Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of Christ. What a joy it is to gather together, to celebrate the grace of God, to bask in His love, and to learn from His word. I stand before you today, not as an expert, but as a fellow pilgrim, seeking to understand the profound mysteries of our faith and apply them to our daily lives.

Today, we are going to turn our attention to the words of our Savior as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. These words, like all of Christ's teachings, are like a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. They guide us, they illuminate our understanding, and they shape our lives in ways that are pleasing to God.

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." This is a powerful statement, a commandment, and a promise all rolled into one. It is a directive that challenges us to reevaluate our priorities, to align them with God's kingdom and righteousness. It is a promise that assures us of God's provision when we live according to His principles.

I am reminded of the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon who once said, "We are not responsible to God for the souls that are saved, but we are responsible for the Gospel that is preached, and for the way in which we preach it." This is a call to action, a reminder that we are to live our lives in a way that reflects the Gospel, that embodies the principles of God's kingdom, and that prioritizes His righteousness above all else.

As we reflect on this scripture and the words of Spurgeon, let us consider these three main points: Building Better Priorities, Basing Life on Biblical Principles, and Becoming Victorious through Right Priorities. Each of these points will help us to better understand the depth of Jesus' command and the breadth of His promise.

Before we proceed, let us bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, we come before you with open hearts and open minds. We ask that you guide us as we study your word. Help us to understand your teachings and to apply them to our lives. We pray that you would shape our priorities, that you would align them with your kingdom and your righteousness. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Transition. May the Lord bless the reading and the understanding of His word. Let us now turn our attention to the first point, Building Better Priorities.

Building Better Priorities

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We chase after success, wealth, and recognition, often neglecting the things that are of eternal significance. But Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, reminds us to shift our focus, to realign our pursuits with the values of His kingdom.

The first step in this process is to examine our current priorities. Application Questions: What are the things that occupy our time, our energy, our thoughts? Are they in line with the principles of God's kingdom? Are they contributing to our spiritual growth and the advancement of God's work on earth? These are tough questions, but necessary ones if we are to build better priorities.

Next is to let go of worldly pursuits. This doesn't mean that we abandon our responsibilities or ignore our needs. Rather, it means that we don't let these things dictate our lives. We don't let the pursuit of wealth, success, or recognition become our ultimate goal. Instead, we seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness. We strive to live in a way that reflects God's love, mercy, and justice.

The third step is to cultivate a heart that yearns for God's kingdom. This involves spending time in God's word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other believers. It involves seeking God's will in all that we do, and striving to live in a way that brings glory to Him. It's not an easy task, but it's a rewarding one. For when we seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, all other things fall into place.

After that is to trust in God's provision. When we align our priorities with God's, we can rest assured that He will provide for our needs. This doesn't mean that we won't face challenges or hardships. But it does mean that we can trust in God's faithfulness, in His promise to provide for us as we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Building better priorities is a lifelong process, a constant reevaluation of our values and pursuits. It's a commitment to live according to God's principles, and to seek His kingdom above all else. It's a journey that requires courage, perseverance, and faith. But it's a journey that leads to a life of fulfillment, peace, and eternal significance.

Transition. In the grand scheme of things, our earthly pursuits pale in comparison to the eternal value of God's kingdom. So let's strive to build better priorities, to align our lives with God's kingdom and His righteousness. And as we do so, let's trust in His promise to provide for us, to guide us, and to bless us in ways beyond our comprehension.

Basing Life on Biblical Principles

In the same way that a builder uses a blueprint to construct a solid and sturdy building, we too must use a blueprint to construct our lives ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO