm 119:147 “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words.”

2B. Give the Lord the first day of every week

Today is the beginning of the week!!!! Notice what the early church did on Sunday…

They preached and studied the Bible

Acts 20:7 “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight.”

They gave their offerings

1 Corinthians 16:2 “On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.”

They worshiped the Lord together

Hebrews 10:25 “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Sunday has become the leisure day - not the Lord’s Day

3B. Give the Lord the first fruit of all your income

Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”

Reasons to tithe...

Ø You will be blessed

Ø The need of the lost world

Ø It will honor the Lord!

Be careful not to give God your leftovers...

Ø Illustration: Birthday cake, who will receive the first slice?

The reason you do not have enough left is because you have not learned to honor God.

4B. Give the Lord the first consideration in your decisions

2 Corinthians 8:5 “…they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.”

Ø Give yourself to God first

Ø Ask “What will honor God?”

5B. Give the Lord the first devotion of your heart

Revelation 2:4 “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

3A. The Promise Enjoyed

“Added,” prostithemi, to place additionally, i.e. lay beside, give more, increase

Mark 8:35 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.”

Remember God is not trying to rob you; He is trying to enrich you.

APPLICATION

In everyone’s life there is someone or something that is number one!

Jesus does not want a place, or prominence, he demands pre-eminence!

Colossians 1:18 “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”

Why Should Jesus Have Pre-eminence?

Ø Because of His Deity

“In Him all fullness dwells”

Ø Because of His death

He died for you!

Ø Because of His devotion

No one loves you like Jesus!

Matthew 6:33-34

1A. The _____________________________ Expressed

“Seek,” zeteo; to seek; to worship (God), desire, endeavor, enquire

“First,” proton, first (in time, place, order, or importance):‑‑before, at the beginning, chiefly, (at, at the) first (of all).

“His Kingdom,” basileia, royalty, i.e. to rule, or a realm (lit. or fig.): kingdom, reign.

“Righteousness,” dikaiosune, justification.

2A. The _____________________________ Explained

1B. Give the Lord the first thoughts of every ______________ (Psalm 5:3; 119:147)

2B. Give the Lord the first day of every _________

They __________ and studied the Bible (Acts 20:7)

They gave their offerings (1 Corinthians 16:2)

They _______________________ the Lord together (Hebrews 10:25)

3B. Give the Lord the __________________ fruit of all your income (Proverbs 3:9-10)

4B. Give the Lord the ____________ consideration in your decisions (2 Corinthians 8:5)

5B. Give the Lord the _________________ devotion of your heart (Revelation 2:4)

3A. The _______________________ Enjoyed