Scripture References: Matthew 6:25-34; Psalm 72; Luke 17:20-21; Luke 19:11
Sermon Notes:
Intro: Welcome! We're in our "First Things" series, exploring Jesus' priorities. Today, we focus on Matthew 6:25-34 and the command, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness." The good news: Jesus doesn't want us anxious. Unlike earthly rulers who use fear, Jesus establishes His kingdom through love and security, displacing anxiety when He is enthroned in our lives.
Key Points:
- Jesus' Command: Don't Be Anxious (v. 25-32): Jesus directly addresses worries about fundamental needs (food, drink, clothing). He points to God's meticulous care for creation (birds, lilies) to assure us of our far greater value and His provision. Worry is futile ("can't add a single hour") and reflects a lack of faith in the Father's care.
- Kingdom Defined: Jesus talked most about the Kingdom of God. It's not just broad good deeds nor solely personal salvation. It's fundamentally God's reign (His rule and presence) coming through God's people (partnering with us) in God's place (this world, being renewed). King Jesus embodies the character of this kingdom (Psalm 72). We can't have the kingdom's benefits without the King.
- Already & Not Yet: The Kingdom is both present ("in your midst," Luke 17) and future (not fully consummated, Luke 19). We live "between the times," awaiting the King's full reign while experiencing His rule now.
- The Priority: Seek First (v. 33): Amidst daily anxieties, Jesus gives this command: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness." This means prioritizing His reign, His concerns, His right ways above our worries and earthly pursuits.
- The Promise: All These Things Added (v. 33): When we prioritize His kingdom, Jesus promises that our essential needs ("all these things") will be provided by our Heavenly Father, who already knows what we need.
- Practical Seeking: What does "seeking first" look like daily? It's consciously choosing to align our thoughts, decisions, and actions with God's rule and righteousness, even amidst competing demands (family, work, finances, church), trusting Him to care for the outcomes and necessities.
Conclusion: Jesus frees us from the grip of anxiety by calling us to seek His kingdom first. This means entrusting our daily needs and worries to our capable Father, prioritizing His reign and righteousness in our hearts and actions. When He is truly first, peace displaces fear, and we find He faithfully provides.
Call to Action:
- Identify your primary anxieties and worries today.
- Choose to enthrone Jesus as King over those fears. Acknowledge His loving rule, not fear's control.
- Actively seek His kingdom and righteousness in your decisions today – at home, work, church.
- Release your grip on controlling outcomes; trust your Heavenly Father knows your needs and will provide as you prioritize Him.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.