Prioritizing God's Kingdom: Finding True Fulfillment

 

Summary

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, verse 33, we are reminded to "seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." This profound directive from Jesus addresses the core of human anxiety and concern about daily life—our needs, our future, and our well-being. Jesus speaks directly to His followers, acknowledging the universal human tendency to worry about material needs and the future. Yet, He offers a radical reorientation of priorities, urging us to place the pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness above all else.

In our modern context, this teaching challenges the prevalent secular mindset that often relegates religion to a position of lesser importance. Many today, like the historian mentioned, view religion as a subordinate concern, overshadowed by political, social, and personal liberties. However, Jesus' teaching insists that our relationship with God is paramount, transcending all other concerns. This relationship is not merely an aspect of life but the very foundation upon which all else is built.

The call to seek God's kingdom first is not just about prioritizing religious activities but about aligning our entire lives with God's will and purposes. It is about recognizing that our highest relationship is with God, and our greatest fulfillment comes from living in accordance with His righteousness. This pursuit leads to the highest conception of life, one that values righteousness over mere happiness or temporal achievements.

Moreover, this teaching assures us that when we prioritize God's kingdom, our other needs will be met. It is a promise of provision and care from a loving Father who knows our needs even before we ask. This assurance frees us from the tyranny of worry and allows us to live with peace and confidence, knowing that our lives are in God's hands.

Key Takeaways:

- The Primacy of God's Kingdom: Our relationship with God is the most important aspect of our lives. It transcends all other relationships and concerns, providing the foundation for true well-being and fulfillment. When we prioritize God's kingdom, we align ourselves with the highest purpose and meaning in life. [17:59]

- The Highest Part of Our Being: Religion addresses the highest part of our being—our soul and spirit. It elevates us beyond the physical and emotional aspects of life, connecting us with the divine and eternal. This connection is what truly defines us as human beings created in the image of God. [25:12]

- Righteousness Over Happiness: The pursuit of righteousness is a higher calling than the pursuit of happiness. While happiness is desirable, righteousness aligns us with God's character and purposes, leading to a deeper and more lasting fulfillment. [26:54]

- Eternal Perspective: Our focus should not be limited to temporal concerns but should include our eternal destiny. Recognizing the reality of eternity changes our priorities and compels us to seek what truly matters—our relationship with God and His kingdom. [33:33]

- Assurance of Provision: When we seek God's kingdom first, we are assured that our needs will be met. This promise frees us from anxiety and allows us to live with confidence and peace, trusting in God's provision and care. [37:37]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Matthew 6:33
- [00:49] - Addressing Human Anxiety
- [02:05] - Concerns of the New Year
- [03:20] - The Universal Concern for Well-being
- [04:24] - Two Views: Godly and Ungodly
- [06:36] - Modern Attitudes Toward Religion
- [08:31] - Historical Perspective on Religion
- [10:30] - The Teaching of Jesus
- [15:11] - Religion as the First Priority
- [17:59] - Why Religion Comes First
- [21:02] - The Essence of Religion
- [25:12] - The Highest Part of Our Being
- [26:54] - Righteousness Over Happiness
- [33:33] - Eternal Perspective
- [37:37] - Assurance of Provision

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific concerns about daily life does Jesus address in Matthew 6:33, and how does He propose we prioritize them? [00:49]

2. How does the sermon describe the modern attitude towards religion, and what historical example is used to illustrate this perspective? [07:25]

3. According to the sermon, what are the two possible views regarding the importance of religion in life? [04:44]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the relationship between seeking God's kingdom and the assurance of our needs being met? [37:37]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "seek ye first the kingdom of God" in terms of our daily priorities and life decisions? [15:11]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the pursuit of righteousness is more fulfilling than the pursuit of happiness? [26:54]

3. How does the sermon explain the concept of eternal perspective, and why is it important for our understanding of life's priorities? [33:33]

4. What does the sermon imply about the role of religion in addressing the highest part of our being, and how does this relate to our identity as humans? [25:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where you have placed other concerns above seeking God's kingdom? How can you realign these priorities this week? [16:29]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of righteousness over happiness. Can you identify a recent decision where you prioritized temporary happiness over righteousness? How might you approach a similar situation differently in the future? [26:54]

