1 GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST! “For the Lord is Great, and Greatly to be Praised” (Psalm 96:4) [By Ron Halbook]

2 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 As Sustainer & Ruler Vv As Perfect Judge 2. Our Great God Worthy of Our Best in Worship & Life

3 GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST! I. God Gave the Best for Our Salvation: A. His Son as Our Savior 1 Jn. 4:9-10 Greatest Gift of God’s Love 1 Pet. 1:18-19 Spotless Lamb of God B. Forgiveness, Spiritual Life Eph. 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 Soul Rev. 21:1-5; 22:1-5 With God Forever

4 GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST! II. God Made Us in His Image—High Expectations! A. Man Alone Made in God’s Image Gen. 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 Man 1 Jn. 1:3 Gospel of Christ

5 GIVE GOD THE BEST, FIRST! III. God Taught the Jews to Give the Best, First! A. Give the Firstborn Ex. 13:1-2, As God Spared Firstborn, Give God Firstborn B. Give the Firstfruit Ex. 22:29-30 Must Not Delay or Hold Back Ex. 23:14-19 “The First of the Firstfruits” Ex. 34:20 Must Not Come Emptyhanded Lev. 23:9-14 Bring Offering First, Then Eat C. Only Best Animals as Sacrifices Lev. 22:17-25 Animals Must Be “Perfect” Mal. 1:12-14 God Insulted by Profane Worship

6 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).

7 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 Worship Jn. 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

8 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 Way Heb. 12:14-17 Worldly Attitude & Conduct Poison Phil. 2:14-15 Holy & Harmless, Shine as Lights!

9 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