Putting God First

February 1, 2015

1 Kings 17:8-16
We have been learning the first principle of stewardship is putting God first (Mt. 6:33; Prov. 3:9; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:5).

This principle is illustrated in the story of the widow at Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:8-16 (read).

Have you ever considered how God sometimes asks us to do what is humanly illogical? Consider how illogical it was for Elijah to go to Zidon.

The DROUGHT—Food and water was scarce. But, God can supply in the midst of drought.
The DISTANCE—100 miles away and he was traveling by foot!
The DANGER—Zidon—the center of Baal worship. Right in the middle of enemy territory—The domain of Jezebel’s daddy (cf. 16:31). Nevertheless, Elijah obeyed.

Now, consider about how illogical it was for the widow to give to the needs of Elijah.

1. Her DESPAIR—She Her situation was hopeless. She was about to starve.

2. Her DEFICIENCY— Is it logical to give when you little to give?

But the question is NOT “is it logical?” The real question is: “Is God right?” Was God right or wrong to ask the widow to give?

How you answer that question is the key to putting God first.

If we believe God is right we will put God first—even in the tithe.
If we believe God is wrong—what are we doing here?

FOUR PRINCIPLES of putting God first:

I. When we put God first–We POSSESS our possessions (vs. 10- 12).

FIRST REQUEST for water was accepted without question.
As she went for water, Elijah made the SECOND REQUEST for bread. Water must have been more available than flour and oil because the widow did not question the request for water… but she did for the piece of bread.

C. Normally we give out of the abundance we have ,but hesitate to give when we have very little.

D. This is the difference between you possessing your possessions and your possessions possessing you. If God is first, you control your possessions. If you fail to put God first, your possessions control you.

II. When we put God first–We PREPARE for the future (vs. 12b- 13).

Most of man’s prospects of the future are money related. We want to make sure our future is financially secure.

A. For this widow, her future was to eat and die. Elijah assured her if she put God first, she did not need to fear the future. She would live to eat again. By giving to God first she prepared for the future.

B. I’ve been emphasizing our opportunity to set the course for 2015 and future to come. Putting God first in stewardship will prepare us to move forward in the days ahead for the Lord Jesus Christ.

C. Can we trust God with our future? If so, putting God first prepares the future.