3. Consider the modern secular mindset that often views religion as a lesser concern. How do you personally navigate this perspective in your daily interactions and conversations? [06:36]

4. The sermon speaks about the assurance of provision when we seek God's kingdom first. Is there a specific area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's provision? What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in this promise? [37:37]

5. How does the concept of eternal perspective influence your daily decisions and long-term goals? Are there specific changes you can make to ensure your focus includes your eternal destiny? [33:33]

6. The sermon highlights the importance of our relationship with God as the foundation of our well-being. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God in your daily routine? [19:24]

7. Reflect on the idea that religion addresses the highest part of our being. How can you engage more deeply with your spiritual life to connect with this aspect of your identity? [25:12]

Devotional

Day 1: The Foundation of True Fulfillment
Our relationship with God is the cornerstone of our existence, transcending all other concerns and relationships. This foundational truth calls us to prioritize God's kingdom above all else, aligning our lives with His will and purposes. By doing so, we find true well-being and fulfillment, as our lives are anchored in the eternal rather than the temporal. This alignment with God's kingdom is not merely about religious activities but about a holistic reorientation of our priorities and values. When we seek God's kingdom first, we are assured that our needs will be met, freeing us from anxiety and allowing us to live with peace and confidence. [17:59]

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to prioritize God's kingdom? How can you begin to realign this area with His will today?


Day 2: The Elevation of the Soul
Religion addresses the highest part of our being—our soul and spirit. It elevates us beyond the physical and emotional aspects of life, connecting us with the divine and eternal. This connection is what truly defines us as human beings created in the image of God. By nurturing our spiritual lives, we engage with the deepest aspects of our identity and purpose. This engagement calls us to seek a relationship with God that transcends mere ritual or tradition, inviting us into a transformative journey of faith and growth. [25:12]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: In what ways can you nurture your soul and spirit this week to deepen your connection with God?


Day 3: The Pursuit of Righteousness
The pursuit of righteousness is a higher calling than the pursuit of happiness. While happiness is desirable, righteousness aligns us with God's character and purposes, leading to a deeper and more lasting fulfillment. This pursuit challenges us to live in a way that reflects God's holiness and love, prioritizing His values over worldly desires. By seeking righteousness, we find a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends fleeting emotions and circumstances, grounding us in the eternal truth of God's kingdom. [26:54]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you can choose righteousness over personal happiness today?


Day 4: An Eternal Perspective
Our focus should not be limited to temporal concerns but should include our eternal destiny. Recognizing the reality of eternity changes our priorities and compels us to seek what truly matters—our relationship with God and His kingdom. This eternal perspective invites us to live with a sense of purpose and urgency, knowing that our choices have lasting significance. By keeping our eyes on eternity, we are empowered to live with hope and resilience, trusting in God's promises and provision. [33:33]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal priorities in your daily life?


Day 5: Trusting in God's Provision
When we seek God's kingdom first, we are assured that our needs will be met. This promise frees us from anxiety and allows us to live with confidence and peace, trusting in God's provision and care. By placing our trust in a loving Father who knows our needs even before we ask, we can release the burden of worry and embrace a life of faith and gratitude. This assurance invites us to live with open hands and hearts, ready to receive God's blessings and share them with others. [37:37]

Matthew 6:31-32 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all."

Reflection: What is one specific worry you can surrender to God today, trusting in His provision and care?

Quotes



"yea you notice in this section our Lord in a very practical and in a very intimate manner was dealing with the great problem of life and of living he was addressing primarily his own disciples his own followers but he knows human nature very well and he knows how oftentimes our lives are marred and ruined by our concerns by our anxiety just about living itself where's our food to come from where's our clothing to come from what does tomorrow hold for us what lies ahead of us these he knew very well are the questions and the problems that constantly arise in the human breast and here he is speaking intimately to his followers in order to help them and to give them guidance with respect to these pressing practical questions and problems in connection with our daily life and living now this is a matter I say that concerns us all these things whether we like it or not tend to be uppermost in our minds and in our lives life itself more or less insists upon it and perhaps especially at a time like this these tend to be the metals that are uppermost in all our minds" [00:43:42]

"the first reason is obviously this one that religion concerns our highest relationship of all now here we are in this world and we all find ourselves involved in certain things we are all in a given relationship we all live in families we all belong to communities we belong to countries we all belong to this great world in which we live and indeed the great problem of today in many ways is the problem of relationships a man's relationship to his wife parents relationship to their children children's relationship to parents relationships within family groupings relationships at work and at business and in the profession these are the causes of misery and unhappiness onthe because these relationships go wrong and breakdown relationships between groups and classes within the country international relationships relationships oh there's nothing more important than relationships and relationships with one another with men and women is a matter of paramount importance it's no part of the preaching of the gospel to derogate from to take from in any sense the importance of these personal and human relationships but my dear friend above and beyond them all soaring infinitely higher than every one of them is this profound and fundamental thing my relationship to the Living God" [00:18:11]

"it also concerns the highest part of our being now men is a strange creature and we have many thoughts haven't we 12 be and they're all important and we mustn't despise any one of them there is a bodily and an animal part it's there it's given us by God and we are not to abuse it we are to respect it we must never despise it or regard it lightly that's a false asceticism of which many an Eastern religion is guilty not so the Christian religion but you see there is a kind of gradation in these things you start with them with the body the animal part of our nature that's the part of us which is concerned about eating and drinking and various other functions there's nothing wrong in eating there's nothing wrong in drinking there's nothing wrong in sex as such all these things are put into our bodies by God and we are meant to use them and to function in those respects very well but there it is that is the animal level there's a higher level the level if you like of the heart the subjective the sensations the sensibilities the emotional part of men's being and of men's nature that is higher you know course if you take your philosophy from the novel it's and the film's you wouldn't think it was higher they equate love with sex and that's of course the tragedy of the modern world that that's being done but love can be separated from sex it's a higher part of men's being and then if you like you could go up still higher and go to the mind what a wonderful instrument this is that God has given us the ability to think the ability to reason the ability to work things out the ability to room in it the ability to fund to follow an argument the mind and all the enjoyments in the realm of the mind philosophy poetry thinking out a scheme of life working out a whole conception of an idea what a marvelous thing well there you see we're going up kaylynn tree we are rising but you know the greatest thing in men is not even his mind there is the soul there is the spirit there is that faculty in men put in him by God at the beginning when he made him in his own image that makes a man capable I say of this communion with God this thinking about God this sensing of God this knowledge of God with a directness and an intimacy that baffles description the soul the spirit this is the highest thing in men and there is the special concern of religion" [00:21:02]

"this must be put first because it inevitably and always leads to the very highest conception of life you notice our Lord puts it he says seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness the kingdom of God and His righteousness now I'm asserting that there is no higher conception than that there is no thought ever which has come into the mind of men which is higher than this thought of the kingdom of and of righteousness what I mean well righteousness is the supreme category it is the highest concept oh how much higher it is than happiness there's nothing wrong with happiness there's nothing wrong in desiring to be happy we all should desire to be happy yes but my dear friend there's something much bigger and higher than happiness it's this righteousness indeed the world itself you know is prepared to grant that happiness is not the supreme thing in life it's not the highest thing the history of mankind bears very eloquent testimony to that some of the greatest epics have been written about that when instance comes to me as I'm speaking there the great man oats you remember who was with captain Scotland that he'll star the expedition and you remember what he did when he saw that the food was going and that he himself was already an ill men he saw the only thing to do to save his comrades was that he should deliberately open the tent door and walk out into the blizzard and into the storm and into the darkness walk into the jaws of death and when Captain Oates did that you know he wasn't consulting his own happiness he'd got a higher category operating happiness is not the supreme thing it's a great thing but it isn't the best" [00:26:54]

