Heart For The Kingdom: First Things First (Week 3)

Preacher: Stephen Scott

Worship:
Song Suggestion: Who Else – Gateway Worship

As you worship, pray: “God, I want You to be first in every area of my life.”

Check-in:
Putting God first is a daily decision. Take a moment to share:

• What area of my life have I struggled to put God first in?
• Where have I seen blessing when I’ve trusted Him first?

Synopsis of message:
This week we explored the Principle of the First – a Kingdom principle that reorders our hearts and releases blessing. It’s not about formulas or finances – it’s about putting God first in every area of life.

Key Themes:

1. The First Belongs to God – Everything is His, but He asks for the first portion (Exodus 13:1–2; Psalm 24:1).
2. The First Requires Faith – Giving the first takes trust, not leftovers (Genesis 4:2–5; Proverbs 3:9).
3. The First Redeems the Rest – The clean (Jesus) was given to redeem the unclean (us) (Exodus 13:13; John 1:29).
4. The First Releases the Blessing – When God is first, the rest is blessed (Malachi 3:10; Psalm 112:1–2).

This principle applies to our time, talents, and treasure. It’s not about legalism – it’s about lordship. God doesn’t want our leftovers; He wants our hearts.

Scripture Focus:

• Exodus 13:1–13
• Matthew 6:33
• Proverbs 4:23; 3:9
• Genesis 4:2–5; 14:20
• Malachi 3:10
• Psalm 24:1; 112:1–2; 18:25
• Romans 12:1
• John 1:29
• 2 Corinthians 5:21
• Colossians 1:15

Discussion Questions:

1. The Heart of It All
   • Why do you think God focuses on the heart before He changes our habits?
   • What stood out to you from Proverbs 4:23 or Ezekiel 36:26 about how God wants to transform our hearts?
2. The Principle of the First
   • What does it practically look like to “seek first His Kingdom” in your daily life?
   • Which area of your life is the hardest to put God first in – your time, your finances, or your decisions? Why?
3. Faith and Trust
   • “The first requires faith.” – What does faith look like for you in this season?
   • Can you share a time when trusting God first led to unexpected provision, peace, or growth?
4. Redeemed and Holy
   • How does understanding Jesus as “God’s tithe” (the first given for our redemption) deepen your gratitude for what He’s done?
   • What does it mean for something to be “holy to the Lord” in your own life today?
5. The Greater Blessing
   • “The greater blessing isn’t always what’s in your hand, it’s what’s being formed in your heart.”
     What does that look like in your current walk with God?
   • What might God be forming in your heart through your obedience or generosity right now?

Prayer Moment:

• Pray: “God, I want to put You first in every area of my life.”
• Ask God to reveal areas where you’ve held back.
• Invite the Holy Spirit to reorder your heart and renew your trust.
• Pray for courage to take faith steps in finances, time, and obedience.

Next Step:
This week, I will:

• Identify one area where I need to put God first.
• Take a practical step of obedience (e.g., tithe, time, decision).
• Pray daily: “Lord, You are first. I trust You with the rest.”