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GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST!

“For the Lord is Great, and Greatly to be Praised”

(Psalm 96:4)

[By Ron Halbook]

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GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST!

Introduction

1. Psalm 96 Call to Worship: God Worthy of Our Highest Praise!

Vv. 1-6 As Only True God & Creator

Vv. 7-10 As Sustainer & Ruler

Vv. 10-13 As Perfect Judge

2. Our Great God Worthy of Our Best in Worship & Life

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GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST!I. God Gave the Best for Our Salvation:

A. His Son as Our Savior1 Jn. 4:9-10 Greatest Gift of God’s Love

1 Pet. 1:18-19 Spotless Lamb of God

B. Forgiveness, Spiritual LifeEph. 2:8-10; 3:20-21 Save, Mold, Guide Us

Phil. 4:6-7 Prayer & Protection

1 Tim. 4:8 Spiritual Life Now & Forever

C. Heaven: Final Home of the SoulRev. 21:1-5; 22:1-5 With God Forever

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GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST!

II. God Made Us in His Image—High Expectations!

A. Man Alone Made in God’s ImageGen. 1:27-28 Expects Man to Learn, Use, Rule

Gen. 2:24 Blesses with Companion

Gen. 3:8 Sin Broke Fellowship with God

B. God’s Plan to Restore Fellowship with Man1 Jn. 1:3 Gospel of Christ

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GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST!III. God Taught the Jews to Give the Best, First! A. Give the Firstborn

Ex. 13:1-2, 11-16 As God Spared Firstborn, Give God Firstborn

B. Give the Firstfruit Ex. 22:29-30 Must Not Delay or Hold BackEx. 23:14-19 “The First of the Firstfruits”Ex. 34:20 Must Not Come EmptyhandedLev. 23:9-14 Bring Offering First, Then Eat

C. Only Best Animals as SacrificesLev. 22:17-25 Animals Must Be “Perfect”Mal. 1:12-14 God Insulted by Profane Worship

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GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST!IV. Christ Teaches Us to Give the Best, First! A. Seek Salvation and Fellowship with God First:

Matt. 6:24-34 Before Food & Clothing

Lk. 9:57-62 Before Creature Comforts, Family Ties

Lk. 18:28-30 Rewarded Now & For Eternity

Terrible Mistake to Delay or Hold Back for Earthly Ties, Traditions, Concerns, Comforts, Convenience

“For the Lord is Great, and Greatly to Be Praised” (Ps. 96:4).

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GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST!IV. Christ Teaches Us to Give the Best, First! B. Do All We Can to Bring the Lost to Christ

Rom. 1:14-17 Debtor to All—With Whole Heart—Not Ashamed

Must Not Be Lazy, Indifferent, Pass the Buck

C. Giving the Best, First, in WorshipJn. 4:24; 1 Cor. 11:28; 2 Cor. 9:7; Col. 3:16 Give God Highest Praise with Whole Heart

1 Cor. 14:15, 40 Help All to Learn & Benefit

God & Others See Attitude: Building, Attend, On Time, Dress, Awake, Participate

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GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST!

IV. Christ Teaches Us to Give the Best, First! D. Use God-given Talents in Daily Duties

Gen. 1:27 Origin of Talents in God

Col. 3:22-25 Diligent, Trustworthy, Best Worker

Tit. 2:4-5 Diligent, Trustworthy, Best Homemaker

Learn, Improve—Idleness Insults God

E. Be Holy & Wholesome Example in Every WayHeb. 12:14-17 Worldly Attitude & Conduct Poison

Phil. 2:14-15 Holy & Harmless, Shine as Lights!

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GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST!

Invitation:

1. “For the Lord is Great, and Greatly to Be Praised” (Ps. 96:4).

2. Our Great God Gave the Best for Us: His Own Son as the Sacrifice for Sin.

3. To Receive Salvation, We Must Come to Christ—Give God the Best, First!

Ja. 5:16 How Erring Christian Begins

Mk. 16:16 How Alien Sinner Begins