IMPACT Recap

Kingdom Impact Part 3: The Battle for First Place

November 24, 2025 · 0:53:18

TithingObediencePurpose

Recap

Pastor Travis Hearn welcomed the Impact Church family to the third week of the Kingdom Impact series, focusing on the spiritual discipline of giving. The sermon, titled 'The Battle for First Place,' explored the ongoing competition in every believer's life for what holds the top priority. Pastor Travis explained that our lives are comprised of time, talents, and treasures, and God desires to be first in all three. He emphasized that the throne of our heart is the most contested territory, with money being the greatest rival for that first-place position. The message clarified the biblical definitions of tithing—giving the first 10% of our income back to God—and offerings, which are anything given above that tithe. Pastor Travis taught that tithing is not about God needing money, but about our hearts demonstrating trust, loyalty, and worship, proving that God is truly number one. He challenged the congregation to view their finances as a spiritual litmus test and to 'test God' in this area, trusting in His promise to bless obedience. The sermon concluded with a call to surrender any area of life competing with God for first place and to live with a kingdom-impact mentality.

Main Points

  • The battle for first place in our lives is a battle for our heart, with God desiring to be number one in our time, talents, and treasures.
  • Money is the greatest rival for first place because it represents our trust, priorities, and values, making it a clear indicator of who we truly worship.
  • The tithe is the proof of our trust; it is the practical, biblical act of worship that settles the argument of who is first by giving God the first 10% of our income.

Verses Mentioned

  • Matthew 16:25 - "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." (NIV)
  • Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (NIV)
  • Matthew 6:24 - "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (NIV)
  • Deuteronomy 14:23 - "The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives." (NIV)
  • 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)
  • John 14:15 - "If you love me, keep my commands." (NIV)

Daily Action Plan

Monday

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 6:21 - 'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'

Focus Point: Heart Check

Action Plan: Review your bank or credit card statement from last month. Without judgment, simply observe where your money went and ask God what it reveals about your priorities.

Deep Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see what my spending says about my heart. Help me to be honest with myself and with You.

Tuesday

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 6:24 - 'No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money.'

Focus Point: Choosing a Master

Action Plan: Identify one area where fear, anxiety, or the desire for money subtly influences your decisions. Consciously choose to pray and seek God's guidance in that area today instead.

Deep Prayer: God, I declare You are my only Master. I renounce the control of fear and money over my decisions. I choose to serve You today.

Wednesday

Scripture Reflection: Deuteronomy 14:23 - 'The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.'

Focus Point: The Purpose of the Tithe

Action Plan: Calculate what 10% of your income is. Whether you currently tithe or not, take a moment to prayerfully acknowledge that this portion belongs to God and is holy.

Deep Prayer: Father, thank You for providing for me. Help me understand that tithing is a teacher. I want to learn to put You first in everything.

Thursday

Scripture Reflection: Leviticus 27:30 - 'A tithe of everything... belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.'

Focus Point: Holy Ownership

Action Plan: If you are a tither, prepare your tithe for this week with a fresh sense of worship, acknowledging it as God's holy property. If you are considering it, take a step of faith by setting aside the tithe amount as an act of worship.

Deep Prayer: Jesus, I acknowledge that everything I have is Yours. I set this tithe apart as holy, belonging to You. I worship You with my obedience.

Friday

Scripture Reflection: Malachi 3:10 - 'Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven...'

Focus Point: The Test of Trust

Action Plan: Make a specific decision regarding your tithe. If you haven't been tithing, commit to a 90-day 'test God' challenge. If you have been tithing, look for and write down one way God has provided for you recently.

Deep Prayer: Almighty God, I choose to test Your promise today. I step out in faith and obedience. I trust You to be faithful to Your word.

Saturday

Scripture Reflection: John 14:15 - 'If you love me, keep my commands.'

Focus Point: Obedience from Love

Action Plan: Reflect on your motivation. Is your giving (or decision to give) rooted in love for God or something else? Spend time in gratitude for His love, which motivates our obedience.

Deep Prayer: Lord, I love You. Let my obedience in finances and every area flow from a heart of genuine love and gratitude for who You are and what You've done for me.

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