Seek First the Kingdom

Review
• Disciples of Jesus are changing –exchanging world views in a process
• Jesus reveals the truths – the desert exists—struggle exists – the tempter exists
• Who is the I in but I say?
• Jesus’ world view – Gods Word is truth –a biblical world view
• Jesus calls His disciples and begins to teach

Jesus versus the American dream:
The Declaration of Independence
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_men_are_created_equal)

One version of the American the Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their own version of success in a society in which upward mobility is possible for everyone. The American dream is believed to be achieved through sacrifice, risk-taking, and hard work, rather than by chance.

Flipping the world upside down
Matthew 5:3–11 (NIV) — 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

What we are — salt and light
• Our purpose – a preservative rather than an accelerant
Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV) — 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

These rules from and for the heart
• NO murder – but I say no hate
• No adultery – but I say no lust
• Divorce is acceptable –but I say no unless adultery
• Oaths – but I say just be honest with your word and you won’t need to make an oath
• Eye for an eye – but I say be kind to your enemies
• On and on it goes ….
Matthew 22:37–40 (NIV)

Living with the Kingdom first looks like….

A. Choosing the praises of God over people
• Giving, prayer, fasting, etc….
• Virtue signaling
Matthew 6:1 (NIV) — 1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

B. Choosing eternity over the temporary
• But I say don’t live for financial physical wealth (physical things can rule your life)
Matthew 6:19–24 (NIV)

C. Seeking first the Kingdom – choose faith –trusting the King and His promises
1. This is putting the Lord first in everything –the first commandment –the law had to do with every
part of life – Jesus is saying Kingdom is a part of everything
2. Remembering the cost to get you into the Kingdom was great –praising God
3. Expanding the Kingdom through sharing about the King and our eternal future
4. Helping other believers as they struggle with the world and its values
• Pagans prioritize the physical world – they set the tone
• We trust the Lord to give us what is best
• We don’t allow worry to control our lives
Matthew 6:32–34 (NIV.

D. When you choose the Kingdom, we walk by faith and can put worry aside
• The Promises of God for those who seek Him first
• He will supply what you need for the life He wants you to have
• He will be with you no matter what you have –
• He will bring us to Himself for eternity
• Remember the enemy comes against those who are committed to the Kingdom but we can remember Gods promises
Proverbs 30:8–9 (NIV)

For Small Group Discussion:
Opening Question: What stood out to you the most from the sermon this week?
Main Point: When our priorities line up with God’s, we are able to focus on the things He cares about rather than the worries of the world.
Read/Tell the Story: Matthew 6:25-34
Questions:
1. From the passage, what were all the different things God cared for?
2. Do you believe God cares about all the things in your life, big or small? Why?
3. When do you struggle to go to God to provide for your needs?
4. What do you tend to worry about?
5. What is the difference between worrying and planning ahead?
6. What does seeking the kingdom first look like, practically for you in this season?

Supporting Scripture:
• Proverbs 12:25, Philippians 4:4-7,
For more resources for this series go to: https://bit.ly/RLcurrentseries