Giving God Our First Fruits

Introduction

Welcome, our audience. It’s a little unusual this morning. We have quite a few visitors, and some of our regulars are away. It’s good to see all of you. We’ve had a wonderful day of worship already on this first day of the week. And that’s really what I want to talk to you about this morning as we begin. You can’t read the New Testament without realizing how significant a day like today is. How significant the first day of the week is when you read the New Testament. Each of the gospel narratives, it would be a nice neat package if they were all the first verse of the final chapter of each gospel narrative, but close enough. In Matthew 28 and verse 1, verse 2 of Mark 16, Luke 24 and verse 1, and the next chapter in John 20 and verse 1, all mentioned Jesus’ resurrection on the first day of the week.

Giving was regulated on the first day of the week. For those brethren in Corinth and 1 Corinthians chapter 16 and verse 2, and then we have this reference in Revelation chapter 1 and verse 10, that most people who look at that phrase in Revelation 1 and verse 10 conclude that John is indeed referring to the first day of the week when he mentions the Lord’s day. And so by the time you come to Acts 20 and verse 7, and this just jumped out at me recently, Acts 20 and verse 7, when Paul has tarried for seven days, it says, and on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread. Paul began talking to them. And his message continued until midnight.

We go on to read. But this is something that Luke has not done throughout the Acts narrative. He’s not said at any one point, well, on the second day of the week, Paul did thus and thus, or on the fourth day of the week, or the fifth day, or any other day of the week. But we have this very peculiar reference in Acts 20 and verse 7 to the breaking of bread on the first day of the week. And so I said all of that to say the first day of the week seems to be a big deal in the New Testament. Just like the seventh day of the week was a big deal to the nation of Israel. And when we read Exodus chapter 2, verses 8 through 11, we observe why that seventh day was a special day, because it is based in the creation days of Genesis chapter 1, and on the seventh day God rested, and this was to be a day of rest from labor, so that they could worship and focus on their God completely.

As Jesus had promised, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will have my people in Matthew chapter 16 and verse 18. And then all of this comes to fruition after the resurrection and the preaching of the gospel on the day of Pentecost, which was always a first day of the week. I want to suggest to you by way of introduction this morning that this is not a coincidence. That this is not an accident. That the propagation of the gospel and the first converts to Christ, that all of that happens in Acts chapter 2 on the day of Pentecost, a first day of the week. Most of you know this information that the word Penthi means 50, and it occurred 50 days after Passover.

It was always the first day of the week. And I’m not going to presume to exhaust all of God’s wisdom for the day of Pentecost and Acts chapter 2 being what it is, but there is this. We see the audience in Acts chapter 2. There were Jews gathered. We know that they were Jews because of the day of Pentecost. They were to be present before the Lord at the place which he chooses, as we’ve been reading in Deuteronomy three times annually. And this was one of those days. And so those who were respecting the covenant that God had made with Israel, they have come from faraway places, now speaking different languages, which is one of the reasons why the apostles speak in tongues on that occasion.

But we have a very large audience, and this is going to assist in the propagation of the gospel message. But what was this day? As we’ve been studying in Deuteronomy. In chapter 16 in particular, this was the feast of weeks, or the feast of harvest. As harvest began, there is an offering to be made to the Lord on the day of first fruits, it is called Numbers 28 and verse 26. They were to bring a tribute or a free will offering. But I want you to concentrate on these phrases that we read about in connection with Pentecost in the law. The day of first fruits, a tribute or free will offering, and then I love this in Deuteronomy 16 and verse 16. And these males who come before the Lord three times annually, it says, and they shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed.

There’s a principle there that I want to emphasize. And so what’s going on the day of Pentecost? Why is this particular day chosen to begin the new covenant? Because it is a harvest. It is the day of first fruits. We often look at verse 41, do we not? And those that gladly received his word were baptized, and there were added that day 3,000 souls, the first fruits of the new covenant. Repent and be baptized, they were instructed in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call. And then this morning in Deuteronomy, in our auditorium class, we notice the summation of the law and the commandments that have been given, and to see the big picture of all of that God deserves our first fruits because Israel, he gave you the land.

And he wanted a redemptive remembrance. Remember where you were. Remember what God has given you. Bring him your first fruits. This goes all the way back to the very beginning, does it not? The story of Cain and Abel. Cain’s offering was rejected.

I’ve often said, I don’t know what the instruction was. The fact that it was the type of offering that it was from the fruit of the ground might have been fine. But it is said in contrast to Abel’s offering. The first and fat lengths of his flock.

And that’s why his offering by faith was accepted. And while we talk about the first fruits of Deuteronomy chapter 26 or what the day of Pentecost, the feast of harvest might have meant to the Jews. Spiritually. God is still in the business of wanting our first fruits. And I think going through all of those passages that talk about the significance of the first day of the week and Jesus being raised on the first day and the gospel beginning its propagation on the first day of the week, the day of Pentecost, should change our perspective or keep our perspective what it ought to be about this day. The first day of the week is significant. It is significant to all those who have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ.

