First fruit is the giving of a person’s first substance to God, according to Romans 11:16. Payment of first fruit is not compulsory but voluntary. Those who want special blessings in their work, business and career are encouraged to pay. It is biblical and failure to pay may lead to low increase.
Firstfruits was a Jewish feast held in the early spring at the beginning of the grain harvest. It was observed on Nissan 16, which was the third day after Passover and the second day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Firstfruits was a time of thanksgiving for God’s provision.
Leviticus 23:9-14 institutes the firstfruits offering. The people were to bring a sheaf of grain to the priest, who would wave it before the Lord. A burnt offering, a meal offering, and a drink offering were also required at that time. Deuteronomy 26:1-10 gives even more detail on the procedure of firstfruits.
No grain was to be harvested at all until the firstfruits offering was brought to the Lord (Leviticus 23:14). The offering was made in remembrance of Israel’s sojourn in Egypt, the Lord’s deliverance from slavery, and their possession of “a land that floweth with milk and honey.” The day of the firstfruits offering was also used to calculate the proper time of the Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15-16).
In the New Testament, the firstfruits offering is mentioned seven times, always symbolically. Paul calls Epaenetus and the household of Stephanas “the firstfruits of Achaia” (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:15). His meaning is that, just as the firstfruits offering was the first portion of a larger harvest, these individuals were the first of many converts in that region. James calls believers “a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:18). Just like the sheaf of grain was set apart for the Lord, so are believers set apart for God’s glory.
The firstfruits offering found its fulfillment in Jesus. “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Jesus’ resurrection has paved the way for our resurrection. Significantly, if Jesus was killed at Passover, then His resurrection on the third day would have fallen on Nissan 16—the Feast of Firstfruits.
The firstfruits offering is never directly applied to Christian giving in the New Testament. However, Paul taught the Corinthian believers to set aside a collection “on the first day of the week” (1 Corinthians 16:2). And, just as the offering of firstfruits was an occasion of thanksgiving, so the Christian is to give with gladness.
In summary, firstfruits symbolizes God’s harvest of souls, it illustrates giving to God from a grateful heart, and it sets a pattern of giving back to Him the first (and the best) of what He has given us. Not being under the Old Testament Law, the Christian is under no further obligation than to give cheerfully and liberally (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
How Do I Pay First Fruit as a Salary Earner?
Introduction
If you are a salary earner and desire to give your first fruit offering, there are practical ways to do so while prioritizing your financial responsibilities. Here are some suggestions on how you can pay your first fruits as a salary earner, keeping in mind your financial commitments and honoring God.
1. Allocate a Percentage of Your Income
One approach is to allocate a specific percentage of your monthly income as your first fruit offering. This percentage can be determined based on your level of faith and what you feel prompted to give. For example, you may choose to give 10% of your salary as a first fruit offering. By setting aside this percentage before you allocate funds for other expenses, you prioritize honoring God with your first fruits.
2. Create a Separate Account
Consider creating a separate account solely dedicated to your first fruit offering. This account can serve as a consistent reminder of your commitment to giving and honoring God with your finances. You can transfer the allocated percentage of your income into this account each month, and when the time comes to present your first fruits, you can do so from this specific account.
3. Automate Your Giving
To ensure consistency and eliminate the risk of forgetting or delaying your first fruit offering, consider setting up automatic transfers or direct debits from your main account to your designated first fruit account. This way, the allocated amount will be automatically transferred each month, reflecting your commitment to giving your first fruits.
4. Seek Wisdom and Counsel
If you are unsure about how much to give or the practical aspects of paying your first fruit offering as a salary earner, it is beneficial to seek wisdom and counsel from your spiritual leaders or trusted individuals who have experience in financial matters. They can provide guidance and clarity based on their own understanding of the biblical principles surrounding first fruits.
5. Trust in God’s Provision
As a salary earner, it is natural to be concerned about meeting your financial commitments. However, it is essential to trust in God’s provision and believe that He will take care of your needs as you honor Him with your first fruits. Matthew 6:33 encourages us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Remember that giving your first fruits is an act of faith and obedience. It is an opportunity to demonstrate your trust in God’s ability to provide for you, even when it may seem challenging or inconvenient.
