Sermon: Seeking and Abiding in the Kingdom of God
Scripture: Matthew 6:31-33 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Introduction: The Writer of Matthew is quite unique among the twelve. As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew wrote to an audience of Greek-speaking Jewish Christians probably between AD 60 and 70.
Matthew was a part of the team. For his seventh or eighth pick (depending on the list you check), Jesus took on Matthew as a member of his original team of disciples. As was true of many of the other disciples, the choice was based on intangibles rather than any past records or achievements.
Jesus found Matthew at work, busy with his duties as a tax collector. Perhaps Jesus had already noted Matthew in action on a previous occasion in Capernaum, Jesus’ base of operations. Jesus walked by Matthew’s tables and invited him to join Jesus’ group. Surprisingly, the tax man jumped at the chance to follow Jesus. He left his table and invited Jesus to eat with him.
Matthew had a knack for numbers and details. Trained to pay attention to details, his record of Jesus’ life regularly appealed to the background of Jesus’ claims and repeatedly pointed out the many long-standing prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus’ life and ministry. When Jesus fed the multitudes, Matthew recorded the amount of people present, giving us a chance to feel the same awe he felt.
Like any successful accountant, Matthew was organized. This shows up sometimes in the way he puts things together. He grouped together Jesus’ seven parables about the kingdom of God (Matthew 13) that were probably not told at the same time. Jesus may have used these parables on numerous occasions, and Matthew organized them into a grouping. When Matthew became a disciple of Jesus, he immediately organized a party and invited all his disreputable friends. The religious onlookers would not have been impressed because tax- collectors were working for Rome (and not the Jewish people), and many were financially corrupt. We don’t know anything about Matthew’s past, but we do know that Jesus was glad to spend the evening with the kind of people he had come to save.
Matthew also went by the name Levi, a Hebrew name going back to the father of one of the original tribes of Israel. Matthew is an Aramaic name meaning “gift of God.” We know him best as Matthew, the Gospel writer. God used Matthew’s personal skills and contacts to advance the cause of his kingdom. Matthew 6:33 is the first mention of the kingdom of God in the New Testament. We are assured as believers, If we do our part to make our relationship with God our highest priority, He will do His part to provide for our every need, and that is something we can count on. Always keep the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first. It reminds us that our priorities should always be aligned with God's will and purpose for our lives. We should strive to live in a way that is pleasing to Him and seek His guidance in all that we do. At first glance, this verse may seem simple, but it holds a deep and profound meaning. We do not need to worry or be anxious about the things of this world because we have a heavenly Father who cares for us. As Christians, we are called to be different from the rest of the world. Our focus should not be on material possessions, success, or fame but on seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness. This means living a life that is centered on Christ and His teachings.
Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:33). The verse’s meaning is as direct as it sounds. We are to seek the things of God as a priority over the things of the world. Primarily, it means we are to seek the salvation that is inherent in the kingdom of God because it is of greater value than all the world’s riches. Does this mean that we should neglect the reasonable and daily duties that help sustain our lives? Certainly not. But for the Christian, there should be a difference in attitude toward them. If we are taking care of God’s business as a priority—seeking His salvation, living in obedience to Him, and sharing the good news of the kingdom with others—then He will take care of our business as He promised—and if that’s the arrangement, why not try it?
Speaking to His disciples and multitude of people on the mount of Olive, Jesus gives an invitation to the kind of life God intended for them. Jesus knew many were spending time seeking a better life, so Jesus offers them and us sound advice for living the good life. Matthew 6:33 is the first mention of the kingdom of God. In the gospels, the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Heaven are used interchangeably. The kingdom of God is mentioned more than 100 times in the gospels alone. It was the central focus of Jesus’s message. This evidence shows the importance of God’s kingdom on earth and our need to understand it.
We have a clear command to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” This month, many elected officials will be sworn in Washington, DC and state capitols across the country. After celebrating each candidate must learn how to function in their office. Every candidate begins his journey, seeking to be elected, after being elected, they must learn to use the authority of their particular office. In like manner, every believer has been invited into full participation in God’s kingdom. Successful participation means prioritizing our life and focusing our passions. Seeking after what we can eat, drink and wear may be tempting, but we must set higher goals.
There are so many natural concerns in the world, there is a tendency to seek everything else first, and then God’s kingdom and righteous ways. Jesus warns his followers against anxiety, worry, fear, doubt, and distractions over the cares of life. He said, “Take no thought”, because your heavenly Father knows your every need. We are encouraged to be assured that the life of the believer and all of his time is in the hands of God. God knows how to provide for every one of His children. Finally, we are assured that if believers make the kingdom of God and His righteousness their first pursue, all these things shall be added unto them.
What did Jesus mean when He spoke of the Kingdom of God? Simply, the kingdom of God is the rule of God or the reign of God in this present world. It’s the way that God expresses Himself through His believing Children in the world. Maybe we can see more clearly if we understand what Jesus did not mean. Jesus was not speaking of geographical location such as the Holy Land, nor a political power or influence such as the Sanhedrin Counsel, nor a physical throne for earthly power. Jesus confessed, “My kingdom is not of this world!” Yet His kingdom will have influence in this world.
Let take a quick view of the kingdom of God as described in the gospels. Speaking in parables, Jesus gives us a many-sided view of the Kingdom.
Listen to the Parable of the Wheat and Tares. Matthew 13:24-29, “Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew. “The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’ “‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed. “‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked. “‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’” (The kingdom of God has an enemy)
Listen to the Parable of the Mustard Seed. Matthew 13:31-32, “Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.” (The kingdom of God starts small but grows)
Listen to the Parable of the Yeast. Matthew 13:33, “Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” (The kingdom of God works from the inside out)
Listen to the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of great price. Matthew 13:44-46, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! (The kingdom of God must be personally discovered and purchased. We must be willing to pay the price)
Listen to the Parable of the Fishing Net. Matthew 13:47, “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. (The Kingdom of God is like a fishing net under water seeking a catch and will catch all kind of fish)
Listen to the Parable of the Vineyard Workers. Matthew 20:1-4, “For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work. “At nine o’clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day.” (The Kingdom of God is always seeking vineyard workers)
Then the Parable of the Great Feast. Matthew 22:1-4, “Jesus also told them other parables. He said, “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come! (The kingdom of Heaven extends an open invitation)
In Matthew 25:1-5, hear the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids, “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.” (The Kingdom of God requires preparation)
In Matthew 25:14-16 There is the Parable of the Three Servants. “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. (The kingdom of God requires responsibility and accountability)
Think of all the examples Jesus gives of the kingdom. We cannot seek the kingdom unless we can recognize the kingdom and know how it manifests itself.
Jesus taught that the kingdom may look unimpressive and would began small, but it would grow in phenomenal ways. God himself would establish His kingdom in the hearts of all who would believe. All are invited into His kingdom! Once in the kingdom, all can experience transformation from the inside out. Just as a seed planted in good soil begins to grow or a yeast causes bread to rise, lives will be changed. As we discover His kingdom and His righteous operation, we will influence this world for God. In the kingdom, we discover the unlimited potential for usefulness, fruitfulness and blessing to others. In the kingdom we learn to glorify God and bless God’s world. We are ambassadors of the kingdom.
We are to pray for His kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. I know the present manifestation of the kingdom on earth seems limited and small. Yet many believers have witnessed the power of the kingdom in their personal lives. The power of the kingdom transformed their lives. They may not be perfect yet, but they are accepted in the beloved. They have the peace of God and the presence of God in their lives. Just as the disciples were commanded to preach the kingdom of God is nigh. We too preach the gospel of the kingdom. Jesus cast out devils with the finger of God, heal the sickness and performed countless miracle all because the kingdom of God was at hand. Since people cannot build the kingdom of God, How do we respond to the message of the kingdom.
First, believers can make seeking the kingdom of God and all of His righteousness a priority above everything else. The kingdom is the pearl of great price; it is the hidden treasure we desire. It’s value is so great, we should sell everything else in order to purchase it.
Secondly, believers who have accepted the good news of the kingdom can share it with others, cast a wide net to their family, friends and associates. Then explore the kingdom as a little child, constantly excited, amazed and asking questions. Learning how to live as kingdom citizens, practicing kingdom character, love and conduct.
Third, we can pray for the kingdom to come. Pray that God’s kingdom will rule the hearts of men and that they will commit to his righteous rule. Then live ready to receive the soon coming king.
Romans 14:17 “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
As you live a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, invite others to join you. Every level of society are welcome, the rich and poor; the prostitute and the virgin; the tax collector and the thief are all invited to allow God to rule and reign in their hearts. The present Kingdom is just a foretaste of Joy Divine. When Daniel saw the great vision of the kingdoms of this world, he saw great Babylon, the Medo-Persian empire, the Greeks and the Romans, but he also saw a stone huge out of the mountain. Every human kingdom will eventually fall, crushed by the stone of God. His eternal kingdom will last forever. Believers are a part of that kingdom. Amen.
