Upside Down Kingdom (Week 4)
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Introduction:
Attention:
You have an opportunity to meet a celebrity, but...
A close friend needs your help.
What do you pick?
Your decisions reveal your priorities
Upside Down Kingdom (conclusion)
Need:
Our world:
Fast-paced
Self-focused
Decisions and priorities - difficult
Keeping God first = Upside down
Keeping God first = essential for fulfilling and purposeful life
Body:
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Context: Anxiety
Everyday life
What to eat, wear, etc.
Seek = continuous (not specific)
Kingdom already present
Nothing to “find” but rather “keep”
Daily priorities
Looking for “every opportunity”
His rule in our....
lives
& world
Keeping your priorities straight
The Big Idea: Keep God first.
The Big Question: Why should we keep God first?
He is King
He is righteous
He is provider
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Explanation:
What is it that we are seeking?
God’s Kingdom.
His rule in...
Heaven
Earth
Our lives
His rule transcends earthly kingdoms; He reigns over all creation
Kingdom = He is King
Sovereignty, AKA “in control”
Seek the King
Upside down
We’re not in charge; He is!
Not seeking what we want; Seeking what He wants
“What would Jesus do?”
Or “What would Jesus want?”
Aligning our values with the King
Illustration:
Earthly king
What do the inhabitants do?
Whatever the King says
Us with our King
He is deity
He is the only deity
He created everything
He is still in charge
Application:
What are your priorities?
What priorities do your daily decisions reflect?
How do you spend your time each day?
Seek His will first
“Not my will, but Your will be done.”
The Big Question: Why should we keep God first?
He is King
He is righteous
He is provider
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Explanation:
God is righteous
He is right
He is perfect
He is faithful
He is good
Not just a king; A good king!
Not “becoming righteous” or “earning righteousness”
Righteousness is a gift from God
We, like Abraham, have been “made righteous” (Gen 15:6, Rom 4:2-25).
Don’t need to get it; we already have it
Not as a state of being; on a practical, daily level
“The disciple’s deepest wish and resolve must be to live in God’s way.”
Not “must” as a means of salvation; “must” as a result of salvation
The connection between His Kingdom and His righteousness
Doing good = ushering in His Kingdom
Illustration:
The Judge
Righteous = fairness and justice in all decisions
God’s righteousness = He always does what is right
Worth seeking after
Application:
Be honest
Be kind
Have integrity
“What do you do when no one is looking?”
Seek repentance daily
“God, reveal my sin to me...”
The Big Question: Why should we keep God first?
He is King
He is righteous
He is provider
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Explanation:
Reminder of context;
These things = daily needs
Clothes
Food
Also… spiritual needs
All these things does not equal “wants”
God is not our genie
Doesn’t always gives us the answer we want
But does give us what we need
“Go for God and his kingdom with all you have, and watch him take care of everything you need.” -Akin
Requires stewardship
Illustration:
Moving, switching jobs
Didn’t go a single pay period without getting paid
He provided for us
Application:
Express gratitude
Trust God no matter what
Steward resources well = honor God as provider
Time
Talent
Finances
Conclusion:
God is our righteous King who provides for us, so we should seek Him first.
Examine your priorities; commit to keep God first
Seek his Kingdom, live righteously, trust His provision
Prayer of commitment
PRAY