Prioritizing God's Kingdom Over Earthly Concerns
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Matthew 6:19-34, focusing on the importance of prioritizing the Kingdom of God over earthly treasures. We began by acknowledging the faithful service of Edie, who has been a steadfast member of our church community. This led us into a discussion about our upcoming annual business meeting and the importance of leadership training for those aspiring to be deacons.
Transitioning to the main text, we explored the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing that Jesus' teachings push us to re-evaluate our priorities. The passage challenges us to shift our focus from earthly concerns to heavenly treasures. Jesus warns against storing up treasures on earth, where they are vulnerable to decay and theft, and instead encourages us to store up treasures in heaven, which are eternal and secure.
We discussed the anxiety that often accompanies our earthly concerns, such as food, clothing, and the future. Jesus reassures us that God knows our needs and will provide for us, just as He provides for the birds and the lilies. The key is to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all other needs will be met.
The sermon concluded with a call to prioritize the Kingdom in all aspects of our lives. Whether we are considering our future or dealing with present concerns, our primary focus should be on living for God's Kingdom. This perspective not only aligns our priorities with God's will but also brings peace and clarity to our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faithfulness Over Flashiness: The story of Edie reminds us that long-term faithfulness in service is more valuable than short-term brilliance. Consistent, humble service often has a more lasting impact than sporadic acts of greatness. [42:37]
2. Heavenly Treasures Over Earthly Wealth: Jesus teaches us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable, while heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. This shift in focus helps us align our lives with God's eternal purposes. [54:06]
3. Trust in God's Provision: Jesus reassures us that God knows our needs and will provide for us. Just as He cares for the birds and the lilies, He will care for us. Our role is to seek first His Kingdom and trust in His provision for our daily needs. [01:09:53]
4. Single-Minded Devotion: We cannot serve two masters. Our devotion must be singular, focused on God rather than divided between God and material wealth. This single-minded devotion brings clarity and purpose to our lives. [01:03:33]
5. Kingdom Priorities: Our primary focus should be on seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we prioritize the Kingdom, everything else falls into place. This perspective helps us navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and purpose. [01:12:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[41:49] - Honoring Edie's Service
[43:18] - Annual Business Meeting and Leadership Training
[45:05] - Introduction to Matthew 6:19-34
[46:37] - The Sermon on the Mount: Context and Importance
[48:54] - Concerns About the Future
[49:50] - Trusting God Amidst Worry
[51:34] - Prioritizing Heavenly Treasures
[54:06] - Earthly Treasures vs. Heavenly Treasures
[01:03:33] - Serving Two Masters
[01:09:53] - Trusting God's Provision
[01:12:02] - Seeking First the Kingdom of God
[01:19:55] - Living by Faith
[01:25:26] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 6:19-34
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus warn against in Matthew 6:19-21, and why? [54:06]
2. How does Jesus illustrate God's provision using birds and lilies in Matthew 6:26-30? [01:09:53]
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "You cannot serve both God and money" in Matthew 6:24? [01:03:33]
4. According to Matthew 6:33, what should be our primary focus, and what promise accompanies this focus? [01:12:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth? How does this align with the concept of eternal versus temporary values? [54:06]
2. How does Jesus' teaching on anxiety in Matthew 6:25-34 challenge common worries about daily needs and future concerns? [01:09:53]
3. What does single-minded devotion to God look like in practical terms, according to Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:24? [01:03:33]
4. How does seeking the Kingdom of God first provide a framework for addressing life's challenges and uncertainties? [01:12:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the story of Edie’s faithfulness. How can you cultivate long-term faithfulness in your own service to God and others? [42:37]
2. What are some "earthly treasures" you find yourself prioritizing? How can you shift your focus to "heavenly treasures"? [54:06]
3. Think about a recent time when you were anxious about your needs. How can you practice trusting in God's provision more fully in similar situations? [01:09:53]
4. Identify one area in your life where you feel divided between serving God and pursuing material wealth. What steps can you take to align this area with a single-minded devotion to God? [01:03:33]
5. How can you practically seek the Kingdom of God first in your daily routines and decisions? What changes might this require in your current lifestyle? [01:12:02]
6. Consider the upcoming annual business meeting and leadership training mentioned in the sermon. How can you contribute to the church community with a Kingdom-focused mindset? [43:18]
7. Reflect on a specific worry or concern you have about the future. How can you apply Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:34 to find peace and clarity in this situation? [01:13:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Faithfulness Over Flashiness
Faithfulness in service is more valuable than short-term brilliance. The story of Edie reminds us that long-term faithfulness in service is more valuable than short-term brilliance. Consistent, humble service often has a more lasting impact than sporadic acts of greatness. Edie's steadfast commitment to her church community exemplifies the kind of faithfulness that God values. In a world that often celebrates quick success and flashy achievements, it's easy to overlook the quiet, consistent efforts that build up the Kingdom of God over time.
Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:19-34 encourage us to re-evaluate our priorities and focus on what truly matters. By prioritizing faithfulness over flashiness, we align ourselves with God's eternal purposes and contribute to the lasting impact of His Kingdom. This perspective not only brings peace and clarity to our lives but also helps us to remain steadfast in our service to God and others. [42:37]
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: Think of a way you can demonstrate faithfulness in your daily life, even in small tasks. How can you commit to serving consistently and humbly in your community or family?
