What Does It Mean to Put God First? | Joby Martin | Podcast Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

What Does It Mean to Put God First?

Joby Martin

The Church of Eleven22 • Nov 2, 2026 • 57 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

Pastor Joby Martin explores what it means to put God first in our finances, challenging believers to move from viewing themselves as donor stakeholders to faithful stewards of the King's possessions. Earthly wealth is temporary and fickle, but true gain is found in godliness combined with contentment. When we surrender our anxiety and bring our first and best to God, giving becomes a joyful act of worship that stores up eternal treasure.

Themes

StewardshipGenerosityContentmentTrust in GodKingdom PrioritiesPreeminence of Christ

Pastor's Points

1.

It's all mine (Stinginess / bad heart posture)

2.

Give to get (Prosperity gospel / quid pro quo error)

3.

Give for ROI (Giving to see lives changed and kingdom impact)

4.

Bring your first because He is first (Responding to God's character and preeminence)

Key Points

1.
Believers are stewards of the King's possessions rather than donor stakeholders who give with conditional expectations.
2.
Earthly riches are fickle, temporary, and vulnerable to loss, whereas true wealth is found in godliness with contentment.
3.
Mistaking material wealth or self-reliance for spiritual illumination traps a person in profound spiritual darkness.
4.
Viewing material blessings through the perspective of grace allows believers to enjoy God's gifts while giving Him worship.
5.
Giving to God is an act of surrender and worship, bringing our first and best because He is preeminent over all of life.
6.
The early church demonstrated true unity and stewardship by recognizing that none of their possessions belonged exclusively to themselves.
7.
Financial anxiety arises when hope is placed in uncertain riches rather than trusting in God's faithful daily provision.

Sermon Moments

“The spiritual distinction between being a humble steward of the King's possessions versus a donor stakeholder demanding control.”

“The illustration of how a simple tube ride down a river with the right perspective brings more joy than an extravagant vacation plagued by discontent.”

“The sobering warning that redefining earthly ambition or wealth as spiritual light leaves a person trapped in deep darkness.”

“The analogy of hoarding Confederate money after the Civil War or collecting Monopoly cash that ultimately just goes back in the box.”

“How enjoying a simple meal becomes an act of worship for a believer because gratitude rolls up to the Giver of all good things.”

“Recognizing that God's light exposes selfishness and cobwebs in our hearts, showing that how we handle money reveals what we truly value.”

This Week

Examine your financial habits to evaluate whether you view yourself as a steward of God's possessions or a donor demanding control.

Practice daily contentment by giving thanks for essential provisions like food and clothing rather than striving for endless wealth.

Invest in eternity by giving generously to gospel advancement, local church ministry, and expanding Christ's kingdom.

Surrender financial anxiety by trusting in your heavenly Father's daily care and faithfulness.

Cultivate a biblically faithful perspective that sees material blessings as gifts from God to be enjoyed and shared.

Bring your first and best financial resources to God as an act of worship and a response to His preeminence.

Look for practical ways to bless neighbors and support gospel missions in your local community and beyond.

Remember This

True security and satisfaction are found not in accumulating temporary riches, but in trusting God as faithful stewards and bringing Him our first and best as an act of worship.

A Challenge for You

Be rich towards God. Don't put your hopes in the uncertainty of riches. Don't store up for yourselves treasures here on earth. Send them on ahead of you. And God is trustworthy.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.