Sermon Notes from Morning Worship
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Series: “I Am Second”
Today: “First Has Its Benefits”
Scripture: Matthew 6:2, 5 & 16 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
Hebrews 11:25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.
Intro: The reason it is such a big deal in God’s mind for us to proclaim “I am second” is because being first feels so good !
* Our flesh or human nature enjoys being first . 
I. FIRST IS PLEASURABLE .
A. Our scripture in Hebrews reminds us of Moses’ decision.
* Our scripture tells us that sin is pleasurable…for a season .
Hebrews 11:25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. 
II. FIRST IS REWARDED QUICKLY.
A. Jesus reminded us in Matthew 6 that there are rewards for those who live out a lifestyle of first .
* Jesus said, three times: “they have received their reward in full .”
B. God’s reward is delayed ; man’s reward is immediate and caters to the immediate .
Conclusion: Why we do what we do is seldom singular–we all are a mixed bag of motives .
Proverbs 16:2 All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.
* God looks at our hearts and weighs our motives—which one is weightiest ?