Seeking the Kingdom, Introduction

Seeking the Kingdom,    Introduction

Matthew 6:33  

"But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

In the times of Jesus, the idea of , the phrase of, the thought of the "Kingdom of God" was a totally new concept.  Nowhere in the Old Testament is the phrase "Kingdom of God" used.  Further, the word Kingdom and God are found in the same verse only about 15 times.  But, they were familiar with talking and hearing about God, kingdom and Israel in the same sentence. In Exodus 19:6, God orders Moses to tell the Hebrews, " 'And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel."   The Jews of Jesus were familiar with the Kingdom in reference to Israel but not in reference to God.

Therefore, we see the Master Teacher taking words that the Jews are familiar with and used in an entirely new way.   Jesus was/is telling the people of the ages, not just the Jews of Jesus, what is fundamental, primary, and first in living life.   It might not be what we want to do, but as Christians, this what we are born to do, what we should live to do, and simply what we must do- seek God's Kingdom.

Before we "Seek first the Kingdom of God..." we must understand what the Kingdom of God is.  This is explored in the writing, "Where is the Kingdom?".  I encourage you to click and read this as it will help you understand the answer Jesus gives us. But, it is summarized here-- where ever the will of God is done, thereto is the Kingdom of God.  To be in God's Kingdom, we must be in His Will; to be in His will, we must know His Will;  to know His will, we must seek His Will; and thankfully, Jesus taught us how to do this.  He gave us the plan, the steps, the path to know God's will for our lives.  But, He not only gives us the plan, as He had to, he lived the plan.  Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, the King of creation, Set the Perfect Example of being in the Will of God.

Therefore, we learn how to seek the Kingdom from two sources, the first source is through the commands of Jesus recorded in the Gospels, the second is the observed behaviors of Jesus as described in the Gospels.

The words, lessons, and commands of Jesus leads us to the Kingdom.  Through understanding  and following the examples of Jesus' behaviors, herein we find the keys to doing the will of God in our life and thus, being in the Kingdom.

In the next couple of months, seven elements will be discussed about Seeking the Kingdom.  All seven elements come from the words and behaviors of Jesus.  He was the Master of Communications.  We just have to study, listen, and respond to what Jesus tells us God wants for us to be in His Kingdom.

Summary:   Seven Elements in Seeking the Kingdom:


Jesus Speaks to Us


1-  Repent

Matthew 3:2 NIV

and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Part 1:  Click Here:   Seeking the Kingdom Part 1

2-   Love God

3-   Love Others

Matthew 22:34-40 NKJV

The Greatest Commandment

34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together.35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

4-  "Hunger and thirst" 
          for a Righteous Relationship with God

Matthew 5:6 NIV   

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Jesus Sets the Example for Us


5    Live in humility toward God
Matthew 11:
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.


6-   Pray

Matthew 5:44 NIV

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 14:23 NIV

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,

• Matthew 26:36 NIV

  [Gethsemane] Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."
  
  
  Matthew 26:41 NIV
  "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
  
  
  

  7-   Seek the Wisdom of the Bible through the Jesus

  Matthew 13:54 NIV

  Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked.

Thanks Be to God

(c) Lonnie Coggins