1. Giving to God the First and the Best

So if I don’t accomplish anything else, I want you to see this day in a different way. This is you and me offering our first fruits to God. This is the beginning of our week. We give God the first fruits. That’s why I’m here. There are other things going to follow in this week that relate to our jobs and the activities that we have planned, but every first day of the week belongs to Him. He gets the first fruits. He gets the first offering of my week. And he gets my very best. As I give it.

Perhaps it is fear of reprisal. You know, if I don’t show up long enough, somebody might eventually give me a phone call. The local church might even discipline me. Who wants to have that kind of stigma placed upon their image? And so some folks do just enough to keep the elders from calling, to keep from getting disciplined or to please some family member because they’re going to be on my back if I’m not. I want to tell you, that person has missed the whole point.

It is not about some duty or obligation. Is that what we were reading in Deuteronomy? I want you to do all of this because it’s your duty, because it’s your obligation. No. You should be motivated to do this. God has given you the land. That’s what’s going on in Deuteronomy chapter 26. God has given you the land, and he deserves the fruits of it as a result. Give in your first, give in your best. And that’s what the first day of the week is to us.

Giving to God the first and the best.

2. Pentecost Was a Celebration of God's Blessing

And why should we do that? The point of Pentecost was a celebration of God’s blessing.

And what was going on that great first day was the greatest blessing God had ever given. The gift of the Holy Spirit. What had long been promised that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. It is the promise to you. It is to your children, those who follow after you, and to those who are far off, Gentiles will be included, and we’ll be reading about that in just a second.

What a blessing. We are so incredibly blessed in a multitude of ways. Now, I know I need to pause and say.

The old hot hobble Jesse over there. He didn’t want to have pens and steel placed in his ankle. And others of our number who’ve had physical concerns. I mean, that’s not ideal for us. There’s a lot of things about our lives that aren’t ideal. But we need to watch our perspective. We know the king. We know saving truth. How valuable is that. You realize how many people, even religious people, even people as Tom was talking about who claim to have some association with Christ, you realize they don’t know. How many of them don’t know. The truth it sets free. And we’re in the know about where everything’s going. You know, I don’t know what’s going to happen with this nation. We were talking in the end of the prayer that was prayed by Whalen about the election taking place.

If it takes place, you know, Whalen pointed that out, but we don’t know that November’s ever going to get here. I don’t know what’s going to happen to the United States of America. I don’t even know what’s going to happen in the football playoffs. And they may not even happen. We don’t have any guarantees of that. I mean, I’m going to beat Ted today in a fantasy football championship, I think. And Kevin, too, by the way. Kevin Winfield. But we don’t have any guarantees of any of that. Who knows what a day may bring forth? Proverbs chapter 20 and verse 1. But I do know that ultimately everything is going to end at the throne of God. That’s where it’s going. I know why I’m put here.

And I anticipate a great day of glory in the presence of God when all of his saints are brought home. I know that’s going to happen. And I have this association with his people. And that’s what this day is in part about. It’s not just about bringing God our first fruits, it’s about sharing in God’s blessing with others who have received this marvelous blessing. And that’s what was going on in Deuteronomy chapter 26. This thing that God has given us. We’re sharing in it together. This is a celebration. This is a rejoicing of his people. And if we get too far from that, if we find ourselves putting in our time, drudgery, obligation, duty, can’t wait till it’s over. It’s almost 11 30, we should stop.

If we find ourselves there, we need to reassess what this is.

3. God Deserves a Joyful Free Will Offering

I would mention our physical prosperity, but I’m not sure if that’s a blessing or a curse. But I will mention that when we offer prayer that we might somehow lead a quiet and tranquil life, we have that pretty much. According to 1 Timothy chapter 2, verses 1 and 2. Here’s the point of the lesson. God deserves a joyful free will offer. We’ve read that in Deuteronomy, but that’s true of our offering as well. God deserves that. He’s given us the gift of the Holy Spirit. He’s given us the long promised gift of salvation to Jew and Gentile to those who would be redeemed by the blood of Christ. That’s what we possess. God ought to provoke a joyful offering and a free will offering.

4. Don't Judge Where You're Planted

I didn’t do this myself. I didn’t plant myself. You know, that’s what’s going on in Romans chapter 9. He’s saying, you know, the word of God has not failed in relation to God’s promises to the Jews. He says, we are not all Israel who have descended from Israel. In fact, it’s not just about the Jews. It’s about God bringing Jew and Gentile together to receive these blessings. And God has every right to do that because He is the sovereign God. He is just, He is fair, He is our creator. So any Jew that would complain about God’s plan of justification by faith that not only includes the Jews, but grass in the Gentiles, you’re missing it. You’re missing it in regard to who He is and who you are.

Will the thing molded? Say to the molder.

