Prioritizing God's Kingdom for Spiritual Growth
Summary
The focus of the recent gathering at Christ Chapel Church was on the foundational Christian principle of prioritizing the kingdom of God and His righteousness, as instructed in Matthew 6:33. This principle is the cornerstone of the church's vision for the year, which includes a series of topics designed to address the current needs and spiritual growth of the congregation. The planning process for these topics begins 18 months in advance and involves prayerful consideration and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance, allowing for flexibility to adjust to immediate needs.
The planned topics for the year include living for God, biblical financial stewardship, handling hardship, compassion, the end times, boldness, God's purpose for individual lives, unity, and God's power. These topics are intended to equip the congregation to navigate the complexities of modern life while maintaining a focus on spiritual growth and community engagement.
The church emphasizes the importance of in-person community, acknowledging the benefits of online participation but also recognizing the unique value of physical presence among fellow believers. The church extends a warm invitation to those participating online to join in person when possible, to experience the fullness of community and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Special speakers with expertise in prophetic ministry, compassion ministry, next-generation ministry, and apologetics will be invited to contribute to the church's growth. Additionally, the church plans to increase its emphasis on prayer, both personally and corporately, to prepare for revival in individual hearts and within the church community. The church also intends to engage with community leaders to understand local needs and to be a blessing to the surrounding community.
The church's focus for the year is on the kingdom of God, filtering all aspects of life through the lens of Jesus' teachings. This includes prioritizing one's relationship with God above all else, followed by family, career, and church involvement, in that order. The church encourages a balanced approach to life, where busyness in church activities does not replace personal time with God.
The church also explores the concept of priorities through the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22, illustrating the importance of having Jesus as the ultimate priority. The world offers many competing priorities, but the church emphasizes the need to pursue God above all else, as this aligns with the promise that all other things will be added as a result.
The church plans to foster this focus on God through monthly worship and prayer services, encouraging the congregation to dedicate additional time to personal and corporate prayer. The altar is presented as a place of surrender and strength, where individuals can let go of control and allow God to move their lives forward.
The church also addresses the challenge of maintaining priorities in a world filled with distractions, such as excessive screen time. It highlights the importance of making conscious choices about what takes precedence in one's life, using the analogy of a road splitting in two and the need to choose the correct path.
In summary, the church's message is clear: prioritize God, family, career, and church involvement in that order, and engage in a community of believers to grow spiritually and serve others. By doing so, individuals can navigate life's challenges with the assurance of God's promise and the support of a faith-based community.
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritizing the kingdom of God and His righteousness is essential for spiritual growth and fulfillment in life. This principle, rooted in Matthew 6:33, promises that by focusing on God's kingdom first, all other needs and desires will be met. The church's vision for the year is to explore this and other related topics to guide the congregation in aligning their lives with this truth. [01:02:44]
- Community is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, and while online participation is valuable, it cannot fully replace the experience of being physically present with other believers. The church encourages those who are able to make an effort to join in person, to benefit from the collective energy and encouragement that comes from gathering together in worship and fellowship. [01:06:22]
- The church's approach to planning and teaching is dynamic and Spirit-led, allowing for adjustments as prompted by the Holy Spirit. This flexibility ensures that the congregation receives timely and relevant guidance, even if it means deviating from pre-planned series or topics. [01:03:50]
- Personal time with God is the foundation of a believer's life and should be the top priority. This time is likened to daily bread, essential for spiritual sustenance. The church emphasizes the importance of establishing a personal altar—a dedicated time and place for prayer and reading the Word of God. [01:11:30]
- The church advocates for a balanced life where God, family, career, and church involvement are prioritized in that order. This balance prevents any one aspect from overshadowing the others and ensures that personal time with God is not replaced by busyness in church activities. [01:13:55]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 6:33 (NIV): "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
- Mark 10:17-22 (NIV): "As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. 'Good teacher,' he asked, 'what must I do to inherit eternal life?' [...] Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said. 'Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth."
Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 6:33, what are believers instructed to seek first?
2. What promise is given to those who prioritize the kingdom of God and His righteousness?
3. In the story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22), what does Jesus tell the man he lacks, and what does he instruct him to do?
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness before all other things?
2. What might be the significance of the rich young ruler's reaction to Jesus' instruction to sell all he has and give to the poor?
