In a world dominated by financial stress, economic uncertainty, and the unending pursuit of more, God's people are invited to embrace a different reality—God’s Kingdom economy, which operates on principles that are higher and more stable than the world's systems. Jesus makes this clear when He says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” This directive is not just about trusting God in times of need; it's about a radical reordering of priorities. God’s economy is not governed by the ups and downs of the stock market, inflation rates, or material wealth accumulation. It is built on the unchanging truths of Scripture and is designed to lead His people into financial freedom, blessing, and abundance.
Our culture often measures success by material gain, financial independence, and the ability to secure a comfortable lifestyle. This mindset can lead to anxiety, stress, and even an unhealthy obsession with wealth. Yet, Jesus offers a different way—a Kingdom way—where financial security and peace are not dependent on what we can accumulate, but on what God provides when we align with His principles. This sermon aims to reveal what it means to live by God's economic standards, to trust His provision, and to understand that real prosperity comes not from what we gather but from what we release into His hands.
God’s Kingdom economy challenges us to view our resources not as personal possessions but as tools for Kingdom advancement. Today, we will dive into how prioritizing God's Kingdom over material concerns can bring about financial peace, how trusting in His promises leads to greater stability, and why obeying His Word unlocks doors to blessings that go far beyond material wealth. God's invitation is clear: live by His principles, trust His provision, and experience the financial freedom that only comes from a life surrendered to Him.
1. Seek First the Kingdom
The very first principle in God’s Kingdom economy is to seek first the Kingdom of God. This command from Jesus in Matthew 6:33 isn’t merely about spiritual devotion; it’s a practical guide for every area of life, including our finances. Seeking the Kingdom first means aligning our priorities with God’s values. It means that before we make any financial decision—whether it’s a purchase, an investment, or a donation—we ask how it aligns with God’s will and purposes.
In the early church, this principle was the foundation of their community. They lived out a radical trust in God’s provision, evidenced by their willingness to share all they had. Acts 2:44-45 describes how the early believers sold their possessions and goods, distributing to anyone who had need. This wasn’t a gesture of social obligation; it was a demonstration of their commitment to seeking the Kingdom first. They trusted that God would supply their needs as they prioritized the needs of others and the advancement of the Gospel. This Kingdom-centered mindset created an atmosphere of unity, generosity, and supernatural provision.
For us today, seeking first the Kingdom is about asking, “What does God want me to do with what I have?” It’s about reorienting our financial decisions around His priorities rather than our own desires. This means giving to the work of the church, supporting missions, and being generous to those in need—all as acts of worship. When we put God’s Kingdom first, we are not losing out; we are investing in something eternal. Our generosity is not about depleting our resources but about storing up treasures in heaven, where they cannot be destroyed or stolen.
The concept of seeking first the Kingdom also challenges us to examine our heart's motives. Jesus warned that we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24), emphasizing that our allegiance must be to God alone. When we seek the Kingdom first, we are declaring that God, not wealth, is our master. This shift in focus leads to true financial freedom because it releases us from the pressure to accumulate and allows us to live with a heart of contentment. We are free to give, free to serve, and free to trust that God’s provision is enough.
Seeking the Kingdom first requires us to make a conscious decision every day to prioritize God's will above our own. It means holding our finances with an open hand, ready to release them whenever and however God directs. This level of trust goes beyond mere financial transactions; it’s about recognizing that our very lives are under God’s authority and that His way is always the best way. When we live with this Kingdom-first mentality, we invite God's blessing into every aspect of our financial life, positioning ourselves for supernatural provision and peace that surpasses human understanding.
2. Trusting in God’s Covenant Promises
Central to God’s Kingdom economy is the reality of His covenant promises. A covenant is a sacred, binding agreement that God establishes with His people—a promise that He will remain faithful and provide for those who follow His ways. Throughout Scripture, we see that God’s relationship with His people is marked by covenant—a divine contract that includes provisions for guidance, blessing, and protection. In the Old Testament, God made covenants with Abraham, Moses, and David, each one carrying promises of prosperity, land, and provision for future generations. In the New Testament, Jesus ushers in a new covenant that secures eternal life, access to God’s presence, and blessings that extend to every aspect of life, including our finances.
Trusting in God’s covenant means living with confidence that He is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised. The early church understood the power of covenant. They knew that their provision was not dependent on the economy of Rome or the generosity of others, but on the faithfulness of God who had made a covenant with them through Christ. This understanding fueled their radical generosity, even in times of persecution and lack. They gave joyfully because they believed in the certainty of God’s promises.
For us, living by God’s covenant means shifting our financial focus from fear to faith. It’s about placing our confidence not in bank accounts, job security, or economic stability, but in God’s unchanging Word. Covenant trust requires us to view every financial decision through the lens of Scripture, to obey God’s commands concerning giving, tithing, and generosity, and to believe that He will provide for us as He has promised. This means that our giving is not an act of charity; it’s a declaration of trust in the One who owns everything. It’s a statement that we believe God’s Word is true and that His economy works, even when the world’s economy fails.
Trusting in God’s covenant also means embracing a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. In a world that often operates from a place of fear and lack, God’s covenant invites us to live in the freedom of His abundance. Psalm 23:1 reminds us that "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." This is a promise of sufficiency and provision, rooted in the character of God as our Provider. When we trust in His covenant, we are freed from the anxiety of trying to secure our future and are invited to rest in the security that God has already secured it for us. This kind of trust enables us to live generously, knowing that God’s supply is limitless and that He delights in blessing His children.
The concept of covenant living goes beyond mere financial security; it encompasses every aspect of our relationship with God. As we trust in His covenant, we are aligning ourselves with His purposes, allowing Him to shape our financial decisions, and positioning ourselves to receive the fullness of His promises. Covenant trust is about faithfulness—faithfulness to God’s principles, faithfulness to His timing, and faithfulness to His instructions. When we live in this kind of trust, we create an atmosphere where God’s blessings can flow freely, unhindered by fear or doubt.
3. Experiencing Breakthrough through Financial Obedience
Financial breakthrough in God’s Kingdom is intricately tied to obedience. Throughout the Bible, God consistently links His blessings to our willingness to follow His commands, particularly in the area of finances. One of the most well-known passages about financial obedience is Malachi 3:10, where God challenges His people to “bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” This passage reveals a profound truth about God’s Kingdom economy: financial obedience is the key that unlocks supernatural provision.
In the early church, financial obedience was not optional; it was a way of life. They gave generously, sold their possessions, and used the proceeds to meet the needs of the community and advance the Gospel. Their obedience was not based on human logic but on divine instruction. They understood that God’s ways often defy conventional wisdom, and they were willing to trust His Word over their own understanding. This radical obedience led to supernatural provision—miracles of multiplication, unexpected resources, and the power to impact their world for Christ.
For us today, financial obedience requires a willingness to submit to God’s instructions, even when they go against worldly logic. It means prioritizing God’s principles over our financial plans and trusting that His ways lead to true abundance. This might look like giving when it feels uncomfortable, being faithful with the tithe even when money is tight, or choosing to invest in Kingdom work rather than personal comfort. Financial obedience is about surrendering our finances to God’s control, believing that He can do more with our 90% than we could with 100%.
Obedience is not about following a formula; it’s about cultivating a heart that honors God in every decision. When we obey God’s financial principles, we are positioning ourselves for breakthrough. We are declaring that we trust Him to provide, that we believe His Word is true, and that we are willing to follow His lead, even when it’s difficult. This kind of obedience requires faith, patience, and perseverance, but it also brings about a peace that surpasses understanding. When we trust and obey, God responds with blessings that go beyond our expectations.
Financial obedience also cultivates a spirit of gratitude and contentment. When we obey God’s financial principles, we are choosing to focus on what we have rather than what we lack. We recognize that everything we have is a gift from God, and we are called to steward it well. This attitude of gratitude opens the door for God’s blessings to flow, not just materially but spiritually as well. A church that practices financial obedience will experience the fullness of God’s favor, and its members will testify to the faithfulness of God’s provision, even in challenging times.
4. Embracing Financial Sonship
At the core of God’s Kingdom economy is the concept of financial sonship—living as sons and daughters of God, fully aware of our identity and inheritance in Christ. In the world, financial success often defines identity, status, and self-worth. People are valued based on their wealth, possessions, and the security they can provide for themselves. But in God’s Kingdom, our identity as God’s children is the foundation for how we manage finances. We are not defined by what we have; we are defined by who we are in Christ. This changes everything about how we handle money.
The early church lived out of this sense of sonship, understanding that they were heirs of God’s promises. They did not allow their lack of material wealth to dictate their generosity or their view of themselves. Instead, they lived with confidence that their Father owned all things, and this security freed them to be radically generous. They knew that they were not orphans but sons and daughters who had access to the riches of God’s grace. This awareness of their identity influenced their financial choices, leading them to trust God’s provision even in the midst of persecution and hardship.
For us, embracing financial sonship means recognizing that our worth is not tied to our net worth but to our relationship with God. We are heirs to His promises, and this truth liberates us from the fear that often accompanies financial decisions. Financial sonship is about living with the assurance that God is our Provider, that He knows our needs, and that He delights in caring for His children. It’s about rejecting the lie that we must strive, compete, and accumulate to be valuable. Instead, we rest in the knowledge that we are already loved, accepted, and provided for by our Heavenly Father.
