Introduction

Good morning, beloved. We gather here today under the banner of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sanctuary of His love, and in the fellowship of His grace. We stand in the shadow of the cross, our hearts echoing with the words of our Savior, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).

Today, we will be turning our hearts and minds to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, verses 25 to 34. Allow me to read: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Prioritizing the Pursuit of God's Kingdom

When we look at the world around us, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. We're surrounded by demands and distractions that can easily pull our focus away from what truly matters. But in the midst of all this, Jesus offers us a different perspective. He invites us to shift our priorities, to focus not on the temporary, but on the eternal.

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. This isn't just a suggestion, it's a command. It's a call to align our lives with God's purposes, to make His kingdom our primary concern. But what does this look like in practice? How do we prioritize the pursuit of God's kingdom in our daily lives?

First, seeking God's kingdom means seeking His rule and reign in our lives. It's about surrendering our will to His, allowing Him to guide our decisions and direct our paths. This isn't always easy. It requires humility, trust, and a willingness to let go of control. But when we do this, we find that His ways are better than ours. His plans are greater than ours. His wisdom surpasses our understanding.

It also means seeking His righteousness. It's about striving to live in a way that reflects His character and values. This involves more than just following a set of rules. It's about cultivating a heart that loves what God loves and hates what God hates. It's about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out, shaping us into the image of Christ.

Third, seeking God's kingdom means seeking His presence. It's about cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with Him. This involves spending time in His Word, in prayer, and in worship. It's about learning to recognize His voice and respond to His leading. It's about drawing near to Him, knowing that He will draw near to us.

Finally, seeking God's kingdom means seeking His purposes. It's about aligning our lives with His mission, participating in His work of redemption and restoration. This involves using our gifts and resources to serve others, to share the gospel, and to advance His kingdom.

In each of these areas, we're called to prioritize the pursuit of God's kingdom. This doesn't mean we neglect our responsibilities or ignore our needs. But it does mean we view everything through the lens of His kingdom. We make decisions based on His values. We invest our time and resources in things that have eternal significance. We live not for the temporary, but for the eternal. This is a daily choice. Each day, we're faced with opportunities to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Promises Fulfilled through Righteousness

As we continue to immerse ourselves in the teachings of Matthew 6, we find ourselves drawn to the promise of fulfillment through righteousness ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO