Each sermon is accompanied by a summary, practical points, and relevant scripture for deeper insight. Our study guides also include devotional content to help you apply biblical truths to your daily life.
- Summary
In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between self-interest and true devotion to Yahweh. This message challenges us to examine the core of our worship: Who is Yahweh, and what does He demand of us? The story of Eve’s temptation in the Garden of Eden serves as a powerful reminder of how easily we can be swayed by self-serving desires. But true worship isn’t about what we can gain; it’s about putting Yahweh first in all things. The upcoming Feast of Unleavened Bread invites us to ‘serve’ rather than ‘be served,’ echoing Yahshua’s teachings in Matthew 6. As we prepare our hearts for this sacred time, let’s reflect on how we can shift our focus from self to Yahweh, trusting that when we seek His kingdom first, all else will follow. This message encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, confront our fears, and embrace a faith that transforms not just our actions, but our very identities.
Now that you've listened to the sermon, please use the study guide below to dive deeper into the topic.
- How to Use Guide
- Points & Scriptures
- Discussion Questions
- Small Group Guide
- Devotional
The purpose of this Sermon Library is to support your spiritual growth as you revisit, reflect and meditate on the sermon topic, and study the Scriptures.
In each tab of the Study Guide, you will find information that will help you increase your understanding and knowledge of Yahweh’s Word and gain deeper insight into the Biblical topic covered.
You can engage in this study on your own or with a group.
It is our hope that these tools provide you with meaningful activities to help you on your walk, as you engage in them during the week and in days leading up to a Feast.
2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto Elohim, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Study Guide
Summary – Read and reread to help you remember the answer to the question, “What was this sermon about?” so that you can deepen your understanding on this topic and can learn what to say in order to easily share this with others.
Points and Scriptures – Compare these to your notes. If needed, add the key points and Scriptures to your notes, for further review. Turn to each Scripture passage and read it. You may want to keep a notebook or journal, with Scripture Lists by topic. Scriptures that say (alluded to) next to it were included in content of the message (ex. appeared on a slide) without the Scripture itself being read.
Discussion Questions – Read one at a time, writing the answers down in your notebook or journal. Use your notes, as well as the information in the Points & Scriptures tab, to help you answer the questions.
Small Group Guide – We recommend that you engage in this activity during the week with a group of brethren, family members and/or friends.
Devotional – We recommend that you engage in these activities during the week and/or in days leading up to the Feast.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of putting Yahweh first in worship and life. It contrasts true worship, which involves obedience to Yahweh’s commands and observance of His feasts, with self-centered worship. The speaker stresses the significance of keeping Yahweh’s Sabbaths and feast days as a sign of being set apart, and challenges listeners to commit fully to Yahweh’s truth through repentance and baptism.
Key Points:
- True worship focuses on Yahweh, not self-interest
- Keeping Yahweh’s Sabbaths and feast days sets believers apart
- Obedience to Yahweh’s commands is essential for knowing Him
- The feasts of Yahweh are still relevant for believers today
- Repentance and baptism symbolize a complete turnaround in life
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon:
- Matthew 6:25
- Matthew 6:31-33
- Ezekiel 20:11-12
- John 17:17
- 1 John 2:3-5
- Acts 20:6
- Exodus 12 (general reference)
- Numbers 9 (general reference)
- 1 Corinthians 16:8
- John 4:21
- Ezekiel 20:10-12
- Isaiah 66:23
- Acts 2 (general reference to Pentecost)
- Galatians 6:16
- 1 Corinthians 10 (general reference)
- Malachi 3:6 (implied, not directly stated)
- Romans 9:11
- Luke 13:28 (paraphrased)
- Galatians 3:9
- Exodus 19:5-6
- Exodus 12 (general reference to Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread)
- Acts 2:38 (implied in discussion of Peter’s sermon)
- Romans 6:3-4
Additional relevant verses that align with the main themes discussed:
- Colossians 2:20-23 (on man-made worship)
- Proverbs 14:12 (mentioned in the sermon)
- Genesis 3 (allusion to Eve’s temptation)
- Matthew 4:1-11 (allusion to Yahshua’s temptation)
- Exodus 20:2-3 (reference to the First Commandment)
- Leviticus 23 (general reference to the Feasts of Yahweh)
- Hebrews 13:8 (implied in discussion of Yahweh’s unchanging nature)
- Romans 11:17-24 (on being grafted into Israel)
- Genesis 17 (implied reference to Yahweh’s covenant with Abraham)
How does prioritizing Yahweh over self-interest challenge our natural human tendencies, and what practical steps can we take to put Him first in our daily lives?
In what ways might the observance of Sabbaths and feast days set believers apart from the world, and how can this ‘setting apart’ strengthen one’s relationship with Yahweh?
How does the concept of ‘will worship’ manifest in modern religious practices, and what are the potential spiritual consequences of following human traditions over divine commands?
What parallels can we draw between the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and a believer’s journey out of sin, and how do the feast days reflect this process of redemption?
How might our understanding of Yahweh’s name and its significance impact our approach to worship and our relationship with Him?
