LIVE BY PRIORITIES – EXODUS 20:1-3
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- Putting God First
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me..” Ex.20:2-3
The Ten Commandments were given when God’s people were in relationship with him.
“He answered: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ ” (Luke 10:27)
Is God first in your life?
2) Keeping God first – live by his priorities
(i) Put God first in my Finances.
“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good–except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honour your father and mother.’ ” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.” (Mark 10:17-22)
“where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21)
What percentage of the money God has given you are you spending on the things God treasures (advancing the gospel and blessing the needy.)
(ii) Put God first in my Interests.
“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1Cor.10:31)
(iii) Put God first in my Relationships.
Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of …all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Dan.3:13-18)
Some of us don’t get to experience God’s glory because we won’t glorify God.
(iv) Put God first in my Schedule.
“Evening, morning and noon I cry out …and he hears my voice.” (Ps.55:17)
Read the Bible in a year here: www.biblica.com/en-us/bible/reading-plans/
(v) Put God first in my Troubles.
PUT GOD….
FINANCES
INTERESTS
RELATIONSHIPS
SCHEDULE
TROUBLES
- What place does Jesus have in your life?
- Have you been giving Jesus less than first place in your life?
- Have you been running away from Jesus?
Lord, Jesus Christ, I bow before you. You are the all-powerful, all-knowing God of the Universe. Forgive me for being pre-occupied with other lesser gods and often putting them ahead of you. I choose today to put you first Jesus: in my finances, in my interests, in my relationships, in my schedule, and in my troubles. Fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit to anchor myself in you and follow you faithfully. Amen
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I want to know more:
- What is Christianity? 321 The Story of God, the World and You: https://youtu.be/tKyZjvK-d2M
- Christianity Explored starts January 13th, www.stjamesnewbarnet.com/courses
- More on the 1st Commandment: Israel’s Worship
- https://bible.org/seriespage/14-israel-s-worship-exodus-201-7
- Books:
- Idols of the Heart – Elyse Fitzpatrick
- Counterfeit Gods – Tim Keller