Day 2: Heavenly Treasures Over Earthly Wealth
Jesus teaches us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable, while heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. This shift in focus helps us align our lives with God's eternal purposes. Earthly wealth and possessions can easily become the focus of our lives, leading to anxiety and misplaced priorities. However, Jesus calls us to invest in what is eternal and lasting.
By prioritizing heavenly treasures, we are reminded that our true home is with God and that our lives should reflect His values and purposes. This perspective helps us to live with a sense of purpose and direction, knowing that our efforts are contributing to something far greater than ourselves. [54:06]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: Consider your current priorities and possessions. Are there areas where you are focusing too much on earthly wealth? How can you begin to invest more in heavenly treasures today?
Day 3: Trust in God's Provision
Jesus reassures us that God knows our needs and will provide for us. Just as He cares for the birds and the lilies, He will care for us. Our role is to seek first His Kingdom and trust in His provision for our daily needs. Worrying about our material needs can often consume our thoughts and energy, leading to anxiety and stress. However, Jesus reminds us that God is fully aware of our needs and is more than capable of providing for us.
By trusting in God's provision, we can release our worries and focus on seeking His Kingdom and righteousness. This trust brings a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that our Heavenly Father is in control and will take care of us. [01:09:53]
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: Identify a specific worry or concern you have about your material needs. How can you actively trust God to provide for this need and seek His Kingdom first?
Day 4: Single-Minded Devotion
We cannot serve two masters. Our devotion must be singular, focused on God rather than divided between God and material wealth. This single-minded devotion brings clarity and purpose to our lives. Divided loyalties can lead to confusion and a lack of direction, making it difficult to fully commit to God's purposes. Jesus calls us to a wholehearted devotion to Him, free from the distractions of material wealth and earthly concerns.
By focusing our devotion solely on God, we can experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. This single-minded devotion helps us to navigate life's challenges with a clear sense of direction, knowing that we are living for God's Kingdom and His righteousness. [01:03:33]
James 1:8 (ESV): "He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
Reflection: Reflect on areas of your life where your devotion may be divided. What steps can you take to ensure that your focus remains solely on God and His purposes?
Day 5: Kingdom Priorities
Our primary focus should be on seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we prioritize the Kingdom, everything else falls into place. This perspective helps us navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and purpose. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:19-34 emphasize the importance of aligning our priorities with God's eternal purposes. By seeking the Kingdom first, we can trust that God will take care of our needs and guide us through life's uncertainties.
This Kingdom-focused perspective brings a sense of peace and clarity, allowing us to live with purpose and direction. It helps us to remain steadfast in our faith and committed to God's will, knowing that our efforts are contributing to His eternal Kingdom. [01:12:02]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: Think about your current priorities and how they align with seeking God's Kingdom. What changes can you make to ensure that your primary focus is on His Kingdom and righteousness?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When we see things God's way, it changes everything. When we look at Matthew chapter 6, we're talking about what is it that we prioritize? What is our answer to how we're going to deal with our life? ... When we see things God's way, it changes everything." [50:44] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And then all these things will be added to you. He cares about those things. But when you get your priorities lined up right, that all comes into line. Doesn't it?" [01:12:42] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow. Tomorrow will be anxious for itself. There's enough going on tomorrow. Is this? There's, you know, just the anxiety of the day. You've got a lot going on. That's sufficient. Worrying about it today isn't going to help it tomorrow." [01:13:22] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God, are you pleased with me today? Are you pleased with how I'm thinking, how I'm eating, how I'm drinking, how I'm talking, how I'm working, how I'm living my life? God, are you pleased with that? And I think in that sense, every single day we can live for the kingdom." [01:15:44] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Sermon on the Mount is going to the heart of what God is asking for. He wants your heart more than he wants your stuff. I believe that with all of my heart. By the way. He's the one who gave you the stuff. And he's looking for a relationship with you that is strong and meaningful." [53:18] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What is your master? What is it that you live for? What is it that drives you every single day when you get up? Can't have two masters. So let's think about it this way. I have a boss. This boss says, dig a hole. I got another boss that's equal, two masters. He's saying, fill this hole in. I can't do both." [01:02:54] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "But prioritize the kingdom. And do everything that you do for the sake of the kingdom. And as we prioritize the kingdom, everything else is going to line up. The priorities of your life. The smaller... The bigger ones will line up under the main priority. When we make God the first thing. When we make his kingdom our priority. When we make his righteousness our priority. Everything else will add up." [01:19:11] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But here he's telling them, don't worry. Don't worry about that. Realize who these people are and what he's saying to them. Don't worry about what you're going to eat or drink or your body, what you'll put on. Isn't your life more important than food? He's talking about an ethic here. People are more important than things." [01:08:42] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so my statement to you, and this is the one I want you to hold on to, prioritize the kingdom. Don't disregard all that other stuff. The kids still have to go to school. You got to make lunches. Got to go to work. But prioritize the kingdom. And do everything that you do for the sake of the kingdom." [01:19:11] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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