IMPACT Recap

First Thing's First

May 1, 2023 · 1:13:52

ObedienceIdentityTithing

Recap

Pastor Travis Hearn preached a challenging message titled 'First Things First,' based on Luke 9:57-62. He opened by contrasting modern, comfortable Christianity with the costly, all-in discipleship Jesus demands from His followers. Pastor Travis emphasized that true Christian identity, as seen in Acts 11:26, comes *after* a life of sacrifice and discipleship, not before it. The core of the message was a call to put God first in every area of life, removing any 'but' or excuse that holds us back. He outlined three practical 'receipts' or proofs that God is truly first: in our schedule and time (honoring the Sabbath), in our finances (through the holy practice of tithing the first fruits), and in our relationships (choosing close friends who are equally yoked and push us toward Christ). Throughout, Pastor Travis blended direct biblical teaching with pastoral care, affirming God's purposeful love for every person while calling the church to a deeper, more obedient walk with Jesus. The sermon concluded with an invitation to commit fully to following Christ, no matter the cost.

Main Points

  • True Christian identity is the result of costly discipleship and sacrifice, not a casual label we claim.
  • God must be first in every area of our lives, which is proven by practical 'receipts' in our schedule, finances, and relationships.
  • We are called to seek God's kingdom first, trusting Him to provide everything else we need, rather than seeking blessings and asking God to follow us.

Verses Mentioned

  • Luke 9:57-58 - "As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.' Jesus replied, 'Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.'" (NIV)
  • Luke 9:59-60 - "He said to another man, 'Follow me.' But he replied, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.'" (NIV)
  • Luke 9:61-62 - "Still another said, 'I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.' Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'" (NIV)
  • Acts 11:26 - "and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." (NIV)
  • Psalm 139:13-15 - "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb." (NLT)
  • Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods before me." (NIV)
  • Exodus 20:5 - "You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me," (NIV)
  • Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV)
  • Exodus 20:8 - "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." (NIV)
  • Mark 8:36 - "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (NIV)
  • Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (NIV)
  • Deuteronomy 14:23 - "The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives." (NLT)
  • Leviticus 27:30 - "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." (NIV)
  • Malachi 3:8-10 - "Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How are we robbing you?' In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.'" (NIV)
  • Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." (NIV)
  • 1 Corinthians 15:33 - "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" (NIV)
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14 - "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" (NIV)

Daily Action Plan

Monday

Scripture Reflection: Luke 9:57-58 - 'As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.' Jesus replied, 'Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.''

Focus Point: Counting the cost of discipleship.

Action Plan: Identify one area of comfort you are holding onto that might be keeping you from following Jesus completely. Write it down.

Deep Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to follow you wherever you lead, even if it means leaving my comfort behind.

Tuesday

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 6:33 - 'But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.'

Focus Point: Putting God's kingdom first.

Action Plan: Before you check your phone or start your day's tasks, spend 5 minutes in prayer, consciously seeking God's kingdom first.

Deep Prayer: God, today I choose to seek you first. Help me trust that you will provide everything else I need.

Wednesday

Scripture Reflection: Exodus 20:8 - 'Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.'

Focus Point: Honoring God with our time.

Action Plan: Plan ahead to protect time this coming Sunday for rest and worship. Intentionally schedule around church and family time.

Deep Prayer: Father, teach me the rhythm of rest. Help me to honor you with my schedule and find true refreshment in you.

Thursday

Scripture Reflection: Malachi 3:10 - 'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.'

Focus Point: Trusting God with our finances.

Action Plan: Review your giving. If you are not tithing, prayerfully take a step of faith this week by giving the first 10% of your income to God's work.

Deep Prayer: Lord, I trust you as my provider. I bring my tithe as an act of worship, testing your promise and putting you first.

Friday

Scripture Reflection: 1 Corinthians 15:33 - 'Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.''

Focus Point: Choosing godly influences.

Action Plan: Reflect on your five closest friends. Do they encourage your faith? Pray for wisdom about any relationships that may need healthier boundaries.

Deep Prayer: Holy Spirit, give me discernment in my friendships. Surround me with people who sharpen my faith and draw me closer to you.

Saturday

Scripture Reflection: 2 Corinthians 6:14 - 'Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?'

Focus Point: Being equally yoked in key relationships.

Action Plan: Commit to praying for your closest relationships (spouse, family, friends), asking God to strengthen and align them with His purposes.

Deep Prayer: God, align my key relationships with your will. Help me to be a light and to build connections that honor you.

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