The Bible teaches us that man is a compound being, consisting of two parts – the material and the immaterial. The material part requires temporal provision, while the immaterial part requires spiritual provision.
The Gospel addresses both of these requirements, providing us with all possible spiritual good, and engaging us that all necessary temporal good will be supplied to our bodies. (Mat_6:25, Mat_6:23).
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus gives us a crucial direction on how to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, saying, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”
This verse is a reminder that although we have wants that need to be met, our first and chief attention should be given to that which is most really important and intrinsically valuable.
In this article, we will explore what it means to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, what the objects of our pursuit are, and how to earnestly seek these things.
I. The Direction Given:
Seek First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness The direction given in Matthew 6:33 is clear – we are to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Let us examine the objects of our pursuit in this verse:
- The Objects of Pursuit: Kingdom of God and His Righteousness The Kingdom of God is sometimes used to refer to the Christian dispensation, sometimes to the heavenly world, and at other times to the spiritual privileges and blessings of the Gospel.
We are to understand this declaration in the same sense as the apostle in Romans 14:17 when he says, “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink,” and when Jesus says, “Behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luk_17:21).
By receiving the Gospel with cordiality and joy, we become interested in and identified with its blessings and privileges. Through this spiritual Kingdom, we receive both a title and meetness for God’s eternal Kingdom and glory.
His righteousness is inclusive of justifying righteousness, sanctifying righteousness, and practical righteousness. Justifying righteousness is found in Romans 1:17; 3:21, 5:17; and 1 Corinthians 1:30.
Sanctifying righteousness is found in Ephesians 4:2-3, 4, and 2 Corinthians 3:18. Practical righteousness, or obedience to the commandments of God, is found in Romans 6:13, Ephesians 5:9, and 1 John 2:29.
- What it Means to Seek First: To seek first implies a consciousness of our need for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Many people are unaware of this need, and they are indifferent to it. However, those who are awakened to the realities of religion are deeply impressed with the necessity of seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
To seek first also implies earnest application for them. We must apply to the right source, the throne of grace, and in a right way, by fervent and believing prayer (Heb_4:14). We must persevere until we obtain them, like the importunate widow and the woman of Canaan.
Finally, seeking first means giving precedence to religion in point of time and importance. Religion should be the foundation of the business of life, and it should have the precedence over everything. We only set out right in life when we do so upon this principle (2Ch_28:9; Ecc_12:1; Lam_3:27).
II. The Promise Annexed: All These Things Shall Be Added Unto You
The second part of the verse states, “and all these things shall be added unto you.” What are “all these things?” They refer to the material and temporal things that the people of Jesus’ time were worried about, such as food, clothing, and shelter.
But Jesus assures us that if we seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first, then we need not worry about these things because God will provide them for us.
This promise of provision should not be taken as an excuse for laziness or a lack of effort. It does not mean that we should sit back and do nothing, expecting God to magically provide everything we need.
- Rather, it means that we should prioritize our pursuit of the kingdom of God and trust in His provision for our material needs as we work diligently and responsibly.
Moreover, it is important to understand that the promise of provision is not unconditional. It is conditional upon our seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness first. If we prioritize our pursuit of material wealth and success over our pursuit of God, we cannot expect to receive the promise of provision.
Jesus makes this clear in Matthew 6:24 when He says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
In addition, the promise of provision is not a guarantee of prosperity. We must be careful not to equate material wealth and success with God’s favor or blessing.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 19:23-24, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Ultimately, the promise of provision is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and generosity towards His people. He knows our needs and He will provide for us as we seek first His kingdom and righteousness. As the psalmist writes in Psalm 37:25, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”
III. The Application of the Text
What are the practical implications of this text for our lives? How can we apply it to our daily walk with God? Here are a few suggestions:
- Prioritize your pursuit of God’s kingdom and righteousness. Make seeking God and His will the foundation of your life. Dedicate time each day to prayer, Bible study, and worship. Surround yourself with other believers who will encourage and support you in your spiritual journey.
- Trust in God’s provision. Do not worry about your material needs, but instead, trust in God’s faithfulness to provide for you as you seek first His kingdom and righteousness. Be diligent and responsible in your work, but do not place your trust in your job, your savings account, or your possessions.
- Beware of the dangers of materialism. It is easy to become consumed with the pursuit of material wealth and success, but these things can quickly become idols that distract us from our pursuit of God. Be content with what you have, and do not place your value or identity in your possessions or achievements.
- Seek God’s will in all areas of your life. The pursuit of God’s kingdom and righteousness is not limited to spiritual matters. It includes all areas of our lives, such as our relationships, our work, and our hobbies. Seek God’s will in these areas and ask Him to guide you in making decisions that honor Him.
- Be a faithful steward of what God has given you. As As you use your talents, time, and resources to further God’s kingdom, He promises to provide for your needs. Remember, God is not just interested in your spiritual well-being, but also your physical and material well-being.
Jesus said, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:31-33).
It’s important to note that God’s promise of provision is not a license for laziness or complacency. We are still called to work hard and be responsible with the resources we have been given.
However, as we trust in God and seek first His kingdom, we can have confidence that He will take care of our needs.
Final Words
So, as you strive to live a life pleasing to God, remember that He has promised to provide for you. Trust in Him, be a faithful steward, and seek first His kingdom, and all these things shall be added unto you.
Living a life that is pleasing to God is a journey that requires steadfast faith, unwavering commitment, and continuous growth. However, as you navigate this path, it is important to remember that God has promised to provide for you. This promise is not just limited to material possessions, but it also encompasses emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being.