3. How does the interaction between Jesus and the rich young ruler illustrate the concept of priorities in one's life?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current priorities. What is one concrete step you can take this week to align them more closely with seeking God's kingdom first?
2. Consider your possessions and the hold they may have on your life. Is there anything you feel led to give up or use more generously for the benefit of others?
3. Identify a time slot in your daily routine that you can dedicate to creating or enhancing your personal altar time with God. What specific actions will you take during this time?
4. Think of a family member or friend who needs more of your time and attention. What is one way you can show them they are a priority in your life this week?
5. How can you contribute to the life of your church community without neglecting your personal time with God, family responsibilities, and career obligations? Can you list a specific volunteer opportunity you will commit to?
Devotional
Day 1: Seek First the Kingdom of God
Prioritizing the kingdom of God and His righteousness is the key to a fulfilled life. By placing God's kingdom at the forefront, every other aspect of life aligns with divine purpose and order. This pursuit promises that all other needs will be met, providing a clear focus for daily living and decision-making. [01:02:44]
Colossians 3:1-2 - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Reflection: How can you practically prioritize God's kingdom in your daily routine and decision-making processes?
Day 2: The Value of In-Person Community
While online church participation has its place, it cannot replace the unique experience and spiritual nourishment that comes from physically gathering with fellow believers. In-person community provides a space for shared worship, mutual encouragement, and the collective movement of the Holy Spirit. [01:06:22]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: What steps can you take to more actively engage in your church's in-person community and experience the benefits of shared fellowship?
Day 3: Spirit-Led Flexibility in Ministry
A dynamic and Spirit-led approach to ministry allows for timely and relevant guidance that resonates with the congregation's immediate needs. Being open to the Holy Spirit's prompting ensures that the church remains responsive and adaptable, even if it means changing pre-planned topics. [01:03:50]
Acts 16:6-7 - "Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when being flexible and open to the Holy Spirit's guidance led to unexpected but fruitful outcomes in your life?
Day 4: Personal Time with God as a Priority
Establishing a personal altar for daily prayer and scripture reading is essential for spiritual growth. This dedicated time with God is the believer's spiritual sustenance, akin to daily bread, and should be the top priority in one's life. [01:11:30]
Daniel 6:10 - "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
Reflection: How can you create or enhance your personal altar to ensure consistent and meaningful time with God each day?
Day 5: Balancing Life's Priorities
A balanced life where God, family, career, and church involvement are prioritized in that order prevents any one aspect from overshadowing the others. This balance ensures that personal time with God is not replaced by busyness in church activities or other life demands. [01:13:55]
Luke 10:41-42 - "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Reflection: What changes can you make to ensure that your priorities are balanced in a way that honors God and maintains the health of your relationships and responsibilities?
Quotes
1) "There's only one spot for number one in your life, and it is Jesus Christ. Living for God means that we put him first." [01:11:30] (Download)
2) "Your daily bread is your time with God as well. It's your spiritual bread. So you have an altar where you spend time with him and you pray and read the word of God." [01:12:40] (Download)
3) "We're going to do more with bringing our church together corporately and having more corporate altar times together. We're going to press in to the presence of God more and seek the kingdom of God more and his righteousness." [58:13] (Download)
4) "The altar in the Old Testament was a place where people came and they surrendered. Today, we just come to the altar to surrender our lives to him." [01:00:01] (Download)
5) "It's when you let go and release control to God, then you gain. And so God takes over and he moves you forward." [01:01:26] (Download)
6) "We may have a sermon series that we have set up for a month. And because the Holy Spirit speaks, we just make a right turn and we do something completely different." [01:03:50] (Download)
7) "But if you make that number one above all else in your life, then you have your priorities out of sync. And this is what God's Word talks about to us." [55:54] (Download)
8) "The busyness does not equate with pleasing God and taking place of your number one priority of spending time with him. It doesn't do that. But sometimes people think that busyness in church equals my time with God, but it doesn't." [01:13:55] (Download)
9) "We're going to encourage all of you to do more in terms of your personal prayer altar time. We're going to do more with bringing our church together corporately and having more corporate altar times together." [58:13] (Download)
10) "We're listening to the Holy Spirit. So as he directs us, we're going to do that. But right now, what we have is a plan." [01:03:50] (Download)
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