Living as sons and daughters also means embracing a spirit of generosity that reflects God’s character. As children of God, we are called to live with open hands, ready to give, ready to serve, and ready to bless others. Financial sonship is about seeing money not as a means of control but as a tool for Kingdom impact. It’s about being faithful stewards, using what we have for God’s glory, and trusting that He will multiply our efforts. This perspective frees us from the anxiety of financial insecurity and allows us to live with joy, knowing that our Father’s resources are more than enough.
Financial sonship also involves a commitment to stewardship. As God’s children, we are entrusted with resources—not to hoard, waste, or misuse but to invest in ways that honor Him. This means managing our finances with integrity, being accountable for our spending, and seeking God’s wisdom in every financial decision. A church that lives in financial sonship will be a church that experiences God’s provision in ways that go beyond human comprehension. It will be a community that models generosity, stewardship, and faithfulness, reflecting the heart of the Father to a watching world.
5. Walking by Faith in God’s Financial Process
Faith is the cornerstone of God’s Kingdom economy, and walking by faith in finances is a daily practice that requires trust, patience, and a deep conviction that God’s ways are higher than our own. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God, and this truth is especially relevant when it comes to money. God’s financial process often defies human logic. He asks us to give when it seems we don’t have enough, to trust Him when the future is uncertain, and to invest in His Kingdom rather than our own comfort. This kind of faith goes beyond intellectual assent; it’s a lifestyle of dependency on God.
The early church understood what it meant to walk by faith in finances. They faced economic challenges, persecution, and the uncertainty of survival in a hostile world, yet they trusted God’s provision at every turn. Their faith was not in their own ability to provide but in God’s promise to be their Jehovah Jireh—their Provider. This faith led them to take risks for the sake of the Gospel, to give sacrificially, and to trust that God would meet their needs in miraculous ways. They experienced God’s faithfulness because they were willing to step out in faith, even when it was uncomfortable.
For us, walking by faith in God’s financial process means choosing to trust Him over our bank statements, our budgets, and our financial plans. It means giving when He prompts, even if it stretches us. It means being faithful with the resources we have, even if they seem small. Walking by faith is about believing that God’s Kingdom economy operates on a different set of principles than the world’s and that His ways are always higher, better, and more reliable. This kind of faith positions us for financial miracles, provision, and blessings that cannot be explained by human means.
Faith in God’s financial process also involves waiting on His timing. God’s provision doesn’t always come when we expect it, but it always comes when we need it. This requires us to develop a patience that trusts in God’s perfect timing and a perseverance that holds on to His promises, even when circumstances look bleak. Walking by faith means that we don’t panic in times of scarcity; instead, we pray, we believe, and we trust that God’s resources are limitless. A church that walks by faith in finances will be a church that experiences the supernatural, where testimonies of God’s provision are common, and where His power is evident in every financial breakthrough.
Faith is not about ignoring reality; it’s about seeing beyond it. It’s about believing that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised. Walking by faith in finances is about releasing control and embracing the freedom that comes from trusting God’s process. When we live by faith, we invite God to move in ways that go beyond what we can imagine, and we position ourselves to receive His best.
Closing
"God’s Kingdom Economy" is an invitation to live by a higher set of principles, to trust in God’s provision, and to experience the freedom that comes from aligning our finances with His Word. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 are a challenge to prioritize the Kingdom of God, to seek His righteousness, and to believe that He will add everything we need as we put Him first. Today, God is inviting you to step out of the world’s economy and into His—to live by His principles, to trust in His provision, and to experience the joy of financial freedom in Christ.
If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, now is the time. He is calling you to be part of His Kingdom, to experience His love, and to live according to His ways. He is inviting you to move from financial anxiety to financial freedom, to trust in His provision, and to experience the abundance that comes from knowing Him.
For those who have already said yes to Jesus, this is a call to deeper trust, to greater obedience, and to a lifestyle of generosity. It’s a challenge to examine how you handle your finances, to align them with God’s Word, and to believe that He will provide for you as you put His Kingdom first. If you are seeking a church that is committed to living by God’s Kingdom principles, our doors are open wide. We are a church that desires to honor God in every area of life, including our finances, and we would love to have you join us on this journey.
And if you need prayer—whether you are facing financial struggles, seeking wisdom for financial decisions, or desiring to experience God’s provision—come and let us pray with you. God is here, and He is ready to meet you at the point of your need. The Spirit of the Lord is calling you to embrace His Kingdom economy, to trust in His provision, and to experience the freedom that only He can give. Don’t miss this opportunity to respond. Come to Jesus, come to the altar, and come to the place where His economy becomes your reality. Amen.