In what ways does the parable of the laborers challenge our human notions of fairness, and how does it reflect Yahweh’s grace and sovereignty?
How does the act of baptism symbolize a spiritual death and rebirth, and what does it mean to ‘walk in newness of life’ after this commitment?
What are the implications of Paul referring to the New Covenant assembly as the ‘Israel of Yahweh’, and how should this shape our understanding of our spiritual identity?
How can we balance the desire for personal blessings with the call to serve others, as emphasized in the theme ‘Here to Serve’ for the Feast of Unleavened Bread?
In what ways might the observance of biblical feasts and Sabbaths prepare believers for their future roles in Yahweh’s kingdom, as suggested by the concept of a ‘kingdom of priests’?
Here’s a small group guide based on the sermon:
Small Group Guide: Putting Yahweh First in Worship and Life
Opening Question:
What stood out to you most from the sermon? Share one key insight you gained.
Key Takeaways:
1. True worship is about putting Yahweh first, not ourselves.
2. Keeping Yahweh’s Sabbaths and Feasts sets believers apart and helps us know Him better.
3. Repentance and baptism represent a complete turnaround in our lives, leading to a new way of living.
Discussion Questions:
1. The sermon emphasizes that worship should be focused on Yahweh rather than personal benefits. How can we shift our mindset from “what can I get?” to “how can I honor Yahweh?”
2. Discuss the challenges of keeping Yahweh’s Sabbaths and Feasts in today’s world. How have you experienced blessings from observing these days?
3. The speaker mentions six “enemies to change” that prevent people from embracing truth. Which of these do you find most challenging in your own life or see in others?
4. How does keeping the Feasts help us understand Yahweh’s plan of salvation? Share your experiences of growth through observing the Feasts.
5. The sermon talks about baptism as a symbolic death and rebirth. For those baptized, how has this affected your daily walk? For those considering baptism, what questions or hesitations do you have?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, intentionally put Yahweh first in a specific area of your life where you’ve been prioritizing self. Share your plan with the group.
2. If you’re not already observing Yahweh’s Sabbaths or Feasts, choose one to learn more about and potentially observe in the coming year.
3. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be engaging in “will worship” (following your own desires rather than Yahweh’s commands). Commit to aligning one of these areas with scripture.
4. For those baptized, spend time meditating on Romans 6:3-4 and journal about how you can “walk in newness of life” this week.
5. If you haven’t been baptized, prayerfully consider taking this step. Discuss any questions or concerns with a mature believer.
Closing Prayer:
Close by praying for each group member to grow in putting Yahweh first in all areas of life, and for the strength to overcome the challenges discussed.
Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the sermon:
Day 1: Putting Yahweh First
Reading: Matthew 6:25-34
Devotional: In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to become consumed with our own needs and desires. Yet Yahshua teaches us to “seek first the kingdom of Yahweh and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Today’s passage reminds us that when we prioritize our relationship with Yahweh, He takes care of our needs. Reflect on areas of your life where you may be putting your own interests before Yahweh’s. How can you shift your focus to seek His kingdom first? Consider practical steps you can take to demonstrate trust in Yahweh’s provision and care for your life.
Day 2: True Worship and Obedience
Reading: John 4:19-24, 1 John 2:3-6
Devotional: Worship goes beyond mere words or rituals – it’s about knowing and obeying Yahweh. As we read in 1 John, “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands” (1 John 2:3). True worship involves aligning our lives with Yahweh’s will and commandments. Today, examine your own life. Are there areas where you’re resisting Yahweh’s commands? How can you cultivate a spirit of obedience in your worship? Remember, Yahweh desires worshipers who come to Him in spirit and in truth.
Day 3: Embracing Change and Spiritual Growth
Reading: Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:17
Devotional: Change can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential for spiritual growth. Paul urges us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This transformation often requires leaving behind old habits and embracing new ways of thinking and living. Reflect on areas where Yahweh might be calling you to change. What “comfort zones” is He asking you to step out of? Remember, in Messiah, we are new creations. Pray for the courage to embrace the changes Yahweh wants to bring about in your life.
Day 4: Living as Yahweh’s Set-Apart People
Reading: 1 Peter 2:9-12, Exodus 19:5-6
Devotional: Yahweh calls His people to be set apart, living differently from the world around us. Peter reminds us that we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). This calling echoes Yahweh’s words to Israel in Exodus. Consider how your life reflects your identity as part of Yahweh’s chosen people. In what ways does your lifestyle distinguish you from the world? How can you more fully embrace your role as Yahweh’s representative in your daily life?
Day 5: Commitment and Spiritual Renewal
Reading: Acts 2:36-41, Romans 6:1-11
Devotional: Baptism symbolizes a profound spiritual transformation – dying to our old selves and rising to new life in Messiah. The people in Acts responded to Peter’s message with repentance and baptism, marking a complete turnaround in their lives. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Whether you’ve been baptized or not, how can you renew your commitment to Messiah today? What aspects of your “old self” do you need to leave behind? Pray for a fresh outpouring of Yahweh’s Spirit in your life, empowering you to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).