That’s what we do. That’s what people in our time do. I really don’t like the way this is working out. Why’d you do it like this? Who are we to complain back to God about the way it is? I didn’t plant myself, and you didn’t plant yourself. It is by his doing that we are in Christ. And so then this. Don’t judge where you’re planted.

Well, you know, my life really hadn’t worked out like I dreamed it would. I mean, who really gets to say that anyway? How many people? Everything I ever imagined, everything I ever dreamed. Everything I ever envisioned marriage to be. I got it. Who gets to say that? Very few people. And probably very few people. My circumstances. Things that have happened to me. I really didn’t think it was going to go like this. I don’t relish this. But isn’t the great thing about the gospel? Regardless of your circumstances, it’s not such that you’re prevented from serving God and giving him your first fruits. Regardless of your circumstances. I don’t want to be unmarried, but you’re. You’re single for whatever reason. Paul says in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, there’s an advantage to that.

Undistracted devotion to the Lord. And considering the present distress, it’s actually better. To be free from the concern of being married and concerned about pleasing the husband. The wife is concerned about pleasing the husband. The husband is concerned about pleasing the wife. And he has that obligation. But the single person is freed from that and can serve the Lord in an undistracted way. Considering the present distress, he said, I think that’s the ideal.

My marriage didn’t work out. My spouse was unfaithful to me. And here I am in this less than desirable predicament. And perhaps it’s a variety of other circumstances that have happened. Financial, economic, twists and turns of life that did not go our way. Here you are. And all I got to say about that is well, that’s where you’re planted. You can serve the Lord. You can render your first fruits to him. Two difficult things. And we’ll move on. Two difficult things in all of this is the unseen. Embracing the unseen. Knowing that God is working in our lives, even though we do not see him, that we have a reward that will be worth it all that we have not seen it. The other thing is patience.

Patience in our circumstances, whatever they are, unseen and patience.

5. Work Toward Maximum Fruit Production

The story of first fruits in Deuteronomy 26, and the story of the day of Pentecost, and the story of the entire New Testament would suggest, as the word of God is producing its fruit in our lives, some thirty fold, some sixtyfold, some a hundredfold, Jesus says, as we possess the good and honest heart, that we should desire, that we should work toward maximum fruit production. What does that look like? In 2 Peter chapter 1 and verse 8, Peter says it very clearly. Applying all diligence, add to your faith. Why? Because you have become a partaker of exceeding and magnificent and precious promises. And he says, therefore, add to your faith moral excellence and knowledge and self-control and godliness and brotherly kindness and love. And he says, if these qualities are yours and are increasing, you’re neither fruitless or useless in the true knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

How are we doing? I realize it’s Deuteronomy. I got Deuteronomy on the mind. December, not Deuteronomy. It’s December 27th, and we’ve not gotten to the new year yet. And I know we’re still trying to recover from what has just happened. But before we meet again on a first day of the week, Lord willing, there’ll be a new year. We tend to think about resolutions. We need to be looking toward where we’re going as God’s people. Are we going to focus on increasing in these qualities? What is maximum fruit production look like? I suggest to you, Psalm 1. Be like a tree planted by rivers of water that yield its fruit in its season, and whatever it does, it prospers. This is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord and his law.

He meditates day and night. The elders on cue gave us some work to do in getting to know the Bible better. How well do you know the Bible story? Do you know what’s going on in each book of the Bible? We have some new converts in our myths who don’t know the Bible very well. I told one of them start with learning the books of the Bible. The sixty-six books. You’ve got to start putting the framework together so that you can put the pieces in place. Figure out where the prophets go in the history timeline. Can you grow in your understanding of the Word of God? Get to a deeper place than you are now. Maximize fruit production. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, Paul says.

Conclusion

He says, We’re just vessels here to serve. We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord and ourselves as bond servants for His sake. May 2016, if it arrives, be a year that we dedicate not only to give first fruits to God and to worship Him diligently with His people every first day of the week, but to render first fruits in our lives to Him. Where is God in our list of priorities? And how is that reflected in what I do and how I live? Because I’ll tell you where it’s all going. I mentioned that under the perspective part of this lesson. And that is that there’s a first fruits of another kind that we’re anticipating. And that is the first fruits of the resurrection.

That’s what Jesus’ resurrection is to us. It’s the first fruits of many that are going to follow, who are going to be raised with him on the last day in glory. When the last trumpet shall sound. Be thankful for the first fruits of his resurrection. And that we have a hope of being raised immortally with him. When that day comes, whenever it may be, will you be immortally arrayed with the living Savior Jesus Christ? Are you preparing your life? Are you aiming your life at that last great day? And that’s what we bid you do. If there’s anyone in this audience who’s not ready for that last great day, Jesus died at Calvary to give you hope, to give you an opportunity to remedy the lost condition in which you find yourself if you’re in sin.

If God reckons sin to your account, you need that remedy by the blood of Christ. There’s just no other way.

Anticipating ultimate glory in his presence. Can we assist anyone in our audience this morning? Let’s stand and sing together.