Are We Getting the Cart Before the Horse, Or Are We Putting First Things First?

First Things First “Do not put the cart before the horse” is an old proverb meaning to keep first things first. When you put the cart before the horse you reverse the proper order of things. The origin of this phrase dates back to Cicero (or before) who wrote : "We put the cart before the horse, and shut the stable door when the steed is stolen, in defiance of the old proverb." This principle is found in the gospels (Matthew 12:29; Luke 14:28-31; John 7:51)

The Cart Before the Horse In Doctrinal Matters Total Depravity – sin before lust and lawlessness (James 1:14-15; 1 John 3:4; Romans 5:12; Ezekiel 18:20) Infant Baptism – baptism before teaching & belief (Matthew 28:18; Acts 8:36-37; 18:8) Faith Only – salvation before baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 22:16; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21) Once Saved Always Saved – eternal life before the judgment day (Mark 10:30; Galatians 5:4; 2 Peter 3:17; 1 Timothy 6:12)

The Cart Before the Horse in Personal & Practical Matters Fornication – sexual intimacy before marriage (Genesis 2:24-25; Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5; 8:4) Religious Service – focusing on outward service before inward purity (Matthew 7:1-5; 23:25-26) Correcting others before you know the truth yourself, or when you have a bigger problem (Titus 1:9; Matthew 7:5; John 8:7) Reaping Before Sowing – the reward before the work (Galatians 6:8-9; 2 Timothy 2:6; Revelation 14:13)