Who Do I Give My First Fruit Offering To?
Introduction
When it comes to giving the first fruit offering, the Bible does not provide specific instructions regarding whom the offering should be given to. However, there are general principles that can guide us in determining who is deserving of our first fruits. Here are a few considerations:
1. Local Church
The local church is often the primary recipient of financial offerings from believers. By giving your first fruit offering to your local church, you participate in supporting its mission, ministries, and the needs of the congregation. This act of giving also aligns with the biblical principle of honoring God’s house and contributing to the work of the Lord.
2. Ministries and Non-Profit Organizations
Apart from the local church, you may choose to give your first fruit offering to specific ministries or non-profit organizations that align with your values and interests. These organizations may focus on areas such as evangelism, humanitarian relief, or social justice. Giving to ministries and non-profit organizations allows you to impact a broader scope of work beyond your immediate community.
3. Individuals in Need
Sometimes, you may feel led to give your first fruit offering directly to individuals in need. Whether it is supporting a family member, friend, or someone you encounter who is facing financial challenges, extending your first fruit as a gesture of love and support can make a significant difference in their lives.
4. Prayer and Discernment
Ultimately, the recipient of your first fruit offering should be determined through prayer and discernment. Seek God’s wisdom and guidance on where He wants you to sow your seed. By involving Him in the decision-making process, you can be confident that your first fruits are being used for His purposes.
5. Multiple Recipients
In some cases, you may choose to divide your first fruit offering among multiple recipients. Perhaps you want to bless both your local church and a particular ministry, or you have identified several individuals in need. Splitting your offering allows you to sow into multiple areas of God’s kingdom. Remember, the act of giving your first fruits is as important as the recipient. It is an act of faith and obedience, honoring God with the best part of your harvest and acknowledging His provision in your life.
What is first fruit in the Bible?
First fruits are one of the many ways that God has provided for us to show Him our gratitude. They’re also a way for us to honor Him, and to ask for His blessing on what we’re going to do with them.
The Bible tells us that God expects us to give Him our first fruits (Exodus 34:22). But what does this mean? As Christians, we believe that everything comes from God—including our lives, our time, and all of our possessions. So when we give back to Him some of what He’s given us, it’s a way of saying thank you! It’s also an act of worship and devotion.
You can’t give your first harvest without thanking God for the things He gave you in order for it to grow. It would be like saying “thank you” after someone gives you a gift but never even opening it! What kind of gift is that? It’s not very nice at all! And since first fruits are about giving back part of what belongs to God anyway (since everything belongs to Him), not giving it back would be like stealing from God Himself.
What Is First Fruit In The Bible
What Is First Fruit in the Bible?
First fruit is the first crop of the season, which is given as a voluntary offering to God. It’s considered a promise of the harvest and symbolizes gratitude for God’s blessings. First fruits are also seen as symbols of covenant.
First fruit offerings were required in ancient Israel (Exodus 23:19-20; Leviticus 19:10). These offerings paid homage to God and His provision for Israel, with some going toward providing food for priests; some were used by other Hebrews who could not afford their own crops; and all were given back to God so that He could use them as He saw fit—to bless His people or to judge them if they needed correction (Deuteronomy 26:1–11).
The Concept of the First Fruits
The first fruits were the first of the harvest and were given to God. The Bible says that God told the Israelites to give Him the “first of your ground meal” and all your “first fruits” (Leviticus 23:10). The first fruits were also given to priests, who would then eat them in a special ceremony called a festival offering.
The farmers would keep back some of their produce as payment for their own work on the field, but they had to give everything else to God or His servants. If they didn’t do this, they would be punished by not having enough food during hard times later on!
This law still applies today—we have an obligation as Christians to share what we have with others who need help–especially those less fortunate than ourselves!
The Promise of the Harvest
The promise of the harvest is that if you give your first fruits in good faith, God will bless you with a bountiful harvest. If you give your first fruits in good faith, God will bless you in all your endeavors.
The Blessings of Giving First Fruits
The blessings of giving first fruits are many and varied.
- You will be blessed in all your endeavors.
- You will be given good health and longevity.