"it is true to say this that when you have men in charge of affairs and in control of the lives of countries you are given liberty freedom of worship you know came in under crumble in the Commonwealth while it lasted it hadn't been there before constitutional Liberty came in these men fought for these things because they have this Christian conception of men and it is they alone who have ever brought it in let the working classes of this country never forget that they owe all the liberties and the benefits that they're enjoying today directly to the evangelical awakening of the 18th century it was that that awakened men to the dignity of their own lives and their own labor it was that that so enabled them to think that they later formed themselves into trades Union it was directly primarily a religious movement and the first leaders were religious men the greatest liberties and benefits that we enjoy in this country tonight have come directly in the wake of religion it was a will the fuss who led the agitation for the abolition of slavery against tremendous opposition from these worldly wise men who say that religion is not for an adult mind they were all against him it was the religious men the evangelical Christian who fought for this for the dignity of human life whatever its color my chance to be it was a lord chefs who was the prime agent in the abolition of the in the bringing in of the factory acts and the abolition of child labor and all of the horrors of the factories and the mines before their time my dear friends I could keep you in dysley in giving us all this long list and category I say that when you don't put this first you lose all the rest but as our Lord says put this first and all these other things shall be added unto you if you belong to God in Jesus Christ you have no need to worry about the future take no thought therefore for the morrow he says for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof he's already said that God is our Father and that not a sparrow can fall to the ground apart from God and if he's so interested in sparrows how much greater is his interest in us look at the lilies of the field he says the grass of the field look at it all these things come from God and are controlled by him why not you if you belong to him and is the kingdom and have his righteousness then I'm proud to be able to tell you that you're ready for life you're ready for adversity you're ready for illness you're ready for death you're all know that of someone who's very dear to you you're ready for calamity you're ready for pest Ames you're all ready for hello you are ready for eternity in the hands of Jesus Christ er safe and no one can finally harm you or rob you if your treasure is in this life in this world well it'll go moths and rust doth corrupt and evil and steal the things you've paid so much money for our rotting from the moment you've bought them you yourself are beginning to rot your life is ebbing out of you every moment you live everything is going when you die you have to leave them behind you but if your treasure is in heaven and with God thieves cannot break through nor steal there no math no rust can enter there it's all holy it's all perfect it's all eternal and everlasting and it's yours for ever and forever seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you my dear friend I want to leave you this verse until night of 1957 with just this question have you sought the kingdom of God have you sought God's righteousness it's the only thing that will last it's the only thing that's durable it's the only thing you can enjoy here and now continue to enjoy well you're left in this world enjoy in death and enjoy throughout the countless ages of eternity have you sought it have you got it are you in the kingdom of God do you know that God is your father and that you were his child do you know that the very hairs of your head are all numbered do you know for certain that God will never leave you nor forsake you oh there's nothing that comes before this yes go in for your liberties go in for your freedoms going for your constitution but you may not be here wait tonight make certain of that make certain that you yourself your soul is right now tomorrow always in eternity there's only one way you'll never enter the kingdom of God by your own striving it's too great it's too pure it's too noble it's too wonderful you'll never make yourself fit to get there you can take all your New Year's resolutions you won't keep them and if you kept them all it wouldn't be enough God is holy and eternally just and Your goodness and mine is not as filthy rags in his early site what them do you know this is the most glorious thing of all it's overwhelming I can scarcely even say it this is offered to us as a free gift here and now whatever we may have been whatever we may have done however long from the sea I may have turned away thy blood of Christ can cleanse me and make me white today you need bring nothing in your hands it's a message for paupers it's a message for those who are sick empty-handed come as you are come I invite you to Christ all the fitness he desireth his to feel your need of him all he asks of you is that you admit and confess that you've been a fool and that you haven't put these things first but I put the other things first that you now see it and that you desperately want these things that you want him that you want forgiveness you want peace you want to know him you want his life you want the assurance of eternity tell him that ask him for him and he has promised that if you do so honestly he will not refuse you know reject him he says him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out come unto Him and so enter into the kingdom seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you make it your first your primary your chiefest priority and then all will be well with you tonight throughout 1957 throughout life through death throughout eternity" [00:37:37]

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Transcript
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