SERMON NOTES:
The consecrated life is the life of a Jesus follower. It is a unique “set apart” life with Jesus leading and me following. How do I follow Jesus with my money?
Part 1 - Jesus On Money!
Part 2 – First Things First!
Part 3 – The First Best Step!
The first practical step in consecrating our money to God is “financial giving”.
The foundational training ground for financial giving is “bringing the first-tenth” to God!
Upon this foundation a Jesus styled life of sacrificial generosity is built.
“Bringing the first-tenth” (tithing) – What? Why? How?
Leviticus 27 30 “‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.
Deuteronomy 14 22 Be sure to set aside a tenth …so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.
Malachi 3 “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty.
“Bringing the First-Tenth”:
· Is a matter of Trust!
· Releases us from the snare of the self-idolatry by bringing to God what is His already,
· Is an obedient act of honoring God instead of a defiant act of robbing Him,
· Opens up the abundant possibilities of God-styled provision,
· Consecrates all of God’s provision for us under His blessing and protection!
Should we still do it? It’s never been easier! It’s never been harder!
Study Guide
Solitude, Scripture & Prayer
Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.
Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”
Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)
Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying? Why this word this day?
What are You asking me to believe about You and about me?
How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”
Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.
Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God
The readings this week help us unpack the truth about “bringing the first-tenth”. Notice how these verses help us understand the value and purpose for giving as well as the seeing tithing as the training ground for a life of Jesus styled financial generosity. Remember to look for the promises God connects with giving!
Monday – Malachi 3:6-12
Tuesday – Numbers 18:20-32
Wednesday – 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Thursday – 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Friday – Deuteronomy 14:22-27
Saturday – Psalm 113
Got questions? Continue the discussion. Follow the link @ https://goo.gl/Jd93J7