The Principle of First

1. If a clean animal has a 1st born, then it must be sacrificed.  

If an unclean animal has a 1st born, then it must be redeemed.  

(Exodus 13:1-2, Exodus 13:12-13)

If you don't give it back to God, you will lose it anyway. Jesus was born clean.  We are unclean. Jesus had to be sacrificed, so we could be redeemed. 

  

2. The first fruits must be offered. (Exodus 23:19, Proverbs 3:9-10, Genesis 4:3-5)

Cain gave what he wanted when he wanted.  God couldn't accept Cain's offering because it was outside God's character. 

God can't change because He is already the best.  God can't think the way we think because He knows everything at the same time.  God can't be 2nd.  He is pre-eminent. 

3. The tithe must be first. (Leviticus 27:30, Exodus 13:14-15)

Is God first in your heart?  Where your treasure is there will be your heart. 

Robert Morris, speaking at Church of the Highlands