21 Jun The Biblical Principle of First #3

Biblical Principle First Overview

In this third installment of ‘The Biblical Principle of First,’ the message explores the transformative power of giving God our ‘first’ in every area of life. Building on the concept of two economies – natural and kingdom – the sermon reveals how offering our first to God activates His redemptive power in the corrupted areas of our lives. Using the analogy of Green Stamp redemption centers, the pastor illustrates how Christ’s sacrifice as God’s ‘first’ redeems all aspects of our existence. The principle extends beyond tithing finances to include our time, attention, and daily priorities. Jesus exemplified this by rising early to pray before ministering, demonstrating that supernatural power flows from putting God first. When we seek first the kingdom of God, His redemptive portion transforms our struggles, renews our strength, and multiplies our effectiveness. The message emphasizes that ‘first’ is God’s love language – just as being chosen first validates our worth, God desires to be first in our hearts, minds, and schedules. This isn’t mere religious duty but a divine exchange where our ‘firsts’ unlock Heaven’s provision for every corrupted element we face.

Biblical Principle First Outline

• 0:00 – Transitioning from Kingdom Economy to Biblical First: Introduction connecting two economies concept to the principle of giving God our first.
• 3:00 – The Redemptive Power of First: Explaining how our first offerings redeem the corrupted portions of life through Christ’s example.
• 8:00 – Green Stamps and the Redemption Center: Powerful analogy illustrating how Christ’s sacrifice works like a divine redemption center.
• 12:00 – Redeeming Time and Daily Priorities: Applying the first principle to our time management and morning devotions.
• 18:00 – First is God’s Love Language: Understanding why God desires to be first and how it affects our spiritual performance.
• 22:00 – Jesus’ Early Morning Prayer Pattern: Examining Christ’s example of seeking the Father first before ministry.
• 28:00 – John on Patmos – Never Too Late: Beginning the story of John’s faithfulness even in imprisonment and advanced age.

Scripture References

Matthew 6:33, Romans 8:32, Ephesians 5:14-16, Psalm 5:3, Mark 1:35-37, Revelation 2:1-5

Key Takeaways

• Everything we have should be given to God first – our time, finances, attention, and priorities.
• When we offer our ‘first’ to God, His redemptive power transforms the corrupted areas of our lives.
• Jesus demonstrated this principle by rising early to pray before ministering to others.
• Giving God our first is His love language – it validates His worth and position in our lives.
• Morning devotions aren’t just religious duty but accessing divine strength for daily challenges.
• The corrupted world competes for our ‘first’ attention, but God must remain our priority.
• Communion reminds us of Christ’s redemptive work and our access to Heaven’s provision.

Biblical Principle First Notes

The Biblical Principle of First represents more than religious obligation – it’s a divine exchange system that unlocks Heaven’s power in our daily lives. This transformative concept builds upon understanding two distinct economies: the natural world system and God’s kingdom economy. Just as Jesus taught to give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and God what belongs to God, believers must navigate both realms while prioritizing the eternal.The redemptive power of ‘first’ finds its ultimate expression in Christ’s sacrifice. When God gave His only begotten Son as the ‘first’ offering, it established a pattern where the clean portion redeems the corrupted portion. This principle echoes throughout Scripture, from Old Testament firstfruit offerings to New Testament teachings about seeking first God’s kingdom. Romans 8:32 reveals the Father’s heart: having not withheld His Son, He freely gives us all things through this redemptive exchange.The Green Stamp analogy powerfully illustrates this spiritual transaction. Just as mothers collected stamps to exchange at redemption centers for needed items, believers bring their ‘firsts’ to God’s redemption center through prayer and communion. When we declare ‘by His stripes I am healed’ during communion, we’re accessing the divine redemption center, exchanging our needs for His provision.Time represents our most precious commodity, and Ephesians 5:16 commands us to redeem it because days are evil. This isn’t about finding more hours but sanctifying our first hours to God. When we begin each day in His presence, supernatural strength replaces natural depletion. Instead of returning home drained from work, we operate from Heaven’s renewable energy source.Jesus exemplified this principle perfectly. Mark 1:35-37 reveals His pattern of rising long before daylight to pray in solitude. When disciples found Him, saying ‘everyone seeks You,’ Jesus had already secured Heaven’s power for the day ahead. His miracles flowed from this first-priority relationship with the Father. Without this foundation, supernatural ministry becomes impossible.Understanding ‘first’ as God’s love language transforms our perspective. Just as being chosen first in childhood games validated our worth and enhanced our performance, giving God our first communicates His supreme value in our lives. Conversely, being chosen last diminished confidence and ability. God desires this place of honor not from ego but because it positions us for His best.The corrupted world system aggressively competes for our ‘first’ attention. Social media demands our morning focus, governments claim first rights to our income, and secular priorities clamor for precedence. Recognizing this spiritual battle helps us guard our ‘firsts’ more intentionally. Satan understands this principle’s power, which is why worldly systems fight so hard for our initial attention and resources.John’s example on Patmos demonstrates that age and circumstances cannot disqualify us from this principle. At 110 years old, imprisoned and breaking rocks, he maintained his first-love relationship with Christ. His faithfulness positioned him to receive the Revelation that would encourage believers throughout history. Even in the most challenging circumstances, we can prioritize God first and experience His redemptive power.

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