Matthew 6:33
PREVIEWING our series on the KINGDOM of Heaven
You’ll have questions. You may not have all of the answers, but you’re going to get some. That’s a good thing! This is about seeking! This is about learning! This is about pursuing!
After this preview, you may have MORE questions, but let’s start by explaining the structure. We’ll talk about tensions, and then refer to truth:
First tension:
What do I need to own, or whom must I defeat, in order to live another day?
First truth: Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Jesus is King (see: last two Sunday messages), but not everyone acknowledges Him as King here on this earth (right now)
Revelation 19:16
Two things are fighting it out ? Some people are focused on what I need to own, whom I must defeat, how do I survive. Others are focused on the Kingdom of Heaven and living righteously.
This discord is often not like a clash of sword and steel. It’s a difference in perspective.
Do you recognize Jesus as King? Or are you just living amongst those who do?
The parables Jesus shared sometimes had some harsh realities tied to them. Some seem unfair, others seem too harsh, some seem improbable, others are hard to understand. But they all rely on us accepting Jesus as King to truly understand.
What does it mean to Seek the Kingdom of God? Put the Kingdom of God above all else?
Second Tension:
You do you!
You really need to worry about yourself first.
Do what’s best for you (and your family).
Second Truth: Matthew 6: 9-10
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Priority number one is God’s will (Your Kingdom come, your will be done)
What does it mean to live righteously? What is the difference between living righteously and seeking His Kingdom?
Third Tension:
Living Righteously according to who?
Third Truth:
Matthew 5:21-48
Basic:
Don’t be angry with someone. Don’t call someone an idiot. Don’t curse someone. Settle your differences quickly. Don’t look with lust. Don’t make empty promises. Just say, I will or I won’t.
Advanced:
Someone slaps you, offer the other cheek. If you are sued and they take your shirt, give them your coat. Someone demands that you carry his gear: carry it two miles. Give to those who ask and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. Love your enemies.
Expert:
Be perfect, as your father in heaven is perfect.
The standard is impossible, but it is still the standard.
What does he mean by: “He will give you everything you need” or “All these things will be added to you?”
Fourth Tension:
Jesus did not seem to have a very enjoyable life. He wasn’t rich, he died young, was tortured and shunned, only knew like 12 people or so, and was way too popular for my liking. Who could stand having people follow you around all the time???
Fourth Truth:
“Many of us will experience the pain of unmet needs in this life. We may not have the food, medicine, or other provisions we need to survive, even if we faithfully follow Jesus to the end. We may live with justice for all and still receive oppression in return. Some of us will be hurt and have no one to tend to our needs. Jesus’ life and words speak to this reality as well. He himself experienced betrayal, poverty, hunger, and violence as he lived in the ways of God’s Kingdom. But he never felt insecure.” (The Bible Project)
CONCLUSION:
This verse is about VALUE:
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
What do you care about?
What does Jesus care about?
Where do these two things align?
Sources:
https://bibleproject.com/articles/what-matthew-6-33-seek-first-the-kingdom-of-god-means/