Seeking the Kingdom: Hidden Acts of Faithfulness
Summary
The call is to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, trusting that everything else will be added as we walk in obedience. This is not just a general encouragement, but a specific invitation to consider what “kingdom kind of ministry” might look like in our lives. Sometimes, this ministry is unseen by others—done in secret, without applause or recognition. Jesus assures us that the Father sees what is done in secret and will reward us, but more importantly, he delights in the purity of our motives and the intimacy of our relationship with him. Whether it’s praying behind closed doors, fasting quietly, or serving in ways that no one else notices, these hidden acts are powerful because they are shared between us and Jesus alone.
There is a deep protection and rest that comes from dwelling in the secret place with God. Psalm 91 promises that those who abide in the shadow of the Almighty are shielded from harm, and that God commands his angels concerning us. In a world filled with noise and the need for recognition, Jesus invites us to a ministry that is rooted in quiet faithfulness, where our identity as children of God shapes our service more than any external validation.
Yet, not all kingdom ministry is hidden. Sometimes, God calls us to step out in obedience even when it seems contrary to reason or comfort. The story of Ananias and Saul in Acts 9 is a powerful reminder that God often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Ananias was not a prominent leader, but his willingness to obey God’s voice—even when it was terrifying—became the catalyst for Saul’s transformation into Paul, the great apostle. God doesn’t always explain himself, but he invites us to trust him, to walk in faith, and to allow our hearts to be transformed as we go.
Ultimately, the heart of kingdom ministry is to make sure people find Jesus. Whether through secret prayer, acts of kindness, or bold obedience, our lives are meant to point others to him. The stories of people who made it to Jesus because of someone’s quiet faithfulness or courageous love remind us that every act of service, seen or unseen, can have eternal impact. The invitation is to seek first the kingdom, to listen for God’s voice, and to be willing vessels for his purposes—trusting that he will use us in ways we may never fully see this side of eternity.
Key Takeaways
- Kingdom ministry often happens in secret, away from the eyes of others. When we serve, pray, or fast without seeking recognition, we cultivate a deeper intimacy with Jesus, who sees and values every hidden act. This secret place is where our motives are purified and our relationship with God is strengthened, reminding us that our identity is found in him, not in the applause of people. [04:47]
- There is a profound promise of protection and rest for those who dwell in the secret place with God. Psalm 91 assures us that as we abide in his presence, God commands his angels concerning us, shielding us from harm and giving us victory even before we see the outcome. This kind of faithfulness, rooted in trust, allows us to serve with confidence, knowing that God is our refuge and strength. [08:20]
- Fasting and prayer are not about improving our spiritual performance, but about deepening our belief in what Jesus has already done and can do again. Jesus expects us to hunger for him above all else, and as we do, our faith is strengthened to believe for miracles and breakthroughs—not because of our effort, but because of our trust in his power and faithfulness. [10:01]
- Sometimes, God calls us to step out in obedience even when it defies logic or feels unsafe. The story of Ananias shows that God often uses ordinary people to accomplish pivotal moments in his kingdom, asking us to trust him even when we have questions or fears. As we walk in obedience, God transforms our hearts, gives us compassion, and uses us to bring about life-changing encounters for others. [16:31]
- The ultimate goal of kingdom ministry is to help people find Jesus, whether through hidden acts of service or bold steps of faith. Every story of someone coming to faith is a testament to the ripple effect of faithful obedience—sometimes through a prayer, a kind word, or a courageous act. Our calling is to seek first the kingdom, trusting that God will use our lives to draw others to himself, often in ways we may never fully realize. [26:39]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Introduction: Seeking First the Kingdom
[02:45] - The Mountain Bike Story: Ministry Unseen
[04:47] - The Power of Serving in Secret
[05:59] - Identity and Motive in Kingdom Service
[07:03] - Developing Intimacy with Jesus
[08:20] - Protection in the Secret Place (Psalm 91)
[10:01] - Fasting and Hungering for God
[12:46] - Faith, Belief, and Miracles
[15:32] - Ananias and Saul: Obedience Beyond Reason
[16:31] - The Walk of Faith and Transformation
[21:09] - The Power of Hearing God’s Voice
[22:29] - God’s Purposes Through Ordinary People
[23:41] - The Man on the Middle Cross: Salvation Stories
[26:39] - The Ripple Effect of Faithful Obedience
[28:00] - Closing Blessing and Challenge
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Kingdom Kind of Ministry”
---
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 6:4-6, 18
(“…your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”)
- Psalm 91:1-11
(“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty…”)
- Acts 9:10-19
(The story of Ananias and Saul)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 6, what does Jesus say about doing acts of service, prayer, and fasting in secret? What is the promise attached to these hidden acts?
[[04:47]]
2. According to Psalm 91, what are some of the specific ways God promises to protect those who dwell in the “secret place” with Him?
[[08:20]]
3. In Acts 9:10-19, what instructions does God give to Ananias, and how does Ananias respond to God’s call?
[[16:31]]
4. The sermon mentioned that not all ministry is hidden. What example did the pastor give of a ministry that was visible and had a ripple effect?
[[26:39]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus places such importance on doing things “in secret” rather than for public recognition? How does this shape our motives for serving?
[[05:59]]
2. What does it mean to “dwell in the secret place” with God, and how might this bring protection and rest in a noisy, recognition-seeking world?
[[08:20]]
3. Ananias was an ordinary believer, not a prominent leader. What does his story teach us about who God chooses to use for significant moments in His kingdom?
[[15:32]]
4. The sermon said that God doesn’t always explain Himself when He asks us to step out in obedience. Why might God work this way, and how can we respond when we feel uncertain or afraid?
[[16:31]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared about serving, praying, or fasting in secret, where only God sees. Is there an area of your life where you feel called to serve quietly, without recognition? What might that look like this week?
[[04:47]]
2. Psalm 91 talks about God’s protection for those who “dwell in the secret place.” Are there worries or fears in your life right now where you need to trust God’s protection? How can you bring those to Him in prayer?
[[08:20]]
3. Fasting was described as hungering for Jesus above all else, not just a spiritual performance. Have you ever fasted or set aside time to seek God in a special way? What was that experience like, or what might you try differently next time?
[[10:01]]
4. Ananias obeyed God even when it seemed risky and didn’t make sense. Is there something God is asking you to do that feels uncomfortable or illogical? What would it look like to take a step of faith in that area?
[[16:31]]
5. The sermon highlighted the ripple effect of faithful obedience—how small acts can help others find Jesus. Can you think of a time when someone’s quiet faithfulness impacted your journey with God? How might you be that person for someone else?
[[26:39]]
6. The pastor told stories of people who made it to Jesus because of someone’s kindness or prayer. Who in your life might need a simple act of kindness or a prayer this week? How can you intentionally reach out to them?
[[26:39]]
7. The sermon challenged us to seek first the kingdom and trust God with the results. What is one practical way you can “seek first the kingdom” in your daily routine this week?
[[01:23]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to serve both in secret and in public, for deeper intimacy with Jesus, and for open hearts to obey God’s voice—no matter how big or small the assignment.
Devotional
Day 1: Seek First the Kingdom of God
To live a kingdom kind of ministry, one must prioritize seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness above all else. This is not about chasing after recognition or reward, but about knowing your identity as a child of God and allowing that identity to shape your service. When you put God first, He promises to provide for your needs and to accomplish His purposes through you, whether your acts are seen or unseen. Let your motivation be love for God and a desire to express His love and purpose in every area of your life. [01:23]
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been seeking your own interests first? How can you intentionally put God’s kingdom first in that area today?
Day 2: The Power of Serving in Secret
There is a unique power and intimacy in serving God in secret, away from the eyes of others. Jesus assures that the Father sees what is done in secret and will reward you. Serving in secret deepens your relationship with Jesus, purifies your motives, and allows you to experience the joy of working closely with Him. Whether it is praying, giving, or acts of kindness, know that nothing escapes God’s notice, and He delights in your faithfulness even when no one else sees. [04:47]
Matthew 6:4, 6, 18 (NIV)
"So that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you... But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you... so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Reflection: What is one act of service, prayer, or generosity you can do today that no one else will know about except God?
Day 3: Dwelling in the Secret Place of God’s Protection
Those who make the Most High their dwelling place find rest, protection, and victory in the shadow of the Almighty. When you spend time with God in the secret place—through prayer, worship, or simply being with Him—you are promised His covering, deliverance, and angelic protection. Even when the world feels uncertain or threatening, God’s presence is your refuge, and He commands His angels to guard you in all your ways. [07:03]
Psalm 91:1-11 (ESV)
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."
Reflection: Where do you need God’s protection and peace today? Take a moment to dwell in His presence and ask Him to cover you in that area.
Day 4: Obedience When It Seems Contrary to Reason
God often calls His people to step out in obedience, even when it defies logic, comfort, or safety. Like Ananias, who was asked to minister to Saul—the very man persecuting Christians—sometimes God’s assignments stretch us beyond our understanding. Yet, when we trust and obey, God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, transforming hearts and advancing His kingdom in ways we could never imagine. [16:31]
Acts 9:10-19 (NIV)
"In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, 'Ananias!' 'Yes, Lord,' he answered. The Lord told him, 'Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.' 'Lord,' Ananias answered, 'I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.' Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength."
Reflection: Is there something God is asking you to do that feels risky or uncomfortable? What step of obedience can you take today, trusting that God is in control?
Day 5: Letting Your Light Shine for God’s Glory
While some ministry is done in secret, there are times when God calls you to let your light shine before others so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. The key is motivation—serving not for your own recognition, but so that God receives the glory. Your acts of kindness, compassion, and faithfulness can be the very thing that leads someone else to Jesus and changes their eternity. [26:39]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Who is someone in your life who needs to see the love of Jesus through your actions? What is one specific way you can shine your light for them today?
Quotes
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