Bible Study Blog

Seek First The Kingdom of God

Published on July 29, 2022

Seek First the kingdom of God, is a popular bible quotation in Mathew 6:33, that tells us what is expected of us as Christians.

Most people just say this bible verse literally without having a deep Revelation about what it means. This verse has a lesson for us if only we can grab the message.

This verse was written to draw Christians away from the things of the world and focus on serving God faithfully.

For you to properly understand the concept, firstly you must know that Matthew chapter 6 is included in Jesus’ teaching on Sermon on the Mount which includes Matthew Chapters 5, 6, and 7. These involve Christ’s early teaching after his baptism that was done by John the Baptist.

They are analyzed thus:

1. Matthew 5 talks about the Beatitudes.

2. Matthew 6 tells us about the Lord’s Prayer and Christian advice for living a righteous life.

3. Matthew 7 involves the “Golden Rule”.

Jesus teaching in Mathew 6 is about our daily quest to survive. We worry about what to feed on and how to take care of our needs. Do we often ask what we will eat. How we can foot our bills?

Jesus addressed these questions, by saying, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”(Mathew 6:33). In other words, Jesus is advising us not to be worried about our needs but we should rather prioritize seeking God’s Kingdom first and assuring us that every other thing shall be added unto us.

As we all know God’s kingdom is the sovereignty of God and the ruler of every creature. So we should seek this kingdom that reigns over the world. We should rely on God for everything instead of depending on ourselves or others.

Christ told his disciples not to worry about their personal needs like shelter, food, clothes, drink, etc. This is because he is the divine provider and anyone who seeks him will not lack. So if we seek his kingdom first then we need not worry because our personal needs will eventually be provided.

Seeking God’s kingdom is not just craving for it but leaving the life expected of us as Christians. In essence, we should yearn to serve God and be committed to pleasing him and doing his will. That way we are seeking his kingdom.

Why we must seek the Kingdom of God

It’s obvious that God’s kingdom reigns and every other cannot stand God’s kingdom. We are guaranteed full existence and survival in his kingdom.

In Proverbs 14:12 that “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (emphasis added throughout). Jeremiah also added: Jeremiah 10:23 “ O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his steps”.

We have tried different leadership power but none has been like the sovereign power of God. The rulership of God is divine, he is omnipotent and he never fails. There is no partiality in his kingdom. Jesus said, “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” He also said, “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved” (Matthew 24:21-22).

It’s only Christ’s rulership that can give you all that you need and desire. He is the divine provider, he gives everything which includes shelter, food, life, wealth, wisdom, etc.

The word of God assures us that there will be better leadership that will favor humanity. A leadership that surpasses human leadership.

The book of Daniel says (Daniel 2:44) “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever”.

How to seek the kingdom of God

We now understand what this phrase means and why we should seek God’s kingdom first. The next thing should be how do you seek God’s kingdom? Let’s take a look at the ways we can seek God.

1. Confess and repent

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). As a sinner you can seek God’s kingdom. That is why the bible says in Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, Saith the LORD: though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

We must confess our sins and repent from our evil ways and embrace Christ in other to have a good relationship with God.

2. Total Surrender

After repentance, comes total surrender. You are not only confessing your sins but you must surrender your life, emotions, and desires to God. You no longer live for yourself but for Christ, total surrender to the will of God and not yours, having full faith in God. This is true repentance.

3. Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Urges us to pray without season. The importance of prayer cannot be overemphasized. Jesus prayed to his Father for strength during his trial period, he also taught his disciples to pray. We must learn to pray always and sincerely.

4 .Reading the bible

The bible says my people perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6.). Again, the bible says Faith cometh by hearing and hearing the word of God. Studying the bible brings us closer to God. We also get a better understanding of God’s word which becomes our weapon against the devil .You can only defeat the devil if you know the word of God and apply it.

5.Memorizing bible verse

One way to combat temptation is to know God’s Word. The Bible helps us to understand what is right in God’s eyes. It’s the direct letter to us and is our only defensive weapon against the devil.