Do This First

In every area of life, there are certain things that must be done first before something else can be done. It does not mean that the second action is unimportant, but the sequence is. Sometimes this is of necessity (Proverbs 24:27); other times it is of divine decree (Mark 16:16). Matthew records a few times in which Jesus taught that something must be done first before something else could be done. Let us notice what Jesus said and see what lessons we can learn.

First Be Reconciled to Your Brother (Matthew 5:23-24)

• Worshiping God is important – He is worthy of worship (Revelation 4:11); He desires our worship (John 4:23)
• But do not neglect peace among brethren – unity is good and pleasant (Psalm 133:1); be diligent to preserve it (Ephesians 4:3), though not at the expense of truth (Ephesians 5:11)
  • Maybe you sinned against your brother – repent and ask for forgiveness (Luke 17:4)
  • Maybe he thinks you sinned against him – don’t wait for him to come to you (Romans 12:18)
• Don’t think you can overlook needless division just because you’re making worship a priority

First Take the Log Out of Your Own Eye (Matthew 7:1-5)

• Helping others make corrections in their lives is important – try to turn them back from sin (James 5:19-20)
• But do not ignore sin in your own life – be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16; Matthew 5:48); continually seek to improve (Ephesians 4:15) while also “speaking the truth in love”
  • Many think this condemns all judging – it does not (John 7:24); it condemns hypocritical judging
  • Remember that the standard also applies to you (1 Corinthians 9:27) – make yourself qualified to help (Galatians 6:1)
• Don’t think you can overlook your own sin just because you’re trying to help others with their sin

First Clean the Inside of the Cup (Matthew 23:25-28)

• Appearing righteous before others is important – let your light shine (Matthew 5:16); be an example (1 Peter 2:12)
• But we need to make sure our heart is right – God knows our hearts (Luke 16:15); He judges our thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12-13)
  • Appearances are not everything – Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15); appearing to be righteous in the eyes of the world is not enough (Matthew 5:20; 7:21-23)
  • We must watch over our heart (Proverbs 4:23) – obedience must come from there (Romans 6:17)
• Don’t think you can overlook the condition of the inner man just because you outwardly act godly

Conclusion

• Many things are important – worshiping God; helping others overcome sin; showing a righteous example
• But Jesus said some things needed to be done FIRST
• It is also true in salvation that the sequence is important – hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized