God must come before everything else is one expects to go to heaven. This study is put forth to help all see the need to put God in the proper place in life. God loves man and has given man the opportunity for eternal life, and for a life now that can be blessed.
When God’s children fail to give to Him as they ought how does a “Jealous God” feel? Monetary blessings come from God, yet some seem to forget this. Under the Law of Christ, one is to give as they have purposed and prospered, and with a willing heart. Christians should never give God their leftovers. Thought should go into giving back to God for He is a “Jealous God”.
Another aspect of giving has to do with time. How much time each week is devoted to the Lord’s work?
How much is given beyond the regular scheduled worship and study times? A reading of Matthew 25 shoes that a Christian must be busy as God’s child. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me (Matt. 25:34 – 36).
God has told man time and time again that the study of the Bible is important. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Peter in his second letter said, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). The growth that a Christian must have will only come through study. One cannot expect to understand God and His desires for man if the Bible is not used properly.
Men work and work to accumulate fortunes. God has blessed man to be able to do this. Man seems to forget that the ability to work, to have money, the ability to have a family and take care of them are all blessings. God expects man to work (2 Thess.
3:10). In the “Sermon on the Mount” Jesus told man not to have so much concern about food and rament (if one is following God). He used the beautiful lilies of the field which neither toil nor spin, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like those flowers. He talked about how God takes care of the birds of the air which neither sow nor reap. Then Jesus asked a great question. “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30).
Knowing that God is a “Jealous God” may all seek to obey and serve Him with all their being. As in Old Testament times, God is not pleased with man allowing things to come between Him and His creation. God must come first.