Trusting God More Deeply: Understanding First Fruits and Kingdom Principles
God is calling His church into a deeper level of trust and surrender. Rather than living with a divided heart—one foot in the Kingdom and one in the world—He invites us into total abandonment to His ways. In this season, the Spirit is highlighting trust as a key to unlocking supernatural provision, peace, and purpose. We are not to be conformed to the patterns of this world, but transformed by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2).
To trust God more deeply is to embrace His Kingdom principles, even when they challenge our natural reasoning. One of the most tangible ways we express this trust is through our finances. Jesus taught, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Giving isn’t just a financial act—it’s a heart decision. And when we understand what the Bible teaches about giving, especially the principle of first fruits, we step into a lifestyle that aligns with God’s economy rather than the world’s.
What is the New Covenant and How Does it Relate to Giving?
As New Covenant believers, we live under the glorious grace made available through the blood of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, established through Moses, required strict adherence to the Law, including sacrificial systems and mandatory tithes, as a means of maintaining right standing before God. But Christ fulfilled every requirement of that system (Matthew 5:17).
Hebrews 8:6 declares that Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises. That means our giving today isn’t about earning God’s favor—it’s a response to His already-given grace. We are not under compulsion, but we are still called to generosity, sacrificial giving, and obedience to God’s principles. Giving is no longer law-driven, but love-driven. And as recipients of such lavish grace, how can we not live open-handed?
What Are the Four Biblical Ways of Giving?
Scripture outlines four distinct types of giving, each with its own purpose and reward. Understanding these helps us live wisely and generously in God’s economy.
1. Tithing
Tithing is the practice of giving the first 10% of one’s income to the Lord. While it’s often associated with the Old Covenant, it predates the Law (see Abraham in Genesis 14:20 and Jacob in Genesis 28:22). Tithing honors God with the “first” of what we receive and acknowledges Him as our source. Malachi 3:10 promises that when we tithe, God will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings.
2. Giving Alms
Alms are gifts given to the poor and needy (Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 6:1-4). This form of giving is rooted in compassion and justice. Jesus emphasized doing this in secret—not for recognition—but as a reflection of the Father’s heart. Scripture says giving alms is like lending to the Lord, and He will repay.
3. Seed-Faith Giving
Seed-faith giving is a form of giving that anticipates a future harvest. It’s the principle of sowing and reaping (2 Corinthians 9:6). When we give in faith, expecting God to multiply the seed, we position ourselves to receive in due season. The motivation is not selfish gain, but partnering with God’s Kingdom agenda.
4. First Fruits Offering
This offering is given in anticipation of what’s to come. It’s not based on what you’ve received, but on what you believe God will provide. In Proverbs 3:9-10, we are told to “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing.” First fruits giving is a faith move—it speaks to your expectation and invites divine blessing over your future increase.
What Are the Key Principles for Biblical Giving?
Biblical giving isn’t just about what we give, but how we give. The posture of our hearts matters deeply to God.
Give in Faith
Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Faith transforms our giving from mere duty to supernatural worship. When we give, we’re not just parting with money—we’re making a spiritual statement: God, I trust You more than I trust this.
Give with Joy
God doesn’t need our money, but He delights in our hearts. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Joyful giving reflects a heart that sees giving not as a burden, but a blessing.
Give Liberally
“Whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6). Generosity reflects the character of our Father. We never out-give God. When we live open-handed, we align with His abundance.
Release What You Give
Don’t give and then obsess over it. Once you sow the seed, let it go. Release it in faith, knowing God is your provider and rewarder. Clutching tightly to what you’ve given negates the very trust that giving is meant to produce.
What is First Fruits Giving?
First fruits is a faith-based offering that honors God at the beginning of a new venture or season. While the tithe is 10% of what you’ve already earned, first fruits is often 2.5% of what you are believing God to bring in.
In ancient Israel, first fruits were literally the first portion of the harvest. It was an act of trust—giving the first before knowing how much the rest would yield (Exodus 23:19). Today, first fruits giving could look like giving from the first paycheck of the year, or sowing from a new business venture, raise, or opportunity.
It’s an invitation: “Lord, I trust You with my future. I consecrate this new beginning to You. I place You first in my finances.”
Why Practice First Fruits Today?
While we are no longer under the law, first fruits is still a biblical principle, and God’s principles never expire. Practicing first fruits today is an intentional way to:
• Demonstrate trust in God’s provision – It’s a faith statement that He is your Source.
• Invite God’s blessing on your future income – Proverbs 3:9–10 is a promise that giving first fruits results in overflow.
• Acknowledge God’s lordship over your finances – When God is first in your wallet, He’ll be first in your heart.
• Partner with God in Kingdom work – First fruits giving helps advance God’s mission on earth through your resources.
Life Application
This week, take time to evaluate your financial trust in God. Remember, giving is not just about money—it’s about your heart, your priorities, and your obedience.
Reflect honestly:
• Are you holding anything back from God?
• Do you give grudgingly, or with joy and faith?
• Are you sowing seed for a future harvest?
• Have you truly invited God into your business or career?
Take a step:
• If you’ve never given a first fruits offering, pray and ask the Lord what He’s leading you to do.
• Consider setting aside a percentage of your expected income as a first fruits offering this month or at the start of a new season.
Questions to Consider
• What areas of my life am I still trying to control rather than fully surrendering to God?
• Am I giving out of obligation or out of genuine worship?
• How can I demonstrate greater trust in God’s provision this week?
• What “first fruits” could I offer as an act of faith, inviting God’s blessing on my future?
Final Thought:
Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). First fruits giving is one powerful way to put that verse into action. When we honor God first, He honors us in return. Let this be a season of deeper trust, greater obedience, and joyful generosity.
