Brief Answer

To seek first the kingdom of God means to prioritize God’s rule and His righteousness in every aspect of life. It involves putting God’s will above personal desires, trusting that when we focus on His purposes, He will provide for our needs. This instruction is rooted in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches His followers to shift their focus from worldly concerns to God’s eternal kingdom.

Understanding Seeking the Kingdom of God from a Biblical Perspective

The idea of seeking first the kingdom of God comes directly from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This directive follows a passage where Jesus encourages His listeners not to worry about material needs like food and clothing but to trust that God, who knows their needs, will take care of them.

• Kingdom Focus: The “kingdom of God” refers to God’s sovereign reign, both in the present spiritual sense and the future fulfillment in heaven. Seeking this kingdom means aligning one’s life with God’s values and purposes.
• Righteousness: Jesus emphasizes not just the kingdom but “his righteousness,” indicating that seeking the kingdom also involves striving to live a life that reflects God’s holiness and character.

Historical Context

• Jewish Expectations: In Jesus’ time, the idea of a kingdom was significant. The Jews anticipated a Messiah who would establish a physical, political kingdom that would free them from Roman rule. However, Jesus redefined the concept, emphasizing a spiritual kingdom marked by God’s rule in the hearts of believers (Luke 17:20-21).
• The Sermon on the Mount: Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5-7 laid the foundation for Christian living. His call to seek first the kingdom came amid instructions about worrying and wealth, teaching that true security is found in God’s provision.

Theological Depth and Insight

• Priority and Trust: Seeking first the kingdom means prioritizing God in decision-making, relationships, and daily living. It shows trust in God’s ability to provide, which is contrary to the world’s focus on self-sufficiency and material gain.
• A Call to Righteous Living: Righteousness is an essential aspect of seeking the kingdom. Jesus’ followers are called to reflect His character, striving for purity, kindness, and justice (1 Peter 1:15-16, “Be holy, because I am holy”).
• Promise of Provision: The latter part of Matthew 6:33, “and all these things will be given to you as well,” is a reassurance that God cares for those who prioritize Him. Philippians 4:19 echoes this, saying, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Broader Biblical Themes

• Putting God First: The Bible consistently calls believers to put God first in their lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
• Living for Eternity: Seeking the kingdom means living with an eternal perspective. Colossians 3:2 urges, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This focus helps Christians remember that their ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).

Practical Implications

• Daily Choices: Seeking first the kingdom affects everyday decisions—how one spends time, manages resources, and interacts with others. Prioritizing God may mean choosing prayer over worry or generosity over hoarding wealth.
• Serving Others: Jesus’ life exemplified seeking God’s kingdom through acts of love and service. Christians are called to follow His example, serving others selflessly (Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve”).
• Trust Over Anxiety: The context of Matthew 6:33 is worry. Seeking God first means surrendering anxiety and choosing to trust that God’s plan is better than personal control.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to seek first the kingdom of God. Romans 8:5-6 speaks of living according to the Spirit, which produces life and peace. The Spirit guides Christians to align their desires with God’s will, providing strength and conviction to live out kingdom values.

• Conviction and Guidance: The Holy Spirit convicts believers of areas where they need to grow in seeking God first. He also provides wisdom and discernment to make choices that honor God.
• Bearing Fruit: When believers seek the kingdom, they bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which reflects righteousness and draws others to the light of Christ.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

• Finding True Fulfillment: In a world driven by success and personal gain, seeking first the kingdom is countercultural. Yet, it leads to a fulfilling life centered on God’s purpose, where worries about status and possessions take a back seat to what truly matters.
• Strength During Trials: Life’s challenges often test where one’s priorities lie. When believers choose to seek God first, they find peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7), knowing that God is in control.
• Impact on Relationships: Putting God’s kingdom first influences relationships, promoting forgiveness, patience, and love as modeled by Jesus.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Jesus embodies the perfect example of seeking God’s kingdom first. His entire ministry was dedicated to doing the will of His Father (John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me”). His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of seeking God’s will above His own, displaying the depth of God’s love for humanity (Romans 5:8).

Bible Characters

• Daniel: Daniel’s commitment to prayer and adherence to God’s commands, even in the face of persecution, exemplifies seeking first God’s kingdom (Daniel 6). His trust in God resulted in divine protection and favor.
• Mary, the Mother of Jesus: When the angel Gabriel announced that she would bear the Messiah, Mary’s response, “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38), showed her willingness to put God’s kingdom first, despite personal risk.
• Paul the Apostle: Paul’s life after his conversion is a testament to seeking first the kingdom. He endured hardships, imprisonment, and persecution for the sake of the gospel (Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• What areas of my life reflect that I am seeking first the kingdom of God?
• How does trusting in God’s provision change my perspective on daily worries?
• In what ways can I prioritize God’s will in my relationships and decisions?
• How can I encourage others to seek first God’s kingdom?

Seeking first the kingdom of God is not a one-time action but a daily choice to align life’s priorities with God’s eternal purposes. It is a reminder that when believers focus on God’s kingdom and righteousness, they find true peace, provision, and purpose.