This message challenges us to examine where our treasure truly lies and whether God holds the preeminent place in every area of our lives. Drawing from Matthew 6:21, we're reminded that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. The sermon walks us through the biblical foundation of generosity, starting with Cain and Abel's offerings in Genesis, where we see that God desires our first and best, not our leftovers. Abel brought the firstborn of his flock in faith, while Cain brought what remained after the harvest. This principle echoes throughout Scripture: God gave first, loved first, and came first. Through Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek and the Old Testament practice of tithing, we see a consistent theme that giving isn't about God needing our resources, but about our hearts being aligned with His. The most powerful insight comes from recognizing that we are merely stewards of what belongs to God anyway. As Psalm 24:1 declares, the earth is the Lord's and everything in it. When we grasp that every breath we take, every dollar we earn, and every blessing we receive comes from Him, giving becomes an act of worship and gratitude rather than obligation. The question isn't whether God needs our money, but whether we trust Him enough to put Him first in all things.

**Sermon Notes:**

**Introduction:**

- Pastor Rick introduces himself and mentions the church's journey through the book of Romans.

- He shares an impactful experience from a conference in Jacksonville, Florida, led by Pastor Joby Martin and Church of 1122.

**Main Themes:**

- **Culture of Generosity:** Pastor Rick felt corrected and inspired regarding his approach to giving.

- **Importance of Giving:** Emphasis on giving as a reflection of gratitude and faith rather than obligation.

**Key Scriptures:**

- **Colossians 1:15-18:** Jesus is the image of the invisible God, preeminent in all things, emphasizing His centrality.

- **Psalm 24:1:** Everything belongs to God; all creation and ownership are His.

- **Matthew 6:19-21:** Storing treasures in heaven; where your treasure is, there your heart will be.

- **1 Timothy 6:6-10:** Warning against the love of money and its destructive potential.

**Principles of Giving:**

- God wants the first and best of what we have as a demonstration of our faith, not leftovers (Genesis 4: Cain and Abel).

- The story of Abraham and Melchizedek (Genesis 14) as an example of purposeful giving.

- **Old Testament Tithe:** Explained as giving the first 10% of one's earnings for the support of the temple and community (Malachi 3).

**New Testament Insights:**

- **Matthew 23:23:** Jesus acknowledges the importance of tithing but prioritizes justice, mercy, and faith.

- **New Testament Giving Principles (1 Corinthians 16):** Giving should be periodic, personal, planned, proportionate, and plentiful.

**Pastor Rick's Personal Reflection:**

- Rick shares his own journey in understanding and practicing generosity, emphasizing obedience and faithfulness in giving.

**Conclusion:**

- The ultimate model of giving is Jesus, who gave everything for humanity, prompting us to mirror that generosity in our lives.

**Practical Applications:**

1. **Evaluate Priorities:** Reflect on where your financial resources go, as it indicates where your heart truly lies.

2. **Plan Your Giving:** Set a regular time to tithe or give, ensuring it is a thoughtful and purposeful act, not an afterthought.

3. **Start Small if Necessary:** If a full tithe is daunting, begin with a smaller, consistent amount, and increase as your faith grows.

4. **Teach Generosity:** Share the principle of giving with your family, emphasizing its importance and spiritual basis.

**Discussion Questions:**

1. How does recognizing God’s ownership of everything change your perspective on your resources?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your giving is from a place of gratitude and not obligation?

3. Reflect on the principle "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." What does this reveal about your current heart posture?

4. What steps can you take to make Jesus preeminent in all areas of your life, including your finances?

5. Share a personal experience where you felt called to give. What was the impact of your obedience?

By exploring these concepts, the sermon encourages personal reflection and practical steps toward embodying a culture of generosity in personal and community life.