In the beginning God
William MacDonald emphasizes that the foundational principle of life is to put God first above all else, trusting in His provision and prioritizing His kingdom.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the profound truth found in Genesis 1:1, emphasizing that God must be the foremost priority in every believer's life. Drawing from biblical examples such as Elijah and Jesus’ teachings, MacDonald challenges listeners to trust God fully and seek His kingdom above all else. This message calls Christians to reorder their lives around God’s eternal purposes, promising fulfillment and provision when God is truly first.
Text
“In the beginning God—” (Gen. 1:1)
If we separate the first four words of Genesis 1:1 from the rest of the verse, they form a sort of motto for all of life. They say, “God first.”
We find this motto suggested in the first commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” No one and nothing must take the place of the true and living God.
We find it taught in the story of Elijah and the widow who had only enough flour and oil left to make one final loaf for her son and herself (1 Kings 17:12). Surprisingly Elijah said, “Make me a little loaf first.” Though this might sound like gross selfishness, it wasn’t. Elijah was a representative of God. He was saying, “Just put God first and your supply of the necessities of life will never fail.”
The Lord Jesus taught the same thing centuries later on the Mount when He said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). The central priority of life is the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Again the Savior asserted His prior claim in Luke 14:26, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Christ must have first place.
But how do we put God first? We have our family to care for. We have our secular employment to think of. We have a multitude of duties crying out for our time and resources. We put God first by loving Him with a love beside which all other loves are hatred in comparison. By using all material things as a trust from Him, holding onto only those things which can be used in connection with His kingdom. By giving top priority to matters of eternal consequences, remembering that even good things are sometimes enemies of the best.
Man’s best interests lie in a right relationship with God. The right relationship is when God is given first place. Even when man puts God first, he will have some problems, but he will find fulfilment in life. But when he puts God second, he will have nothing but problems—and a miserable existence.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The motto of life: God first
- Genesis 1:1 as foundation
- The first commandment’s call to exclusivity
-
II
- Elijah and the widow’s story illustrating trust
- God’s provision when He is prioritized
- Faith demonstrated through obedience
-
III
- Jesus’ teaching on seeking God’s kingdom first
- The cost of discipleship and putting God above family
- The necessity of loving God supremely
-
IV
- Practical ways to put God first
- Using material things as trusts from God
- Eternal priorities over temporal concerns
Key Quotes
“God first.” — William MacDonald
“Just put God first and your supply of the necessities of life will never fail.” — William MacDonald
“The central priority of life is the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Commit daily to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness above all other concerns.
- Trust God’s provision by prioritizing Him even in times of scarcity or difficulty.
- Evaluate your possessions and responsibilities as trusts from God to be used for His glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'In the beginning God' mean for believers today?
It reminds believers that God is the ultimate source and priority in life, calling them to place Him first in all things.
How can I put God first in a busy life?
By loving God supremely, prioritizing spiritual matters, and viewing material possessions as trusts from Him to be used for His kingdom.
Why did Elijah ask for the loaf first from the widow?
Elijah represented God’s provision, teaching that putting God first leads to continual supply even in scarcity.
What does Jesus mean by 'hate' in Luke 14:26?
Jesus uses 'hate' to emphasize that our love and loyalty to Him must surpass all other relationships and attachments.
What happens if God is not put first?
Life becomes filled with problems and misery because true fulfillment comes only from a right relationship with God.