FIRST FRUIT

Lev. 23:10-11, Gal. 6:16, Ex. 34:26.

1. INTRODUCTION

The place of divine revelation knowledge under the auspices of the Holy Spirit in this end time dispensation can never be over emphasised.  Quite a number of issue or Bible based doctrines which were hitherto unknown to us are coming into limelight – Dan. 12:4.  Such doctrines as the use of anointing oil, the possibility of prosperity for the righteous divine healing etc.

It is a matter of fact that about three or four decades ago, the offering of TITHE was completely alien to the Anglican Communion, at least in this part of the world.  It was indeed treated like a sacrilege or an abomination.  Today however testimonies abound as touching the unprecedented blessings which tithing alongside other forms of Christian giving have brought into the adherents of  such Bible based doctrine and practice.

2. FIRST FRUIT

First fruit is unarguably another aspect of Christian giving which is coming into limelight by revelation knowledge with attendant testimonies –Eph. 1:15-19. While thanking God therefore for past efforts in same regard in recent time, it would amount to a pastoral disservice; if

(1)     We are not reminded about first fruit – 2 Peter 3:1

(2)     We are not sensitized about first fruit

(3)     We are not encouraged about first fruit

These are the aims of this teaching.

3. THE BIBLE ON FIRST FRUIT

• 23:10-11

Exod. 34:26, Deut. 18:4, Deut. 26:2-3.

Exod. 22:29-30, Gen. 4:3, Numb. 18:12.

CHRISTIANS AND THE ISRAEL CONNECTION

• God’s promise was to Abraham and his seed – Gen. 12:7,

Gen. 13:15-16.

• The seed in the singular sense is Jesus Christ – Gal. 3:16.
• Christians are therefore Abraham’ seed by our faith in Christ’s Jesus – Gal. 3:29.
• We are therefore expected to see ourselves as Israel of God, follow the path of Abraham, key into Go’s promises for Him and claim them. Gal. 6:16.

(C)           FACTS ABOUT FIRST FRUIT

(1)           We are the Israel of God – Lev. 23:10-11.  We are the spiritual Israel – Gal. 6:16.

(2)           `Entering into a new year or a new experience is spiritually synonymous with entering into the land given to us by God i.e. 2017.

(3)           All references to the first fruit are in connection to farm products or the act of one’s labour.

(4)           Since most of us all of us are not farmers today, put in perspective we have the labours of our hands which we constantly seek the blessing of God on.

(5)            The idea of giving one’s first salary to one’s father, mother or parent after getting a new job or the first job    cuts across traditions and is parallel to this Bible doctrine.

(6)       Bible is written for our LEARNING – Romans 15:4, and in our learning we must come to the knowledge of the truth – 2 Tim. 3:7.

(7        The Bible is for doctrinal instructions among others – 2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Tim. 4:2-3.

(8)       The Bible can only profit those who receive the doctrines therein in faith and make up their minds to act according to them – Heb. 4:2, Rev. 1:3.

(9)       Giving our first fruit to God means we are giving God our most CHERISHED POSSESSION.  It is a mark of total surrender to Him as the JEHOVAH JIREH,  just like Abraham did DIVINE EXCHANGE – Gen. 22:16-19.

(10)     Giving of first fruit signifies a deep sense of dependence on God and a case of giving God the first place of priority.  It is a way to a secured future harvest.

FIRST FRUIT

1. Your first salary on a new job.
2. The first profit from a new line of business
3. For those already working, it is the first salary in the year.
4. When promoted to another level, the difference between your former salary and the new one.
5. To the aged with no pension, it is your first allowance from your children,
6. For Landlords and Landladies, the rent for the first month in the year is your first fruit.
7. For students, the poor, the jobless, it is your first gift in the year.

THE JANUARY QUESTION

How do I pay school fees, house rent etc.  This is an indication that you are yet to break through financially into the realm that God purposes for you i.e. FROM JUST ENOUGH TO MORE THAN ENOUGH – Jer. 29:11, Ps. 35:27.

Waiting for the next salary before one can survive is an indication that all is not well financially.  Giving is a way to breaking the backbone of Poverty in this regard.

THE BENEFITS OF FIRST FRUIT:

(1) Uncommon favour (2)  Uncommon promotion (3) Uncommon blessings  (4)  Becoming a blessing and a channel of blessing (5) Good health (6)  Men and Women giving to your bossom (7) Source of blessings to your children. (8) Dominion prosperity (9) Devourers are silenced (10) Operating under an open heaven (11) An enviable and attractive life (12) No bankruptcy – Becoming a LENDER (13) From breakdowns to breakthrough (14) Breaking the backbone of POVERTY (15) Becoming God’s treasurer in the realm of man.

CONCLUSION

First fruit is an advanced level in Christian giving.  God loves a cheerful giver not a FEARFUL giver.  Be encouraged therefore to TEST the Lord with your first fruit, this is scriptural and Godly – Mal. 3.10.  You are also permitted to TASTE the Lord in matters like this – Ps. 34:8.  This is not a scheme to enrich the church but a teaching to enlarge your coast financially and in all human endeavours to God’s glory. It is an uncommon offering which attracts uncommon blessings.  Like many other offerings as well, with faith it can terminate sufferings.