FIRST THINGS FIRST
I attended the California Baptist Institute for 5 years. Dr. Roy M. Reed was the president of the school and every year, on the first day of school he gave the same lecture. He would say, "Young men, learn to set your priorities."
The Word of God give us a list of priorities that we should set. It is what we should do FIRST.
I. First determine what you are seeking in life.
Mat 6:33 KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
II. THE FIRST ABOUT YOUR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
(Mat 23:26 KJV) Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
III. THE FIRST ABOUT YOUR RESOURCES.
(Luke 14:28 KJV) For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
IV. THE FIRST ABOUT YOUR AFFECTION.
Mat 22:37,38 KJV) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.
V. A FIRST ABOUT JUDGING OTHERS
(John 8:7 KJV) So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
(Mat 7:5 KJV) Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
VI. A FIRST ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS.
(Mat 5:24 KJV) Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
VII. A FIRST ABOUT YOUR CHURCH ATTENDANCE.
(1 Cor 16:2 KJV) Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
VIII. A FIRST ABOUT YOUR THINKING
(2 Cor 8:12 KJV) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
IX. A FIRST ABOUT YOUR PRAYER LIFE
(1 Tim 2:1 KJV) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
X. A FIRST ABOUT CLEANING UP IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
(1 Pet 4:17 KJV) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
XI. A FIRST ABOUT THE NEXT LIFE.
(Rev 20:6 KJV) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
through Christ which strengtheneth me.