- God will send you an abundance of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity beyond your wildest dreams!
- The Lord will give you loving relationships with others who have risen above their own difficulties in life by giving from the very beginning.
- Your children will be like olive trees planted around your house; they will grow up around you as a loving protection against any evil that would otherwise harm you or challenge your commitment to living a productive and spiritual life (Psalm 128:3).
First Fruit Principle in the Bible
The First Fruit Principle is simply this: the first portion of your earnings are dedicated to God.
In the Old Testament, this principle was taught by God directly to Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:29-30: “Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.’ And it was so.”
Then we see an example of how it works in practice in Numbers 18:12-13: “And I have given you clean animals from all around; they are a gift to you from me. From them you may offer up any offering by fire as an aroma pleasing to me.”
God then goes on to say that he wants us to bring the first part (the best) of our harvest before him as an offering. He doesn’t want us just donating money or getting rid of stuff that’s old or broken; he wants us giving him something real—a first portion—to show our appreciation for how he provided everything we needed!
What is the first fruit principle?
The first fruit principle can be summed up as a way of giving thanks to God for the harvest and provision, by giving the first of your harvest to God. It is a type of tithe.
In the Old Testament, God told His people that they were to give 10% of their crop to Him as an offering (Leviticus 27:30). This was called “the tithe.” The word “tithe” literally means “one tenth.”
And it’s important to note that this does not apply only on food; it applies on any kind of income or profit you make in any way! So if you buy something at Walmart with your debit card, who gets paid? That money goes into someone’s pocket who makes more money than most people earn in an entire year! And they get paid every time someone uses their card—which adds up over time! But those rich people only pay a fraction (about 1%) back into the economy through taxes–the other 99% stays with them! Which means that most people have gotten used throughout history just accepting whatever scraps we’re given without thinking about what our role is supposed to be here on earth–whether we realize it or not…
Benefits of First Fruits in the Bible
First fruits are a gift to God, and they are also a gift to God’s people. The Bible says that first fruits should be offered up in thanksgiving for the harvest (Leviticus 23:17). First fruits are also presented as an expression of gratitude for the land, which harbors the crops (Numbers 18:12).
First fruits can be given to God as spiritual offerings, or they can be given as physical gifts. For example, some Christians give 10% of their income back to their churches as “tithes.” This is considered part of their first fruits offering because it is not money that was earned through work; instead, it is money designated for religious purposes only.
Some believers choose to use their first-fruit offering on behalf of someone else who needs help financially or spiritually. This type of giving would fall under Jesus’ commandment about taking care of widows and orphans (Luke 14:7).
How to Give Your First Fruit Offering.
- Give your first fruit in good faith.
- Give your first fruit to God.
- Give it to a priest or pastor, if you’re so inclined.
- Give it to a friend or family member who needs some extra help this month (but not necessarily Easter!). If you don’t have any friends or family members who need some extra help this month, then give it to the next person who asks for money on the subway platform—that’s what I’m doing! Don’t worry about whose palm tree is being watered today: let’s just all make sure that they’re getting something out of their experience with us!
- If none of them work out, consider donating whatever amount remains at the end of the month—your remaining tithings—to an organization that helps children in need around the world (such as UNICEF). Or buy yourself something nice! Just don’t forget what we said earlier: “the joys of giving” really do exist; they’re just hard to see sometimes because our vision has been clouded by years spent thinking about ourselves first instead of others last.
Give your first fruit in good faith, and God will bless you in all your endeavors.
When you give an offering to God, do it by faith. Don’t look at what you have or what you are giving. Have a clear understanding of why you give and don’t take anything back after offering it to Him. Your first fruits will not only bless you but also the people around you. So give your first fruit offerings in good faith and watch how God will bless all the work of your hands!
- Give your first fruits in good faith, and God will bless you in all your endeavors.
- Giving from the heart is an important step toward receiving from God. If you’re doing it out of obligation, or because you have to, then it may be time to ask yourself why that is.
- There are many different levels at which one can give: financially, emotionally and spiritually. Each level has its own rewards; however, it is recommended that we avoid giving at the monetary level until our finances are stable enough to sustain themselves without the help of others (i.e., no debt).